Sometimes a program window gets stuck off-screen or moves beyond the visible display area, and you can’t grab it by the title bar to reposition it. This issue is especially common when using multiple monitors, remote desktops, or after disconnecting an external display.
Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several methods to move windows even when you can’t access the title bar. In this step-by-step guide, I’m going to break down the reliable ways to bring the window back into view, along with valid reasons for each approach. Read on…
1. Use Alt + Space and Arrow Keys
This built-in shortcut opens the window’s control menu even when the title bar is inaccessible.
- To get going, select the application using Alt + Tab.
- After that, press Alt + Space to open the window menu.
- Then, you need to press M to choose the Move option.
- Now, you can use the arrow keys to reposition the window.
- Once the window begins moving, use your mouse or arrow keys to drag it fully into view.
- Finally, press Enter to finalize the new position and you are all set.
2. Use Taskbar + Shift + Right-Click
Well, this method works when the window is minimized or off-screen but still present in the taskbar.
- To do so, hold Shift, then right-click the app icon on the taskbar.
- Now, select Move from the context menu.
- Next, press any arrow key to attach the window to your cursor.
- Next up, use your mouse or keyboard arrows to reposition it onto the screen.
- Up next, press Enter to confirm the move.
3. Use Snap Layouts or Snap Assist
Snap features let you bring off-screen windows back by forcing them into a visible position.
- Hover your cursor over the Maximize button of the affected window (or press Windows + Z).
- Choose a layout to snap the window to a part of the screen.
- The window should reappear in the selected zone.
- Alternatively, drag a different window to a screen corner to trigger Snap Assist, which may offer the hidden window as a snap candidate.
4. Use Display Settings to Reconfigure Monitors
Sometimes windows are “stuck” on a non-existent or disconnected monitor.
- To get started, right-click on the desktop and choose Display settings.
- Click Identify to see your monitor numbers.
- If you see ghost displays, click them and choose Disconnect this display or rearrange the screens correctly.
- Click Apply, and all windows will snap to active monitors.
5. Use Task View to Move the Window
Task View in 24H2 allows you to switch between desktops and drag windows between them, helping reposition stuck windows.
- Just press Windows + Tab to open Task View and then locate the stuck window under the active desktop.
- Now, right-click the window and select Move to another desktop if needed, or try dragging it within the current one.
- Keep in mind that it may reset its screen position and bring it into view.
6. Cascade Windows from the Taskbar
This option forces all open windows to arrange neatly on-screen, solving off-screen issues instantly.
- First off, right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
- Now, select Cascade windows.
- All open windows, including those stuck off-screen, will be stacked and visible.
- Drag the desired window to a better location afterward.
Wrapping up…
And that’s about it! Being unable to click and move a window can be frustrating, especially when working with multiple displays or dealing with software glitches. Thankfully, Windows 11 offers built-in tools like keyboard shortcuts, taskbar options, and snap features to regain control.
Whether you’re using the Alt + Space method or rearranging display settings, each solution is designed to help you bring hidden windows back into view quickly. With these techniques, you can stay productive and avoid window placement issues in the future.
