How to Change What Monitor a Game Opens On: A Journey Through Digital Realms and Beyond

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the experience is not just about the game itself but also about how it interacts with your hardware. One of the most common yet perplexing issues gamers face is how to change what monitor a game opens on. This seemingly simple task can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when dealing with multiple monitors, varying resolutions, and different operating systems. But fear not, for this article will guide you through the process, offering a plethora of methods and insights to ensure your game lands on the right screen every time.

Understanding the Basics: Why Does It Matter?

Before diving into the technicalities, it’s essential to understand why this issue arises. Modern gaming setups often include multiple monitors, each serving a unique purpose. You might have a primary monitor for gaming, a secondary one for streaming or multitasking, and perhaps even a third for monitoring system performance. When a game opens on the wrong monitor, it can disrupt your workflow, reduce immersion, or even cause performance issues if the monitor’s resolution or refresh rate isn’t optimized for gaming.

Method 1: In-Game Settings

The first and most straightforward method to change what monitor a game opens on is through the game’s own settings. Many modern games offer a display settings menu where you can select the preferred monitor. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Launch the Game: Start the game and navigate to the settings menu.
2. Display Settings: Look for an option labeled “Display,” “Graphics,” or “Video.”
3. Monitor Selection: Within the display settings, there should be a dropdown menu or a list of monitors. Select the monitor you want the game to open on.
4. Apply and Save: After selecting the desired monitor, apply the changes and save the settings.

This method is usually the most reliable, as it directly communicates your preference to the game. However, not all games offer this option, especially older or less sophisticated titles.

Method 2: Windows Display Settings

If the game doesn’t provide an in-game option to choose the monitor, you can use Windows’ display settings to force the game onto a specific screen. Here’s how:

1. Open Display Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings” from the context menu.
2. Identify Monitors: Scroll down to the “Multiple displays” section. Here, you’ll see a visual representation of your monitors. Identify which monitor is which by clicking “Identify.”
3. Set Primary Monitor: If you want the game to open on a specific monitor, set that monitor as your primary display. To do this, select the monitor and check the box that says “Make this my main display.”
4. Launch the Game: Once the primary monitor is set, launch the game. It should now open on the selected monitor.

This method is effective but has a significant drawback: it changes the primary monitor for all applications, not just the game. If you frequently switch between tasks, this might not be the most convenient solution.

Method 3: Using Graphics Card Control Panel

Both NVIDIA and AMD offer control panels that allow you to manage how applications use your monitors. These control panels provide more granular control over display settings, including which monitor a game opens on.

NVIDIA Control Panel

1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.”
2. Manage 3D Settings: Navigate to “Manage 3D settings” under the “3D Settings” section.
3. Program Settings: Click on “Program Settings” and find the game in the list. If it’s not listed, you can add it manually by clicking “Add.”
4. Preferred Graphics Processor: Under “Select the preferred graphics processor for this program,” choose “High-performance NVIDIA processor.”
5. Monitor Selection: Some versions of the NVIDIA Control Panel allow you to specify which monitor the game should use. If this option is available, select the desired monitor.
6. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” to save the settings.

AMD Radeon Settings

1. Open Radeon Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select “AMD Radeon Settings.”
2. Graphics: Navigate to the “Graphics” tab.
3. Add Game: Click on “Add” and browse for the game’s executable file.
4. Profile Options: Once the game is added, click on it to access its profile options.
5. Monitor Selection: Look for an option to specify the monitor. If available, select the desired monitor.
6. Apply Changes: Save the settings and launch the game.

This method is more advanced and offers greater flexibility, but it requires some familiarity with your graphics card’s control panel.

Method 4: Windowed Mode and Manual Movement

If all else fails, you can resort to running the game in windowed mode and manually moving it to the desired monitor. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Game: Start the game and enter the settings menu.
2. Windowed Mode: Change the display mode to “Windowed” or “Borderless Windowed.”
3. Move the Window: Once the game is in windowed mode, click and drag the title bar to move the window to the desired monitor.
4. Maximize: If you prefer a full-screen experience, you can maximize the window on the desired monitor.

This method is a bit cumbersome, especially if you have to do it every time you launch the game, but it’s a reliable fallback when other methods don’t work.

Method 5: Third-Party Software

For those who want even more control, third-party software can be a lifesaver. Tools like DisplayFusion, Actual Multiple Monitors, and Dual Monitor Tools offer advanced features for managing multiple monitors, including the ability to force applications to open on a specific screen.

DisplayFusion

1. Download and Install: Download DisplayFusion from the official website and install it.
2. Open DisplayFusion: Launch the software and navigate to the “Functions” tab.
3. Create a Function: Create a new function that specifies which monitor the game should open on.
4. Assign to Game: Assign this function to the game’s executable file.
5. Launch the Game: When you launch the game, DisplayFusion will ensure it opens on the specified monitor.

Actual Multiple Monitors

1. Download and Install: Download Actual Multiple Monitors and install it.
2. Open the Software: Launch the software and go to the “Application Rules” section.
3. Create a Rule: Create a new rule for the game, specifying the desired monitor.
4. Apply the Rule: Save the rule and launch the game.

These tools offer a high degree of customization and can be particularly useful for complex multi-monitor setups.

Method 6: Editing Configuration Files

For the more technically inclined, editing the game’s configuration files can sometimes force it to open on a specific monitor. This method varies greatly depending on the game, but here’s a general approach:

1. Locate Configuration Files: Find the game’s configuration files, usually located in the game’s installation directory or in your documents folder.
2. Open the File: Open the configuration file in a text editor like Notepad.
3. Find Display Settings: Look for lines related to display settings, such as ScreenWidth, ScreenHeight, or Monitor.
4. Modify Values: Change the values to correspond to the desired monitor. This might involve specifying the monitor’s resolution or its position in the multi-monitor setup.
5. Save and Launch: Save the changes and launch the game.

This method requires some trial and error, as not all games store their display settings in easily accessible configuration files.

Method 7: Using Command Line Arguments

Some games allow you to specify which monitor to use via command line arguments. This method is less common but can be highly effective when available.

1. Find Command Line Arguments: Research whether the game supports command line arguments for monitor selection.
2. Create a Shortcut: Create a shortcut to the game’s executable file.
3. Modify Shortcut Properties: Right-click on the shortcut, select “Properties,” and add the appropriate command line argument to the “Target” field.
4. Launch the Game: Use the shortcut to launch the game, and it should open on the specified monitor.

This method is highly dependent on the game’s support for command line arguments, so it may not be universally applicable.

Method 8: Using Steam’s Launch Options

If you’re using Steam to launch your games, you can sometimes specify which monitor to use through Steam’s launch options.

1. Open Steam: Launch Steam and go to your library.
2. Game Properties: Right-click on the game and select “Properties.”
3. Launch Options: In the “General” tab, find the “Launch Options” field.
4. Add Command: Add the appropriate command to specify the monitor. This might involve using flags like -monitor 1 or -adapter 1.
5. Launch the Game: Save the changes and launch the game through Steam.

This method is convenient for Steam users but is limited to games that support such launch options.

Method 9: Using Registry Edits

For the most adventurous, editing the Windows Registry can sometimes force a game to open on a specific monitor. This method is not for the faint of heart, as incorrect registry edits can cause system instability.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Game Settings: Find the game’s settings in the registry. This might be under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\[Game Developer]\[Game Name].
3. Modify Values: Look for values related to display settings and modify them to specify the desired monitor.
4. Save and Launch: Save the changes and launch the game.

This method is highly risky and should only be attempted by those who are comfortable with registry editing.

Method 10: Using Virtual Desktops

Windows 10 and later versions offer virtual desktops, which can be used to manage multiple monitors more effectively.

1. Create a Virtual Desktop: Press Win + Tab and click “New Desktop” to create a virtual desktop.
2. Move Game to Virtual Desktop: Open the game and move it to the virtual desktop.
3. Switch Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to switch between virtual desktops, effectively moving the game between monitors.

This method is more about managing multiple tasks than directly controlling which monitor a game opens on, but it can be useful in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

Changing what monitor a game opens on can be a simple task or a complex endeavor, depending on the game and your setup. By exploring the various methods outlined in this article, you should be able to find a solution that works for you. Whether you prefer in-game settings, Windows display settings, graphics card control panels, or third-party software, there’s a method out there that will help you achieve the perfect gaming setup.

Related Q&A

Q: Why does my game keep opening on the wrong monitor?

A: This can happen for several reasons, including incorrect display settings, the game not supporting multi-monitor setups, or the game defaulting to the primary monitor. Try the methods outlined in this article to force the game onto the correct monitor.

Q: Can I set different games to open on different monitors?

A: Yes, you can. Using methods like in-game settings, graphics card control panels, or third-party software, you can specify which monitor each game should open on.

Q: What if my game doesn’t have an option to choose the monitor?

A: If the game lacks an in-game option, you can use Windows display settings, graphics card control panels, or third-party software to force the game onto the desired monitor.

Q: Will changing the primary monitor affect other applications?

A: Yes, setting a different primary monitor will affect all applications, not just the game. If you frequently switch tasks, consider using other methods like in-game settings or third-party software.

Q: Is there a universal solution for all games?

A: Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different games and setups may require different methods. However, the methods outlined in this article should cover most scenarios.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your gaming experience is as seamless and immersive as possible, no matter how many monitors you have. Happy gaming!