Issue:
How to Change Your Main Display (Primary Monitor) in Windows 11
Description:
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to designate a different monitor as your "main display" in Windows 11. The main display is where your taskbar, system tray icons, notifications, and newly opened applications will appear by default.
Applies To:
Windows 11 operating system
Desktop and laptop computers with multiple monitors connected
Resolution Steps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Open Display Settings:
Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
From the context menu that appears, select "Display settings."
Alternatively, you can go to Start > Settings > System > Display.
Identify Your Displays:
In the "Display" settings window, you will see a graphical representation of your connected monitors, usually labeled with numbers (1, 2, etc.).
Click on each numbered box to highlight it and see which physical monitor it corresponds to. This helps you identify the monitor you want to set as your main display.
Select the Desired Main Display:
Click on the numbered box corresponding to the monitor you wish to make your primary display. This will select it and show its individual settings below.
Set as Main Display:
Scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section within the selected monitor's settings.
Locate the option "Make this my main display."
Check the box next to this option.
Confirm the Change:
Windows 11 will automatically apply the change. You will immediately notice the taskbar and desktop icons shift to the newly designated main display.
Newly opened applications will also default to appearing on this monitor.
Troubleshooting / Additional Information:
Arranging Displays: Above the "Make this my main display" option, you can click and drag the numbered monitor boxes to physically arrange them to match your desk setup. This helps Windows understand the relative positions of your monitors for seamless mouse movement between screens.
Resolution and Orientation: While in Display settings, you can also adjust the "Display resolution" and "Display orientation" (e.g., Landscape, Portrait) for each monitor individually.
Primary Display for Gaming: Many games will default to launching on your primary display. If you experience issues with games launching on the wrong monitor, ensuring your preferred gaming monitor is set as the main display can often resolve this.
Resolution Status: Resolved / Closed
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