Split-screen on the Samsung S36CG works through either Windows built-in tools or the monitor's Picture-by-Picture mode, depending on whether you want to run two programs side by side or display two separate video inputs at once

The Samsung S36CG is a 36-inch ultrawide curved monitor, which means it has enough horizontal space to comfortably show two windows at the same time. You have two main paths: use your operating system's native split-screen feature (fastest and simplest for most people), or use the monitor's hardware Picture-by-Picture mode (useful if you're connecting two different devices to the same monitor).

The method you choose depends on what you're trying to do. If you want to run Outlook on one side and a web browser on the other from the same computer, use Windows split-screen. If you want to display a laptop on the left half and a gaming console on the right half simultaneously, use Picture-by-Picture mode instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have built-in split-screen: drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen and it snaps to half the display automatically.
  • The Samsung S36CG's Picture-by-Picture mode lets you connect two devices (like a PC and a console) and display them side by side on the same monitor.
  • Picture-by-Picture mode is accessed through the monitor's on-screen menu using the physical buttons on the back or side of the monitor.
  • You will need two video cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C) connected to the monitor at the same time to use Picture-by-Picture mode.

Using Windows Split-Screen on Your S36CG

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both include a snap feature that divides your screen into sections. Open the first program you want to use, then hold the Windows key and press the left arrow key. The window snaps to the left half of your screen. Open your second program and press Windows key plus right arrow — it fills the right half.

You can also drag windows manually. Click and hold the title bar of any open window, then drag it all the way to the left edge of the screen until you see a preview showing it will snap to half the display. Release the mouse. Repeat with a second window on the right side.

On the S36CG's ultrawide display, you have more flexibility than a standard monitor. You can snap two windows to the left and right halves, or you can manually resize windows to create a three-column layout if you prefer. straightforward drag the edge between two windows to adjust how much space each one takes up.

Enabling Picture-by-Picture Mode on the Monitor Itself

Picture-by-Picture mode displays input from two different devices on the same screen at the same time. This is different from Windows split-screen — it requires two separate video cables plugged into the monitor, each connected to a different computer or device.

To turn on Picture-by-Picture mode, locate the physical control buttons on the back or underside of the S36CG (Samsung places these on the bottom rear of the monitor). Press the menu button to open the on-screen display. Navigate to Picture-by-Picture or PBP using the arrow buttons, then select On. The monitor will split into two sections, each showing a different input.

Once Picture-by-Picture is active, you can adjust the size of each section. Return to the menu and look for PBP Size or Window Size. You can usually choose 50/50 (equal halves), or ratios like 70/30 if you want one input larger than the other. Some Samsung models also let you swap which input appears on which side — look for PBP Position or Swap in the menu.

Connecting Two Devices for Picture-by-Picture

Before you enable Picture-by-Picture mode, both devices must be physically connected to the monitor. The S36CG has multiple input ports on the back: typically two HDMI ports, one or two DisplayPort connections, and possibly a USB-C port depending on your model year.

Connect your first device (for example, a desktop PC) to one HDMI or DisplayPort. Connect your second device (a laptop, console, or media player) to a different port. Power on both devices. The monitor will detect both inputs. When you enable Picture-by-Picture mode in the menu, it will display both feeds simultaneously.

If one device is not showing up, check that the cable is fully seated in the port and that the device itself is powered on and set to output video. Some devices default to a specific resolution or refresh rate — if the picture looks wrong, check the display settings on that device to confirm it is outputting a signal the monitor can receive.

Adjusting Layout and Audio When Using Picture-by-Picture

Once both inputs are visible, you can fine-tune how they appear. In the monitor menu, you can change the split from vertical (left and right) to horizontal (top and bottom) on some Samsung models — look for PBP Layout or Display Mode. You can also adjust brightness and contrast for each input separately if one appears dimmer than the other.

Audio routing works differently depending on your setup. If both devices have their own speakers or headphones, each will play its own audio independently. If you want to hear audio from only one device through the monitor's built-in speakers, check the monitor menu for Audio Input or Sound settings. You may need to select which input the monitor should listen to.

Switching Between Inputs and Exiting Picture-by-Picture

When Picture-by-Picture is on, you can switch which input is active (receives keyboard and mouse focus) by pressing the monitor's menu button and selecting Main Picture or Active Input, then choosing which side you want to control. Some Samsung monitors also let you press a dedicated input button to cycle through active inputs.

To return to full-screen single-input mode, open the monitor menu again, navigate to Picture-by-Picture, and select Off. The monitor will return to showing only the input you were last viewing in full screen.

Troubleshooting Common Split-Screen Issues

If Windows split-screen is not working, make sure you are using Windows 10 or later. Older versions of Windows do not have the snap feature. Also check that your graphics driver is up to date — visit the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel depending on your graphics card) and read the latest driver for your system.

If Picture-by-Picture mode is not showing both inputs, verify that both cables are connected and both devices are powered on and outputting video. Try swapping which device is plugged into which port — sometimes a port may be inactive or set to a different resolution. If one input still does not appear, try a different cable to rule out a bad connection.

If the split-screen image looks stretched or distorted, check the resolution settings on each device. The S36CG's native resolution is 3440 × 1440 pixels. When Picture-by-Picture is active, each half runs at 1720 × 1440, so some devices may need to be set to a compatible resolution for the image to display correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split-screen and Picture-by-Picture at the same time?

No. Picture-by-Picture is a monitor hardware feature that displays two separate video inputs. Windows split-screen divides one input into two windows. You can use one or the other, but not both simultaneously on the S36CG.

Do I need special cables for Picture-by-Picture mode?

No, but you do need two cables. Use any combination of HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C that your monitor and devices support. Make sure both cables are plugged into different ports on the monitor — plugging both devices into the same port will not work.

Will split-screen reduce my monitor's refresh rate?

No. Windows split-screen does not affect refresh rate. Picture-by-Picture mode may reduce refresh rate on one or both inputs depending on your monitor model and the resolution each device is using — check your monitor's manual for specifics.

What if my monitor does not have a menu button?

The S36CG has physical buttons on the back or bottom of the monitor. If you cannot locate them, consult your monitor's manual or look for a small joystick or button cluster near the power cable connection. Some Samsung monitors use a single joystick that you push in different directions to navigate the menu.

Can I use Picture-by-Picture with a single device?

No. Picture-by-Picture requires two separate video inputs from two different devices. If you want to split one computer's display, use Windows split-screen instead.