Why is windows forgetting monitor config and position on reboot

Question

I have a multi monitor config as follows: Nvidia 3090 driving 3 monitors, configured as a single screen, and a fourth monitor. The 3 monitor is set as main display and remember window locations is turned on. There are then three other USB connected monitors using Display link Manager. The 3 USB monitors don’t remember their position or orientation on reboot. If I add another monitor, USB or adding another graphics card, everything goes crazy. The main display can end up anywhere and the monitor locations are all over the place. Once I have sorted everything, the system works fine until the next reboot.

The system, is Windows 11 will all the latest patches etc. the Nvidia card is running the latest drivers etc, as is the Displaylink Manager. I have tried resetting the GraphicsDrivers registry keys and running the usual diagnostics programs with no issues discovered or impact.

Answer 1

Hello there,

Windows might reset monitor configurations if it detects changes in the number of monitors or display modes during startup. Try connecting or disconnecting monitors while the computer is off, and then booting up.

Have you checked the Event Viewer for any trace?

If you cannot find anything in Event Viewer I would suggest you use tools like Procmon to find the root cause for this behaviour.

Have you made any recent updates that you are aware of on this device? If so try uninstalling them and check if this sorts out the issue

The below thread discusses the same issue and you can try out some troubleshooting steps from this and see if that helps you to sort the Issue.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-display-configuration-lost-on-reboot/2c48d13d-1671-409c-8a78-285c938d3c6b

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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Answer 2

I was having the same problem. My solution was in the BIOS (and had nothing to do with the video settings). I changed my boot mode from Windows 8 / UEFI to Legacy / UEFI and it fixed my display problems. Hope this helps someone!

Answer 3

Hi.

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft customer support. Based on the information you have provided, it seems that the issue you are experiencing with Windows forgetting monitor configuration and position on reboot may be related to a driver or software compatibility issue.

To troubleshoot this issue, I would recommend the following steps:

1. Try disconnecting the USB monitors and see if the issue persists with just the three monitors connected to the Nvidia card.
2. If the issue persists, try resetting the Windows display settings to default by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting Display settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties for Display 1 > Monitor tab > Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall Device. Then restart your computer and let Windows reinstall the display driver.
3. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your graphics card or DisplayLink Manager software for further assistance.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian