Changing the order of screens in Windows 10 can be a useful and convenient feature, especially for users who work with multiple monitors. It allows you to arrange your screens in the most optimal way, making it easier to navigate and switch between them. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change the order of screens in Windows 10, and provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the desired screen arrangement.
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The Challenge of Changing the Order of Screens in Windows 10
The challenge of changing the order of screens in Windows 10 is that the default settings may not always align with your desired screen arrangement. When you connect multiple monitors to your computer, Windows 10 automatically assigns a number to each screen based on its connection order. However, this default order might not be the most convenient for your workflow or the physical layout of your monitors.
Changing the order of screens can be beneficial in several scenarios. For example, you may want to align your screens based on their physical placement, such as moving the primary monitor to the left instead of the default right position. Additionally, if you frequently switch between multiple monitors, changing the order can improve your productivity by making it easier to navigate between screens.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods of changing the order of screens in Windows 10, there are a few things you should prepare for a smooth experience. Here are the key things you should have:
1. Multiple monitors: Ensure that you have at least two monitors connected to your Windows 10 computer. This can be done using HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cables, depending on the available ports on your computer and monitors.
2. Display settings access: You need to have access to the display settings in Windows 10. This can be done by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Display settings" from the context menu.
3. Administrative privileges: Some methods may require administrative privileges to make changes to your computer’s settings. Ensure that you have the necessary privileges or can consult with your system administrator if needed.
Now that you have the necessary preparations, let’s explore different methods to change the order of screens in Windows 10.
Method 1: Using the Display Settings
Changing the order of screens using the Display Settings in Windows 10 is the most straightforward and built-in method. Follow these steps to rearrange your screens:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
2. In the Display settings window, scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section and click on the drop-down menu under "Select and rearrange displays."
3. You will see numbered representations of your monitors. Click and drag these representations to rearrange them according to your desired order.
4. As you drag and move the representations, your actual monitors will change positions accordingly. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the new order.
5. Windows 10 will prompt you to confirm the changes before applying them. Click on "Apply" to save the new display order.
6. After applying the changes, Windows 10 will adjust the layout of your screens accordingly. You can also adjust other display settings, such as resolution or orientation, from the Display settings window.
Pros:
– Easy and straightforward method.
– Built-in Windows 10 feature.
– Allows for precise adjustment of screen positions.
Cons:
– Limited customization options.
– Does not support advanced features like snapping windows to specific monitors automatically.
Method 2: Via the Graphics Control Panel
If you have a dedicated graphics card installed in your Windows 10 computer, you may have access to a graphics control panel that offers additional display settings. Here’s how you can change the order of screens using the graphics control panel:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Graphics properties" or a similar option from the context menu. This will launch the graphics control panel associated with your graphics card.
2. Look for an option related to display settings or multiple monitors in the control panel interface. The exact location and name of this option may vary depending on your graphics card manufacturer.
3. Once you find the display settings option, select it and look for an option to rearrange or reposition your monitors.
4. Click and drag the representations of your monitors to rearrange them according to your desired order.
5. Similar to Method 1, Windows 10 will prompt you to confirm the changes before applying them. Click on "Apply" to save the new display order.
6. After applying the changes, Windows 10 will adjust the layout of your screens accordingly. You can also explore other advanced display settings available in the graphics control panel.
Pros:
– Offers additional customization options.
– May provide more advanced features for specific graphics cards.
– Can be useful for users with advanced display requirements.
Cons:
– Requires a dedicated graphics card and associated control panel software.
– Interface and options may vary depending on the graphics card manufacturer.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Display Management Tools
If you’re looking for more advanced display management features and customizations, you can explore third-party tools specifically designed for monitor arrangement. These tools offer more flexibility and control over the order of screens. Here’s how you can change the order of screens using a third-party display management tool:
1. Research and choose a reliable third-party display management tool that suits your requirements. Some popular options include DisplayFusion, Ultramon, and Actual Multiple Monitors.
2. Download and install the selected display management tool following the provided instructions.
3. Launch the display management tool and navigate to the display settings or monitor arrangement section.
4. Follow the specific instructions provided by the tool to rearrange your screens in the desired order.
5. Save and apply the changes using the options available in the tool’s interface.
6. After applying the changes, the third-party tool will adjust the layout of your screens based on your preferences.
Pros:
– Offers advanced features and customizations.
– Allows for precise and fine-grained control over monitor arrangements.
– Can enhance productivity by providing additional display management options.
Cons:
– Requires installation of third-party software.
– May have a learning curve associated with using the new tool.
– Some third-party tools may be paid or have limited free versions.
Method 4: Via Keyboard Shortcuts
In addition to the methods described above, there is another quick way to change the order of screens in Windows 10. You can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly move windows between monitors, effectively achieving the desired screen arrangement. Here’s how:
1. Make sure that the window you want to move is active or selected.
2. Press the Windows key + Shift + Left Arrow key to move the active window to the previous monitor in the order. This effectively changes the screen order for that window.
3. Press the Windows key + Shift + Right Arrow key to move the active window to the next monitor in the order.
4. Repeat these keyboard shortcuts as needed to move windows between monitors and achieve your desired screen arrangement.
Pros:
– Quick and easy method for moving windows between monitors.
– Does not require accessing display settings or third-party tools.
Cons:
– Limited to moving individual windows rather than changing the actual order of screens.
– Requires individual window management and may not be suitable for rearranging all open windows simultaneously.
Why Can’t I Change the Order of Screens?
1. Incorrect cable connections: If your monitors are not connected properly or using the correct cables, Windows 10 may not detect them in the correct order. Ensure that you have connected the monitors according to the recommended guidelines and using the appropriate cables.
2. Graphics card limitations: Some older graphics cards or integrated graphics solutions may have limitations that prevent changing the order of screens. In such cases, upgrading your graphics card or using a third-party display management tool may be necessary.
3. Outdated drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can also prevent changing the order of screens in Windows 10. Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card.
Additional Tips
1. Experiment with different screen arrangements to find the layout that works best for your productivity and workflow.
2. Consider using monitor stands or mounts for physical adjustments to align your screens with your desired order.
3. Explore additional display options in the Windows 10 settings or third-party tools, such as screen resolution, refresh rate, or color profiles to enhance your viewing experience.
5 FAQs about Changing the Order of Screens in Windows 10
Q1: Can I change the primary monitor in Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can change the primary monitor in Windows 10. The primary monitor is the one that displays the start menu and taskbar by default. To change the primary monitor, go to the Display settings, select the desired monitor as your primary display, and click on "Apply."
Q2: Can I change the screen arrangement automatically based on the application?
A: Windows 10 does not have a built-in feature to change the screen arrangement automatically based on the application. However, some third-party display management tools offer this functionality.
Q3: Why does my screen arrangement reset after Windows updates?
A: Windows updates can sometimes reset your screen arrangement settings. This can be due to driver updates or system changes introduced by the update. If this happens, follow the methods mentioned above to restore your desired screen arrangement.
Q4: Can I change the screen orientation, such as rotating the displays?
A: Yes, you can change the screen orientation in Windows 10. This can be done in the Display settings by selecting the desired orientation, such as landscape, portrait, or flipped.
Q5: Does changing the order of screens affect the performance of my computer?
A: Changing the order of screens does not directly impact the performance of your computer. However, if you are using graphics-intensive applications or games, it is recommended to connect the primary monitor directly to the graphics card for optimal performance.
In Conclusion
Changing the order of screens in Windows 10 can greatly improve your productivity and enhance your overall user experience. Whether you choose to use the built-in Display settings, the graphics control panel, third-party display management tools, or keyboard shortcuts, finding the screen arrangement that suits your needs is now easier than ever. Experiment with different methods and options to achieve the most efficient setup for your workflow.