Dealing with multiple monitors can turn into a real headache if programs keep opening on the wrong screen. Sometimes, Windows sorts it out after a restart, but other times, you gotta give it a little extra nudge. Luckily, there’s a relatively simple way to train Windows to remember where you like your apps to open. It’s all about positioning, closing properly, and maybe playing around with a few settings. If the usual steps don’t do the trick, don’t worry—there are some tricks that might just do the job.
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Make a Program Open on a Specific Monitor in Windows 10
This process is meant to help make your workflow smoother if you’re tired of dragging windows every time. The goal is to set a program to always pop up on one particular monitor. It’s not foolproof, but on some setups, it does the trick after a few tries.
Open the Program and Get It on the Correct Monitor
- First, launch the app you want to pin down to a specific screen.
- Make sure the window isn’t maximized or minimized—just drag it around to where you want it.
Pro tip: Sometimes, Windows resets window positions unexpectedly, especially after updates or sleep mode, so it’s worth doing this once the app is fully loaded and stable.
Drag & Position, Then Close on the Desired Monitor
- Click and drag the window to your preferred monitor—make sure it’s fully inside that screen. No half-ways!
- Resize it a bit if needed, so you’re happy with how it looks.
- Now, close the program while it’s still on that monitor. This little move is supposed to “tell” Windows where you want it.
On some setups, the window position isn’t remembered right away. If it opens somewhere else next time, just repeat the process. Sometimes, Windows needs a little extra coaxing to remember window locations.
Reopen and Check if it Works
- Open the app again—you want it to appear on that monitor, right?
- If it still pops up somewhere else, give it a few more tries or make sure your display configuration hasn’t changed.
This isn’t foolproof, especially if Windows keeps resetting window positions after updates or certain graphics settings, but it’s a solid start. If it’s stubborn, moving to some third-party tools might be necessary.
Tips for Making a Program Open on a Specific Monitor in Windows 10
- Keyboard shortcuts: Use Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow to quickly move a window between monitors without dragging. This can help if Windows forgets the position.
- Set your primary monitor: Head to Settings > System > Display, select your main display, then click “Make this my main display.” This usually helps programs open on the main monitor first.
- Driver updates: Check your graphics driver via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website. Outdated drivers can mess with monitor positioning.
- Third-party tools: If you’re really serious, programs like Winhance or DisplayFusion can give you more control and fix stubborn window placement issues.
- Taskbar settings: Configure your taskbar to show on only one monitor or all of them, which can help keep things organized when launching apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set a primary monitor in Windows 10?
Go to Settings > System > Display. Click on the monitor you want as primary, then hit Make this my main display.
Can I have different wallpapers on each monitor?
Sure, right-click the desktop, pick Personalize, and set different backgrounds for each monitor under the Background section.
Why does my program keep opening on the wrong monitor?
This usually happens if Windows isn’t correctly saving the window position, or display setup changed. Try closing the app on the monitor you want it on and see if it remembers next time. Sometimes a restart or redoing the drag-and-close trick helps.
Is there a way to save multiple window layouts?
Yes, tools like Winhance or AquaSnap let you save and restore window setups. Might be worth it if you switch between setups often.
Can programs open on all monitors at once?
Usually, programs just open on a single monitor, unless they support multi-window modes or you use spanning tools. If you want one app across all screens, it’s a different setup entirely.
Summary of Steps
- Open the app and move it to the monitor you want.
- Resize if needed, then close it on that monitor.
- Reopen the app—fingers crossed, it lands where you want next time.
- If it doesn’t work right away, repeat a few times or try using Windows + Shift + Arrow.
Wrap-up
Honestly, it feels a bit clunky sometimes, but once the window “remembers” where to go, it’s a game changer. Playing around with these steps can save a lot of dragging and shuffling each day. If Windows just refuses to learn, those third-party apps might be your best bet — they usually give better control. It’s not 100% perfect, but it’s better than chasing windows around all day.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Just takes a little patience and some trial-and-error. Happy multi-monitoring!