Multitasking and getting greater results can be greatly improved by running several apps on various monitors. However, many people who utilize a dual-monitor system find it difficult to open a program on a certain monitor.
Short Answer: To open a program on a different screen, start it on the main screen and drag it to the other screen. The window will be cut in half when you press the “Restore Down” icon. When you’re done, don’t maximize the window before closing the program.
We’ve made a full guide with quick and easy steps on how to make a program open on a certain monitor to make the job easier. We will also go into depth about how to fix problems with setting up multiple monitors.
How to Make a Program Open on a Certain Monitor
If you’re having trouble with your multi-monitor setup in Windows 11/10, you may prevent apps from launching on the wrong screen by using one of these methods:
Method 1: Move the Program to the Desired Monitor
For a program to start on a certain screen, it’s easiest to move it to that screen and use it there. When you close or kill the task, if you double-click the shortcut, it will generally open again on that screen. This is how the process works:
- Open any program.
- Use your mouse to move it to the monitor you want.
- Close it.
Read Also: Which Monitor Should I Get for GTX 1660 Ti?
Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts is another way to make a program start on a certain screen. How to do it:
- Open your program.
- Move it to the monitor on which you would like it to open by default.
- Hit the Windows key + Shift + Enter.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software
You can use third-party software like DisplayFusion or UltraMon to get more control over which apps run on which screens. With these programs, you can tell them which programs should run on which screens.
Method 4: Use Windows Settings
Settings in Windows 10 let you pick which monitor is your main display and which is your backup display. How to do it:
- Simply right-click on your screen and choose “Display settings.”
- Find “Advanced display settings” and click on it.
- For Display 1, or the screen you want to use as your main screen, click on Display adapter settings.
- Click on the Monitor tab.
- It’s recommended to check the box next to Use this device as the main window.
- Click Apply.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Apps
A number of third-party apps are available that can help you keep track of your multiple monitors. Actual Multiple Monitors, MultiMonitorTool, and Dual Monitor Tools are a few of these apps.
Video Guide:
Doesn’t Windows Have the Tools?
Windows doesn’t have the built-in ability to make apps only run on certain screens, which is a shame. That’s why there are third-party apps like TVGameLauncher. The way listed above can be used, but it doesn’t really force anything.
We can only use what’s already out there until Microsoft comes up with a proper way to lock one app to a certain monitor. Windows might put out an update for that if enough people ask for it.
Read More: Troubleshooting No DP Signal on Dell Monitor
Frequently Asked Question
How can I make a program start on the main screen?
There are three built-in ways in Windows 11/10 to make a program start on the main screen. You can drag applications to the preferred display and minimize them there. Windows 11/10 will sometimes open the window you just closed. To fix this, you can use the adjust method we talked about above. Third, you can change how the main screen looks to suit your needs.
How do I make an app run on a certain screen all the time?
As of right now, Windows 11/10 doesn’t have that feature. But there is third-party software, like DisplayFusion, that can help you in different cases when you have more than one monitor set up. With these kinds of tools, you can open an app on any device, not just one.
How do I change screens while I’m playing games?
To quickly switch to a different window while playing a video game in full-screen mode, press “Alt + Tab.” You can do this to answer a friend’s private message or pick up the phone. You can use this option on more than one screen at the same time.
You have to put the browser or app on the other screen before you want to switch screens. Unless the game’s settings are different, you can then keep the game in full-screen mode on your main screen.
Is it always better to have two screens?
Yes, there are times when having two screens is better than having one running apps. When you use two screens for different parts of your work, you can get a lot more done in less time. Also, your second screen doesn’t take up much room on your desk.
It’s possible for some users’ computers to not be able to handle two screens at the same time. However, many modern computers can run several apps at once on two screens without any problems.
Why do you need more than one screen?
Setting up a multi-monitor workstation or game rig is mostly done so that you can do more than one thing at once. You don’t have to use the mouse or keyboard tools to move from one window to another because everything you need is already shown to you.
Another popular setup is to use one monitor for research and the main screen for writing documents or entering code. You don’t need to press “Alt + Tab” all the time because the information is already on the screen.
According to one study, using more than one computer can only make people 42% more productive. The report was written for professionals, but gamers can also use this setting to their advantage. Getting another computer is worth the money because it will help you get more done.
Conclusion
We talked about how to start a program on a certain monitor in this guide. Additionally, we have talked about several ways to fix problems with your computer monitor’s display.
Congratulations, your question has been solved. Now you don’t have to move your apps around every time you turn on your PC.
