Android 15’s first quarterly release introduces full support for windowed mode on desktops, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This long-awaited feature, announced two months ago, will also roll out to tablets with the Android 15 QPR1 release next week. While the initial version lacks some key features, like a minimize button, Google promises these will arrive in future updates. We’ll keep you updated as more refinements are released.
How Windowed Mode Works
Windowed mode enables users to run multiple apps in resizable, free-form windows, mimicking a standard desktop experience. The taskbar remains pinned at the bottom, displaying running apps and pinned shortcuts. Application windows include a title bar with basic controls such as a mode selector, a maximize button, and a close button.
Activating windowed mode is straightforward:
- Long-press the “pill” at the top of any full-screen app and drag it to open it as a window.
- Alternatively, use the top bar drop-down menu or the keyboard shortcut Command + Ctrl + Down.
Once windowed mode is active, subsequent apps will launch in the same mode. To exit, close all windows, drag a window’s “pill” to the top of the screen, or press Command + H.
Developer Features and Future Updates
Google’s blog post highlights a new “multi-instance property” for developers, allowing system UI to support apps running alongside multiple instances. This property promises greater flexibility for app interactions in windowed mode.
Although some functions are still missing, the addition of desktop windowed mode represents a significant step forward for Android’s multitasking capabilities, notes NIX Solutions. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available in upcoming releases.