HOW DO I MAKE A PROGRAM OPEN ON A SPECIFIC MONITOR THAT I DESIGNATE EVERY TIME I WANT TO OPEN IT?

Anonymous
2024-02-15T00:34:12+00:00

This isn't a new question but I've seen it asked here for 15 years and 3 OS variants with no actual answer (you'd think this would be something to work on instead of obfuscating how to get to your control panel, file, and drive locations while trying to turn my +$3K pc into a sub $400, non-portable tablet with no touch screen).

HOW DO I MAKE A PROGRAM OPEN ON A SPECIFIC MONITOR EVERY TIME?

Note, the question is NOT how to move a program after you open it; it is NOT how to change primary display; it is NOT how to anything other the actual question asked as specifically as the question is. If there is no answer and Windows just isn't able to (and our programmers don't care to work on it) just say so.

I have an OLED gaming monitor that I paid more for than I would ever have wanted to pay for a monitor and would like it to last as long as possible. I would therefore like it not to be the primary display. I only use it for media and gaming. The problem is that windows doesn't let me choose secondary displays to open games and reverts half of the applications I open and move over back to the primary display. I can do this with some games but most default to only opening on the primary monitor. I have a good LCD monitor I use for productivity and streaming while playing games that I would like to remain my main display where most apps, and all non-media apps, are default opening. So far the only way I know to do it is to turn the OLED off unless I am using it. This solution is clunky and kind of like using a kitchen knife to sharpen pencils when a pencil sharpener is can be made.

So please don't answer this if you are going to give the same non-answers I've been reading while searching for an answer to this (going back 15 years btw, because someone really cares about the user experience). If you have a real answer please give it, again, even if it is "we don't have a way and don't care to make one."

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-11T20:10:53+00:00

    can you actually answer the question then? none of this works bro, you've been useless for months.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-02T01:41:49+00:00

    Adding my reply to the larger question:

    The solution you provide (Control Panel/Display commands) does not work 100% of the time. I have a couple apps that open on a secondary monitor no matter what, which is what I think much of this frustration is about.

    The inability to have particular apps open on particular monitors, consistently as well.

    Why is this so hard, or not accomplished by now? If it can't be, that's ok, but an explanation of why it can't be would be wonderful to learn.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-04-01T06:36:31+00:00

    Dear Noah Lewis

    Thank you for posting in the Microsoft community.

    PowerToys FancyZones utility for Windows | Microsoft Learn

    You can use this widget to keep track of which program you are used to opening in which window.

    Finally, I am not an AI LOL

    Best Wish

    Shawn Z  | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-10-01T00:58:19+00:00

    Normal User 020,

    I bought a new monitor today and was struggling with your same excellent question.

    When I opened an application from Monitor 2, it showed up on Monitor 1. So, I decreased the window size and grabbed and moved the window from Monitor 1 to Monitor 2. When I close and reopen the app, it appears on Monitor 2, where I want it.

    I hope this helps!

    ToddS

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-07-09T14:06:52+00:00

    Perhaps this will help?

    On Windows 10:

    1. go to display settings
    2. click on the monitor where you want things to open - where it says "rearrange your displays" make the target monitor where you want stuff to open.
    3. Scroll down under "multiple displays" and click "make this my main display.

    This won't affect specific programs, but at least you can control where your apps open (they open on the main display)

    It would be handy to have a left click - properties - specify monitor type menu for specific programs. So I dunno - for now we make due.

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