How to change monitor 1 for monitor 2

Anonymous

I have a Gateway with HDMI and Vga outputs. I connect the VGA to a regular computer monitor, and the HDMI to a new 37 HDTV, but by default the HDMI output is identified as Monitor 1 and the vga to monitor 2, I new to change the identity of the monitors so 1 to be 2 and 2 to be 1, please advice

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Anonymous

Hi,

Right Click Desktop - Graphics Properties

Right Click Desktop - Graphics Options

Right Click Desktop - Personalize - Display Settings

These should help you set them up.

How to Setup Dual Monitors in Windows 7

http://www.online-tech-tips.com/windows-7/how-to-setup-dual-monitors-in-windows-7/

Two monitors are better than one

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/organization/twomonitors.aspx

Work and play better with multiple monitors

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/work-and-play-better-with-multiple-monitors

Move windows between multiple monitors

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Move-windows-between-multiple-monitors

Multiple monitors : frequently asked questions.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-vista/Multiple-monitors-frequently-asked-questions

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

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51 additional answers

Anonymous

2016-02-06T19:49:01+00:00

Now I have this problem, but did not have it before getting a new monitor. Like most, I use the TV as an extended monitor and it stayed as monitor 2 and caused no trouble when I was using an older HP DVI input monitor. The new HP monitor is wonderful, but only has VGA and HDMI and like others I only have one HDMI output from the computer. The HP monitor will not stay as monitor 1. I uninstall the TV and get everything set with the HP as monitor 1 for the desk top. When I plug in the HDMI TV, it automatically takes over the monitor 1 position. That's fine until I turn off the TV. The TV si going through a sound bar. when I turn off the TV, the HDMI takes over as main monitor and in can not use my computer.

Very upsetting that this problem has been going on for so long and there is no solution in win 10. Why won't the just let me select the main monitor and have that stay put. Seems like a simple thing to fix. ****?
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Anonymous

2015-11-02T16:24:31+00:00

I agree it does matter. For some it is an issues with programs not responding properly and for others it mainly a numbering issue; for me it is both. Our IT groups has to remote into computer to help install programs of fix issues with computers. But when we remote into a computer that is using 3 monitors, 2 24" HP monitors and 1 laptop monitor we seem to run into the issue of IT seeing one thing and the person computer being remoted into seeing another. For instance, if a window pops up while installing and I need to click on OK it appears that I am clicking on the button on my monitor but the other person sees me clicking on blank space or an icon on their desktop...

I noticed this morning that my monitor showed two different setups, one through NVidia nView Desktop Manager and another through Screen Resolution (Right click on desktop and select screen resolution). The NVidia showed: 2, 3, 1. (2 far left, 3 middle and main display, and 1 laptop) when I clicked on identify. When I looked at the screen resolution it showed the same thing in the area that lets you adjust the displays loction. However when I clicked on identify I got something completely different: 3, 2, 1 (3 far left, 2 middle and main display, and 1 laptop). I believe this is where the issues live when it comes programs not acting as intended...

Microsoft or NVidia needs to figure this out because it is a big issue.

The images below show the issue. All I did was select Identify from both options and this is what I am given.

NVidia nView Desktop manager

Desktop Manager
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Anonymous

2014-11-11T19:39:45+00:00
I found a better and easier solution to switch to your monitor identity basically switching 1 and 2.

Turn off computer fully.

Disconnect all DVI or monitor display. (In my case i have Benq (DVI) and Samsung (HDMI).

Turn on computer and wait until its in the Log in screen. (You won't actually see it since all monitor is disconnected. Just guess or wait till you hear the log in sound).

Connect the monitor that you want to be Display 1st. (Extra: Log in and open up display settings where you see display 1 and 2 for visualization purposes.)

Then connect the monitor that you want to be Display 2nd.

And so on. Voila!! hope this helps.
Thanks! Unfortunately did not help a bit... It worked for a couple of people though based on the comments. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact I'm plugging monitors to a docking station not the laptop. Or could be related to the DisplayPort - the monitor that keeps taking over the #1 even when following your steps above and connecting it second - this monitor is connected to the UltraBase dock DisplayPort while the other monitor is on DVI... Oh, well, I guess I just have to keep on swapping open apps between the screens when I move between my docking stations :)
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Anonymous

2013-12-07T09:13:18+00:00

I'm having the same problem, causing A LOT of problems when it comes to gaming! Also dragging the number 1 & 2 monitors so they switch is a half way solution. In my experience it only fixes a small amount of problems while to main ones are still there. VERY ANNOYING! I cant play BF4 because of this :(
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