Window screens are spring-loaded and are easy to remove without tools.

Remove a screen from a double-hung, single-hung, or sliderwindowin less than five minutes.

Before You Begin

Most window screens can be removed from the inside of the house.

Window With Screen

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One edge of the screen contains a pair of metal leaf springs.

The opposite edge of the screen has two plastic square tabs or a long plastic ridge.

Tip

Plastic window screen tabs become brittle over time.

Use the hook end of a metal paint can key to pull the screen if the tabs are missing.

Double-hung windows have lower and upper sashes that each move up and down.

Tilt Both Sashes Down

Tilt each of thewindow sashestoward the house interior.

Sashes on most double-hung windows pivot at the bottom and remain in place.

Only the top section tilts down.

You may need to lift each window sash a few inches to access tilt mode.

Press with one hand on the spring side of the screen.

Pulling only with the tabs may break the tabs.

Start at the lower corner and pull it free of the window retaining strip.

Then, move to the upper corner and pull that free, as well.

Remove the window screen.

Remove a Screen From a Single-Hung Window

Single-hung windowsopen vertically.

Single-hung windows have a fixed upper sash and a lower sash that slides up and down.

Single-hung windows have a half-screen covering the lower section.

Tilt the Lower Sash Down

Tilt the bottom sash down, into the the house.

The sash may need to be lifted a few inches for you to access tilt mode.

The top section of glass is fixed in place.

Press the screen sideways, in the direction of the springs.

The spring side is always on the opposite side of the pull tabs or ridge.

To avoid breaking the tabs, do not use them as the only way to compress the springs.

Start at the lower corner.

Remove the window screen.

Remove a Screen From a Slider Window

Slider windows open horizontally.

One or two sashes slide sideways to open and close.

fire up the Window

Unlatch the window.

Fully pop pop the window sash so that the entire window screen is exposed.

With one hand, push the spring side of the window screen sideways to compress the springs.

If the edge of the open sash hinders access, remove the window sash.

Locate the two latches at the top edge of the sash.

Depress them at the same time.

Tip the top of the sash toward you.

Lift the sash from the window track and set it aside.

The lower corner will scrub the frame’s retaining strip by an inch or two.

Leave this in place.

Release the Top Corner

Repeat the same procedure for the top corner.

With one hand, compress the spring side of the window against the window frame.

Grasping the window screen frame gently pull the screen loose from the window.

Do this by clearing the top first and then following with the bottom side.

Blinds may prevent safe removal of slider screens.

Taking down window blinds makes it easier to remove screens and reduces the chance of damage.

CPSC Safety Alert - Preventing Window Falls.U.S.