Opening a new window with 2 monitors in extended view

Question

I have 2 monitors connected to my computer. When I am on the default monitor and right click on an application to open another application, like Microsoft Edge, my computer always opens the new app on my extended monitor and not my default monitor. Is there a setting to fix that and if so where do I go?

Thanks, Chris Whitbeck

Answer 1

Hello，

This behavior is often due to how Windows determines where new application windows should open. Windows typically opens a new window either on the monitor designated as your primary display or on the screen where the application was last closed. Here are some steps and tips you can try:

1. Verify the Primary Display Setting:

 • Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.

 • In the display settings window, you’ll see a visual arrangement of your monitors. Click on the monitor you want as your main display.

 • Scroll down and check the box that says “Make this my main display.” If the box is already checked on your default monitor and you’re still having the issue, try unchecking and then rechecking it.

 • Once set, applications that are designed to open on the primary display will use that monitor by default—provided they aren’t remembering a previous window position.

2. Check Application Behavior:

 • Some applications remember the last screen they were on. If, for instance, you opened Microsoft Edge on the extended monitor previously and then closed it, Edge might continue to open on that monitor.

 • To fix this, manually move the application window to your primary display, then close the application. Opening it again should prompt it to open on your primary monitor.

3. Third-Party Utilities:

 • If Windows’ built-in behavior isn’t giving you enough control, there are third-party tools (like DisplayFusion or UltraMon) that offer more granular control over multi-monitor setups. These can force applications to open on a specific monitor regardless of their last position.

4. Update Drivers and Windows:

 • Occasionally, display issues are linked to graphics driver or system bugs. Make sure that your graphics drivers and Windows installation are up to date.

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