How to Switch Between Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 on a Windows 10 Computer

Page Content

There's no denying that having dual monitors can boost productivity and allow you to display more information on-screen. Setting up multiple displays on a Windows PC isn't always as straightforward as it looks, and you might need to tweak things until everything is just right. Perhaps you want to set another monitor as the primary display or reposition one of them. Whatever your motivation, switching displays on a Windows 11/10 PC is a quick and easy operation. We'll show you how to switch between Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 on a Windows PC.

What is multiple monitor setup, and what are its benefits? Multiple monitors refer to using two or more displays simultaneously in a single computer system to show different or extended desktop spaces. This setup allows users to perform multiple tasks concurrently, enhancing productivity and efficiency. The benefits of multiple monitors include: 1. Increased productivity: You can have multiple applications or windows open at once, such as writing a document on one screen while researching or browsing the web on another. 2. Multitasking: For those juggling several tasks, multiple monitors reduce the time spent switching between windows, improving workflow continuity. 3. Enhanced gaming experience: Gamers benefit from a wider field of view, increased immersion, or the ability to chat or access guides while playing. 4. Professional applications: In fields like design, programming, or data analysis, multiple monitors facilitate working on complex projects in parallel, making it easier to compare and review extensive information. 5. Video editing and multimedia work: When editing videos or handling images, one screen can be used for previewing content, while another holds toolbars and timelines, boosting efficiency. 6. Meetings and remote work: During video conferences, you can display the meeting on one screen while taking notes or sharing content on another. In summary, a multiple monitor system provides users with a more flexible and spacious workspace, contributing to improved productivity and focus.

A multi-monitor setup involves connecting multiple screens to a single computer, providing users with an expanded workspace and increased control. This can be achieved by connecting the computer to various displays using HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI cables, or wirelessly through a wireless display adapter.

Multiple monitors provide more screen real estate. When you connect several monitors to one computer, you can move your mouse across them as if you have an oversized desktop, sliding applications from one display to another. Multiple monitors enable users to perform several tasks simultaneously, without frequently switching between windows. Gamers can utilize multiple displays for a wider field of view, enhancing their immersive gaming experience. Traders can take advantage of multiple monitors to have several charts, trading platforms, and other tools open at once, boosting productivity.

You may also be interested in:

Why would you want to switch display positions in Windows?

Not everyone has the space for two monitors, and Windows may not immediately recognize the layout of your setup. For example, you might have a secondary monitor to the right, but Windows might identify it as being on the left. Swapping monitors allows users more control over their workspace and can help reduce glare, improve your viewing angle, and prevent eye strain.

If you frequently work on multiple projects or need to have several software components open at once, you might benefit from using a larger monitor as your primary display, since it will allow you to see more at a glance.

It's also crucial to consider the resolution and refresh rate of each monitor. If one of your displays has a higher resolution or refresh rate, it might be beneficial to set it as the primary for visual quality. Ultimately, your specific needs and usage patterns will dictate which monitor should be primary and which should be secondary. You can experiment with different setups to find what works best for you.

Prerequisites

Everything you need to know about dual monitors and switching their positions follows:

• Two monitors: You'll need at least two display devices to switch between, which can be two monitors or a laptop screen and an external monitor.
• HDMI/VGA/DisplayPort cable: You'll need the appropriate cable to connect your second monitor. Buy one that's compatible with your monitor.
• A compatible graphics card: Make sure your graphics card supports this setup to ensure it works; otherwise, you may need to look into a graphics card upgrade.
• Drivers: While Windows usually handles this automatically, you may need to manually install the driver for your second monitor on a Windows computer in rare cases.
• Admin access: You'll need to sign in with an administrator account to change your computer's settings.

How do I switch between Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 on Windows 10?

Switching between displays is possible on Windows only when the projection settings are set to "PC screen only," "Second screen only," or "Extend." Here's how you can switch between primary and secondary screens on Windows: 1. First, press the `Win + P` keys on your keyboard. This will open the Projection mode selection menu. 2. From the options that appear, use the arrow keys or click directly to choose one of the following modes: - **PC screen only**: This will display all windows and content only on the main screen. - **Duplicate**: This option mirrors the same content on all connected displays. - **Extend**: This mode extends your desktop across both monitors, allowing you to move windows between them. - **Second screen only**: This will move the contents of the main screen to the secondary monitor, leaving the main screen black. 3. After selecting the "Extend" mode, you can drag windows with your mouse between monitors to switch their positions. 4. If you want to permanently change the primary screen, right-click the taskbar, and select "Display settings." On the settings page, find the "Multiple displays" section, then under the "Select which display is primary" dropdown, choose the monitor you want to set as the primary. Once you've completed these steps, you should be able to successfully switch between the primary and secondary screens in Windows.

Step 1: First, locate the "Settings" app on your Windows 11 computer. You can usually find it by clicking the Start button, searching for "Settings," or pressing the Win + I keys on your keyboard.

Step 2: After opening Settings, navigate to System > Display to see a list of all monitors connected to your computer. By default, the primary monitor is labeled 1, and the secondary monitor is labeled 2.

Step 3: If you're not sure which monitor is #1 and which is #2, use the "Identify" button on this page to find out. This will put a big number on the screen of each monitor, making it easier to tell them apart.

Step 4: To rearrange displays, click the number of the display you want to move, and then click and drag the display's icon to where you want it. For example, to make Display 1 the primary display, drag it to the left of Display 2.

Step 5: After going through these steps, click the “Apply” button to save your changes, and you're done.

You can also switch between primary and secondary displays by selecting the display you want to make primary, clicking the “Multiple Displays” section to expand the available options, then choosing “Make this my main display.”

It's important to note that these instructions only apply to computers with two monitors. If you have more than two, you can still switch between them using the above steps; just make sure you correctly identify which monitor you want to switch to.

Conclusions

Swapping displays on a Windows 10 computer is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with a few simple steps. This article provides all the necessary details, enabling both professionals and home users to customize their display settings according to their preferences.

By using the Display settings, you can easily switch between your primary and secondary monitor. First, identify which is your monitor, then drag the monitor's position around the screen, and finally, click “Apply.” A dual monitor setup can improve your productivity, enhance your gaming experience, customize your workspace, and allow for more efficient multitasking.