try_or_bye

// troubleshooting guide · microsoft powertoys

PowerToys FancyZones Not Working

Status
Workaround available
platforms:
Windows 10, Windows 11
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
4
Method
how we research
Share

RUNBOOK · powertoys/fancyzones-not-working6 FIXES

// quick answer

If windows don't snap into zones, check that FancyZones is enabled and 'Hold Shift to activate zones' is set the way you expect, restart PowerToys as admin for elevated windows, and toggle FancyZones off and on after reboot or update.

Most likely fix: Toggle FancyZones off and on

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Toggle FancyZones off and on

    1. 01PowerToys Settings > FancyZones
    2. 02Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on
    Did this fix it?

  2. FIX 2Check the activation method

    1. 01FancyZones settings > Zone behaviour
    2. 02Confirm whether you need to hold Shift while dragging
    Did this fix it?

  3. FIX 3Run PowerToys as admin for elevated windows

    1. 01Settings > General > Restart as administrator
    2. 02Microsoft docs: elevated windows (e.g. Task Manager) won't snap otherwise
    Did this fix it?

  4. FIX 4Re-apply the layout per monitor

    1. 01Open the layout editor (Win+Shift+` by default)
    2. 02Select each monitor and apply the layout again
    Did this fix it?

  5. FIX 5Test without conflicting tools

    1. 01Disable Start11, other window managers or Snap features temporarily
    2. 02Re-test snapping
    Did this fix it?

  6. FIX 6Update PowerToys

    1. 01Install the latest release from GitHub, Microsoft Store or winget
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Dragging a window shows no zones, windows don't snap, layouts aren't remembered, or zones are offset on one monitor.

Why it happens

  • C-01FancyZones didn't start after boot (a known bug in older builds)
  • C-02The window being dragged runs as administrator
  • C-03Conflict with Windows Snap Layouts or tools like Start11 or Copilot
  • C-04Monitor/DPI change after layout was created
  • C-05Outdated PowerToys version

// this guide also covers

  • fancyzones not working
  • fancyzones not snapping
  • fancyzones not working windows 11
  • fancyzones layout not saving

Still not working?

If Microsoft PowerToys keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Microsoft PowerToys problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Have an app idea? Our small team builds any software: web and mobile apps, games, desktop, AI tools. Price agreed together.

Talk to us

Watch Microsoft PowerToys Get an email when its price changes, it has an outage, or we publish a new fix. No spam.

Fixed it? Share this guide

Other Microsoft PowerToys errors

All 10 Microsoft PowerToys errors and fixes →