If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself wishing you could switch your game to that shiny new monitor you just got, or maybe you’re trying to multitask and need your game on one screen and guides or streams on another. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, figuring out the best way to do this can feel like a boss battle on its own.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today we’ll discuss a few simple yet effective ways to move your game across monitors. Ready to level up your gaming experience? Let’s get started!
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Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10, you can move a game to another monitor by changing your display settings.
- This involves right-clicking the desktop, selecting “Display Settings,” and choosing the desired monitor from the “Multiple displays” section.
- Mac users can utilize Mission Control or specific app assignments to move games between monitors, providing a seamless way to manage where games appear.[/su_note]
On Windows 10
1. Change Your Display Settings
- Right-click on your desktop and select “Display Settings.” This action opens the settings window where you can adjust various display options.
- Click the “Identify” button to see how your monitors are numbered. This step is crucial for understanding which monitor you’re adjusting settings for, especially if you have more than two.
- Scroll down to “Multiple displays” and select the monitor you wish to use for your game from the drop-down list. This allows you to specify which screen should be the primary display for gaming.
- This method is straightforward and effective for most users. It’s the first step in ensuring your game appears where you want it without needing to delve into complex configurations.
- For those seeking more advanced options, software like DisplayFusion can offer additional functionality. DisplayFusion provides more nuanced control over monitor settings, including functions for multi-monitor taskbars, wallpaper management, and window management.
2. Run the Game in Windowed Mode
- Launch your game and navigate to the display/video settings. This is usually found in the game’s options or settings menu.
- Change the display mode to “Window” or “Borderless Window” and save the changes. This adjustment allows the game window to be moved freely between monitors.
- Drag the game window to your preferred monitor. Once in windowed mode, you can click and hold the title bar of the game window to move it.
- Running the game in windowed mode not only facilitates moving it between monitors but also makes it easier to access other applications during gameplay.
- The “Borderless Window” option is particularly useful for a seamless look that mimics fullscreen mode while retaining the flexibility of windowed mode.
3. Set the Second Monitor as the Primary Monitor
- Connect your second monitor to your computer. Ensure it’s properly connected via HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA.
- Right-click on the desktop and go to “Display settings.” This will bring up the display configuration for your monitors.
- Scroll to “Multiple Displays” and select your second monitor. Look for the option to configure it as the primary display.
- Check the box labeled “Make this my main display.” This action sets the selected monitor as the primary, making applications and games open there by default.
- Setting the second monitor as the primary can be particularly useful for gamers who prefer a specific screen for gaming, perhaps due to size, resolution, or positioning advantages.
On Windows 11
The steps are similar to Windows 10, with slight variations in navigating the settings. Windows 11 has a more streamlined settings menu, making it easier to find display options. Windows 11 also introduces new features and settings that can enhance multi-monitor setups, such as remembering window locations based on monitor connections.
On Mac
1. Use Mission Control
- Start your game and activate Mission Control with a three-finger swipe on your trackpad. This gesture brings up an overview of all open windows and desktops.
- Move the game window to the desired monitor by dragging it across the Mission Control interface. This allows for easy organization of windows across multiple screens.
- Mission Control is an efficient way to manage Windows on Mac, offering a bird’s eye view of everything that’s open.
2. Assign the App to the Second Display
- Right-click the game in your Dock, go to “Options,” and select the desired display under “Assign To.” This sets the preferred monitor for the application.
- Assigning an app to a specific display ensures it always opens there, streamlining your workflow and gaming setup.
- This feature is particularly useful for users who utilize specific applications or games on designated monitors, maintaining an organized and efficient workspace.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are essential tools for power users, offering a fast way to manage windows across multiple monitors without needing to navigate through menus.
| Operating System | Shortcut Description | Additional Details |
| Windows | Press the Windows key + Shift + Left or Right arrow | This shortcut moves the active window to another monitor, allowing for quick rearrangement of windows without interrupting workflow. |
| Mac | Use Mission Control or a specific app assignment | Keyboard shortcuts on Mac also include using the Command key to manage windows and applications efficiently, offering similar functionality to Windows for rearranging windows. |
Fullscreen vs. Borderless Window Mode
Understanding the difference between fullscreen and borderless window mode is crucial for optimizing your gaming experience. Each mode has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on your needs.
Fullscreen mode dedicates the monitor’s display entirely to the game, potentially improving performance by focusing system resources on the game. This mode is best for users looking for the most immersive gaming experience.
Borderless window mode, while slightly less performant, allows for easier multitasking by enabling quick switching between the game and other applications. This mode is ideal for gamers who need to access other software or the internet without minimizing their game.
Choosing the right display mode can significantly affect your gaming setup’s flexibility and performance, making it important to consider what best suits your gaming habits and multitasking needs.
FAQs
Will moving a game to another monitor affect its performance?
Generally, moving a game to another monitor does not affect its performance. However, if the resolutions or refresh rates of the monitors differ significantly, you might notice changes in game performance or visual quality.
Can I play a game on two monitors simultaneously for an extended view?
Yes, some games support multi-monitor setups for an extended view. This usually requires configuring the game’s display settings to recognize and utilize multiple monitors as a single display surface.
How do I ensure my mouse doesn’t wander off to the second monitor while gaming?
Most games in fullscreen mode will automatically confine the mouse cursor to the primary gaming monitor. For games in windowed mode, third-party software can help lock the cursor to one screen.
Is it possible to use different resolutions on my dual monitor setup without affecting game display?
Yes, you can use monitors with different resolutions. However, for the best gaming experience, set the game to run at the native resolution of the monitor it’s displayed on to avoid scaling issues.
Can I switch the game back to the original monitor without restarting it?
Yes, by either dragging the window in windowed or borderless mode or using the keyboard shortcuts, you can move the game back to the original monitor without needing to restart it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, the flexibility of playing on your preferred monitor is within easy reach. By following this guide, you’re now equipped to optimize your gaming setup for maximum enjoyment and efficiency.