How To Change Game To Different Monitor

How to Change Game to Different Monitor

Ever wanted to play your favorite game on that big, awesome monitor you just got? Or maybe you have two monitors and want to switch your game from one to the other? It’s a common situation for gamers, and thankfully, it’s usually pretty easy to do. This article will guide you through all the different ways you can move your games to a different screen, whether you’re using a PC, laptop, or even a game console.

Understanding Multiple Monitor Setups

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly talk about how computers see multiple monitors. When you connect two or more screens to your computer, it treats them as one big desktop. This means you can move your mouse cursor from one screen to another. Your main monitor is the screen where your icons, taskbar, and the start button usually show up. The other screens are considered secondary or extended displays. Knowing this is helpful when we start moving our games around.

Using In-Game Settings

The easiest way to move a game to a different monitor is usually through the game’s own settings menu. Most games give you options to choose which monitor to use. Here’s how it typically works:

Finding the Display Options

First, open your game. Then, look for an options menu. It’s usually labeled “Settings,” “Options,” or something similar. It might be found in the main menu or in the pause menu once you are playing. Once you’re in the options, look for a section about “Display,” “Graphics,” or “Video”. This is where you’ll find the settings related to your monitors.

Choosing the Right Monitor

In the display options, there should be a drop-down menu or a list of monitors. You will see names like “Monitor 1,” “Monitor 2,” or perhaps the names of your actual monitors if you’ve named them. Sometimes, the primary monitor is identified with the text “Primary Display”. Choose the monitor you want your game to be on. Apply the settings, which may involve pressing an “Apply,” “Save”, or “OK” button. Sometimes, you may need to restart the game for the changes to take effect.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you:

• Open the Game.
• Find the Settings menu.
• Go to Display or Graphics options.
• Select the correct monitor from the list.
• Apply or Save the changes.
• Restart the game if necessary.

Changing Monitor Through Windows Settings

If the game doesn’t let you choose the monitor directly, you can use your computer’s display settings to do the trick. This works by setting one of your secondary monitors as the “Main Display”. Let’s break it down.

Accessing Display Settings

For Windows users, right-click on an empty part of your desktop. You will see a menu. Click on “Display Settings”. This will bring up the display settings page. Alternatively, you can search “display settings” in the Windows search bar and select it.

Identifying your Monitors

In the display settings, you will see boxes representing each of your monitors, numbered as 1, 2, etc. If you click on a box, it will show you which monitor it represents. You can use the “Identify” button to show the number on the screen to help you make sure you selected the correct monitor. This is helpful if you are unsure which monitor is physically connected to each number on screen.

Setting a Monitor as the Main Display

Select the box representing the monitor you want the game on. Then, scroll down the page and look for a checkbox or drop-down menu that says “Make this my main display” or something very close to it. Select this checkbox or item in the drop-down menu. Now, all new programs, including your games, will start on this monitor. Click “Apply” to save your changes.

Quick Tip: Your main display is the monitor where your desktop icons and taskbar appear.

Understanding Display Modes

While you are in the Windows Display settings, let’s understand the options for multi-monitor setups, you will see few different options in the “Multiple displays” section:

• Duplicate these displays: This option mirrors one of your monitors on all the other screens. Useful for presentations.
• Extend these displays: This option makes each monitor an extension of your main desktop. This is very useful for having your game on one monitor and other applications on the other.
• Show only on 1/2: Here you get to chose which monitor should be active, for example “Show only on 1”. This option deactivates all other monitors.

For gaming, the best option is often “Extend these displays,” as it allows you to move your game from one screen to another.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Sometimes, games will get stuck on the wrong monitor, or you just want to quickly move the game around. Keyboard shortcuts can be very handy for this. While the exact key combinations may vary a bit depending on the game or your system, here are some of the most common keyboard shortcuts:

Windows Key + Shift + Arrow Keys

This is a magic shortcut for moving windows between monitors. Make sure your game is running in windowed or borderless window mode. Then, click on the game window, and press Windows Key + Shift + Left Arrow or Windows Key + Shift + Right Arrow. This combination moves the game between your monitors very quickly. This is very helpful when you want to quickly move applications between screens.

Alt + Enter

This shortcut toggles between fullscreen and windowed mode. If a game is stuck on the wrong screen, press Alt + Enter to make it windowed. Now, you can use the Windows Key + Shift + Arrow Keys shortcut to move the game. Once it’s on the correct monitor, press Alt + Enter again to go back to fullscreen if you prefer.

Other Game-Specific Shortcuts

Some games have their own special shortcuts for changing display or moving screens. You might need to check the game manual or options for these types of settings. They are rare, but it’s worth exploring if you are experiencing problems with specific games.

Important Note: The shortcuts might not work if the game is running in exclusive fullscreen mode. Try borderless windowed mode for better control.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes things don’t work as smoothly as we would like. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:

Game Won’t Move to the Other Monitor

If you set a new main display in the Windows settings, but your game is still starting on the wrong monitor, try this:

• Restart the Game: Sometimes, games need to be restarted to recognize the new display settings.
• Check Fullscreen Settings: If the game is running in exclusive fullscreen mode, it might ignore the Windows display settings. Switch to windowed or borderless windowed mode in the game’s settings and try again.
• Update Display Drivers: Outdated display drivers can also cause issues. Update them from your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
• Restart Computer: As a last resort, restart your computer. Sometimes, this simple trick can resolve minor software glitches.

Game is Running in the Wrong Resolution

If the game appears too big or too small on the new monitor, it might be using the wrong resolution. Check the game’s display settings and set the resolution that matches your monitor’s native resolution. Usually you can see what resolution your monitor supports in display settings. The game will try to automatically set the correct resolution, but sometimes it doesn’t.

Also, make sure that Windows display settings are set to use the native resolution of the monitor.

Mouse Cursor Problems

Sometimes, the mouse cursor might get “stuck” on one monitor when your game is on another. Here are a few fixes:

• Check Game Settings: Some games have settings for mouse confinement. If it’s enabled, it could cause the cursor to stay on one screen.
• Use Windows Settings: Some programs, like Windows utilities, are able to “capture” the mouse cursor. This is very helpful when you are using programs that require to control the mouse precisely.
• Update Mouse Drivers: Like with display drivers, an out-of-date mouse driver could cause problems. Make sure your mouse drivers are up to date.

Changing Game Display on Game Consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

Moving games between monitors on consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S works a bit differently. These consoles usually recognize the monitor or TV when you plug it in and set the resolution automatically. However, you can still adjust settings if needed.

Automatic Detection and Resolution

Most of the time, when you connect a console to a different monitor, it should recognize and adjust the resolution automatically. Usually, you don’t need to do anything else, but it is good to check the display options in case you have problems.

Accessing Console Display Settings

On both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, you’ll find display settings in the “Settings” menu. Look for options related to “Screen and Video” or “Display and Sound”. Here you can set the resolution, refresh rate, and video output options.

Switching Monitors

If you have multiple monitors plugged into your console, the console will usually display on the one that’s set as the primary display. To move the game to another monitor, turn off the current one, or simply disconnect it. The console should automatically switch to the remaining active monitor. You may have to restart your console to make sure the display options are updated properly.

Console Resolution Problems

If you see that the game’s resolution on the new screen is wrong, go into the display options in the consoles settings and set the resolution manually. You have to make sure the resolution of your new monitor is compatible with your console’s capabilities. You can see in the monitor’s manual or on the manufacturer website what is the recommended resolution. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are very powerful and modern consoles, so they will support most types of modern monitors.

Using Third-Party Tools

While not usually necessary, some third-party tools can provide additional control over monitor settings. These are not always needed, but they can be helpful in very specific situations. If you are experiencing very specific problems with specific games or software, this method can be helpful. One such tool is DisplayFusion, which can help to manage multiple monitors, but also can move applications between monitors using its shortcut system. It is not free, so if you want to use, you need to pay a small fee for the software.

Remember, most of the time, the methods we discussed above should be enough to switch your game to the right monitor. However, if you are struggling to change the display, it is good to know that there are always other options available.

Switching your game to a different monitor doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether using in-game settings, Windows display settings, or keyboard shortcuts, you have several ways to get your game onto the screen you want. With a little patience and these tips, you can easily move your game whenever you want.