Cascading windows in Windows 11 is a handy way to keep your desktop organized, especially when you have multiple applications open. Although Windows 11 doesn’t have this feature built-in like its predecessor, you can still achieve the cascading effect by using a third-party tool called ExplorerPatcher. By installing this tool, you can quickly access the option to cascade your windows by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Cascade windows.” This guide will walk you through the entire process so you can tidy up your workspace in no time.
After you cascade your windows, you’ll see all your open applications neatly stacked with their title bars visible. This makes it easier to switch between tasks without getting lost in a sea of open windows. If you decide you want to revert back to your original window setup, you can easily undo the cascading with just a few clicks.
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How to Cascade Windows in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll break down the steps needed to cascade windows in Windows 11 using ExplorerPatcher. By the end of these steps, you’ll have a clean, organized desktop where you can see and access all your open windows easily.
Step 1: Download ExplorerPatcher
First, you’ll need to download a tool called ExplorerPatcher. This free, open-source software brings back some of the classic Windows features that aren’t included in Windows 11, including the ability to cascade windows.
To get started, visit the ExplorerPatcher GitHub page and download the latest version. The file should be a small, quick download.
Step 2: Install ExplorerPatcher
Once you’ve downloaded ExplorerPatcher, locate the setup file (typically named ep_setup.exe) and run it to install the tool on your system.
The installation is straightforward. Follow the on-screen instructions, and within a few minutes, ExplorerPatcher will be installed and ready to use on your PC.
Step 3: Right-Click on the Taskbar
After installing ExplorerPatcher, right-click on the taskbar to bring up a menu with additional options, including the ability to cascade your open windows.
With ExplorerPatcher installed, you’ll notice that the right-click menu on the taskbar has more options than it did before, making it easy to access the features you need.
Step 4: Select “Cascade Windows”
From the right-click menu, choose the option “Cascade windows” to immediately arrange all your open applications in a cascading order.
This will stack your open windows with their title bars visible, allowing you to quickly switch between tasks without losing track of anything. It’s a great way to maintain a clean and organized desktop.
Step 5: Explore Additional Window Management Options
In addition to cascading windows, ExplorerPatcher also offers other options like “Stack” and “Side by Side.” These can be accessed from the same right-click menu on the taskbar.
These additional options provide different ways to arrange your open windows, giving you flexibility depending on your current needs. Whether you want to compare information side by side or stack windows behind each other, you have the tools to do so.
Tips for Cascading Windows in Windows 11
Here are some helpful tips to make the most out of cascading windows in Windows 11:
- Use ExplorerPatcher Safely: Always download ExplorerPatcher from the official GitHub page to avoid any potential security risks.
- Customize Your Setup: Take the time to explore the other features that ExplorerPatcher offers to enhance your overall Windows 11 experience.
- Combine Cascading with Snap Layouts: Use cascading windows alongside Windows 11’s Snap Layouts for even greater control over your workspace.
- Revert Easily: If you don’t like the cascading setup, remember that you can easily undo it by minimizing and restoring your windows.
- Check for Updates: Keep ExplorerPatcher updated to ensure it continues working smoothly with Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cascade windows in Windows 11 without third-party software?
No, Windows 11 does not have the cascading windows feature built-in. You’ll need to use a third-party tool like ExplorerPatcher to enable this feature.
Is ExplorerPatcher safe to use?
Yes, ExplorerPatcher is considered safe as long as you download it from the official GitHub page. Always be cautious when downloading software from the internet.
How do I undo a cascade?
To undo the cascading of windows, you can simply minimize all windows and then restore them individually, or you can use the undo option in the window menu.
Will cascading windows slow down my computer?
Cascading windows itself doesn’t require a lot of system resources, so it should not noticeably slow down your computer. However, running multiple applications simultaneously can affect performance depending on your system’s specifications.
Can I cascade only specific windows?
No, the cascade function applies to all open windows. There isn’t a built-in option to cascade only selected windows, though you could manually arrange them if needed.
Conclusion
Cascading windows in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to keep your desktop organized, especially when you’re dealing with multiple open applications. While this feature isn’t available out of the box in Windows 11, using a tool like ExplorerPatcher makes it easy to bring back this classic functionality.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly download and install ExplorerPatcher, enabling you to cascade windows and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient workspace. Whether you’re a long-time Windows user missing the old features or a new user looking to streamline your workflow, cascading windows is a great tool to add to your arsenal.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to explore other ways to customize and optimize your Windows 11 experience. There are countless tools and features available to help you get the most out of your system, and mastering them can significantly improve your productivity and ease of use.
Matthew Burleigh
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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