Moving Fullscreen Games to a Second Monitor in Windows 11/10

Playing games on multiple monitors can enhance the gaming experience by providing a wider field of view and allowing for more efficient multitasking. However, moving a fullscreen game from one monitor to another can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the process. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to move a fullscreen game to a second monitor in Windows 11/10 using two different methods: dragging the game window and using the Windows Settings panel.

Method 1: Dragging the Game Window

1. Enable Windowed Mode

   • Press Alt+Enter while in fullscreen mode to switch to windowed mode.
   • If the game does not support this shortcut, proceed to Method 2.

2. Drag and Drop

   • Click and hold the game window’s title bar.
   • Drag the window to the desired monitor.
   • Release the mouse button to drop the window onto the new monitor.

3. Adjust Display Settings

   • If the monitors have different resolutions or refresh rates, adjust the display settings to ensure optimal performance.
   • Right-click on the desktop and select “Display Settings.”
   • Configure the display settings for each monitor as needed.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings Panel

1. Minimize Game

   • Press Win+M or use the game’s shortcut to minimize the fullscreen game.

2. Open Windows Settings

   • Press Win+I to open the Windows Settings app.

3. Navigate to Display Settings

   • For Windows 11:
     • Click on “System” and then select “Display.”
   • For Windows 10:
     • Click on “System” and then select “Display.”

4. Select Target Monitor

   • Click on the “Multiple displays” drop-down list.
   • Select “Show only on 1” or “Show only on 2” to move the game to the desired monitor.

5. Confirm Changes

   • Click on the “Keep changes” button to apply the new display settings.

6. Reopen Game

   • Open the game again.
   • The game window should now appear on the selected monitor.

7. Revert to Extended Display

   • After finishing the gaming session, return to the Windows Settings panel.
   • Select “Extend these displays” under “Multiple displays” to restore the original display configuration.

Additional Considerations:

• Some games may not support moving to a different monitor while in fullscreen mode.
• If you have more than two monitors, the monitor numbers in the Windows Settings panel may not correspond to their physical positions.
• If you encounter performance issues or visual artifacts after moving the game, adjust the game’s graphics settings or update your graphics card drivers.

FAQ

How can I move a fullscreen game to a second monitor?

You can move a fullscreen game to a second monitor by either dragging the game window or using the Windows Settings panel.

What should I do if my game does not support switching to windowed mode?

If your game does not support switching to windowed mode using Alt+Enter, you can use the Windows Settings panel to move the game window to the desired monitor.

What if I have more than two monitors and the monitor numbers in Windows Settings are confusing?

If you have more than two monitors, the monitor numbers in the Windows Settings panel may not correspond to their physical positions. Experiment by moving the game window to different monitors until you find the desired configuration.

What should I do if I encounter performance issues or visual artifacts after moving the game?

If you encounter performance issues or visual artifacts after moving the game, try adjusting the game’s graphics settings or updating your graphics card drivers.

Can I move the game back to my primary monitor after playing?

Yes, you can move the game back to your primary monitor after playing by selecting “Extend these displays” in the Windows Settings panel under “Multiple displays.”

Is it possible to play a game on both monitors simultaneously?

Playing a game on both monitors simultaneously is generally not supported, as most games are designed for a single display. However, some games may offer specific features or mods that allow for multi-monitor setups.

What are some additional tips for optimizing gaming on multiple monitors?

To optimize gaming on multiple monitors, ensure that your graphics card supports multi-monitor setups, use DisplayPort or HDMI cables for the best performance, and consider using a dedicated graphics card for each monitor if you have multiple high-resolution monitors.