How to Change The Primary Display on Windows 10

Changing the primary display on Windows 10 can be a useful feature for users who have multiple monitors connected to their system. This allows you to choose which monitor will be the primary display, where your desktop icons will appear, and where new windows and apps will open by default. Whether you want to optimize your productivity or simply prefer a different display setup, changing the primary display can help customize your Windows 10 experience.

In this blog post, we will explore several methods that you can use to change the primary display on Windows 10. We will provide step-by-step instructions for each method, along with pros and cons to help you decide which method suits your needs best. So, let’s dive in!

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we begin, make sure you have the following items ready:

1. A Windows 10 computer with multiple monitors connected.
2. Administrator access to your computer, as some methods may require administrative privileges.
3. A basic understanding of Windows settings and configurations.

With these prerequisites in place, you’re ready to start exploring the different methods to change the primary display on Windows 10.

What Requires Your Focus?

When changing the primary display on Windows 10, it’s important to consider a few factors:

1. Accessibility: Determine which monitor is most easily accessible for your primary tasks. It should be the one at eye-level or the one that you use most frequently.
2. Resolution and Orientation: Consider the resolution and orientation of each monitor. Choose the display that offers the best resolution and orientation for your workflow.
3. Physical Placement: Take into account the physical placement of your monitors. Consider factors like distance, height, and angles to ensure comfortable viewing.

Now that you know what to focus on, let’s explore the different methods to change the primary display on Windows 10.

Method 1: How to Change the Primary Display via Display Settings

If you prefer a straightforward method using the built-in Windows settings, you can change the primary display via the Display settings. Here’s how:

Step 1: Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
Step 2: In the Display settings window, scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section.
Step 3: Identify the monitor you want to set as the primary display and click on it.
Step 4: Scroll down and check the box that says "Make this my main display".
Step 5: Click on "Apply" to save the changes.
Step 6: You may be prompted to keep or revert the changes if the new settings aren’t optimal. Choose the option that suits you best.

Pros:
1. Simple and easy-to-use method without the need for third-party software.
2. Allows you to quickly switch the primary display as per your preference.

Cons:
1. Limited customization options compared to some advanced methods.
2. May not work if certain display drivers or configurations are not supported.

Pros & Cons:

Method 2: How to Change the Primary Display via Graphics Control Panel

Using the graphics control panel provided by your graphics card manufacturer is another method to change the primary display. This method allows for more advanced customization options. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the desktop and select the graphics control panel option specific to your graphics card. (For example, "NVIDIA Control Panel" or "AMD Radeon Settings").
Step 2: In the control panel, look for an option related to "Display" or "Multiple Displays".
Step 3: Select the monitor that you want to set as the primary display.
Step 4: Look for an option such as "Set as primary display" or "Make primary" and click on it.
Step 5: Save the changes if prompted and exit the control panel.

Pros:
1. Provides more customization options compared to the native Windows method.
2. Allows for fine-tuning display settings specific to your graphics card.

Cons:
1. Requires installing additional graphics card drivers or control panel software.
2. The control panel interface may vary depending on the graphics card manufacturer.

Pros & Cons:

Method 3: How to Change the Primary Display via Keyboard Shortcut

For users who prefer a quick and convenient method, changing the primary display via a keyboard shortcut can be a handy option. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press the "Windows" key + "P" key simultaneously to open the "Project" sidebar.
Step 2: In the sidebar, select the "PC screen only" option to make the primary display your current monitor.
Step 3: Alternatively, you can select the "Duplicate" or "Extend" option if you want to change the primary display while using multiple monitors.

Pros:
1. Quick and easy method that doesn’t require navigating through settings.
2. Ideal for users who frequently switch between different display configurations.

Cons:
1. Limited to a few presets (PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend) without granular control.
2. May not work if the keyboard shortcut is disabled or conflicts with other shortcuts.

Pros & Cons:

Method 4: How to Change the Primary Display via Third-Party Software

If you’re looking for more advanced control and features, third-party software can be a great option. There are various software applications available that offer comprehensive display management tools. Here’s a general process you can follow:

Step 1: Research and identify a third-party software that meets your requirements.
Step 2: Download and install the software on your computer.
Step 3: Launch the software and explore the available options and settings.
Step 4: Look for a feature or option to change the primary display.
Step 5: Select the desired monitor and save the changes.

Pros:
1. Extensive customization options and features not available in native Windows settings.
2. Allows for granular control over display settings and configurations.

Cons:
1. May require purchasing or subscribing to the software for advanced features.
2. Potential compatibility issues with certain graphics cards or drivers.

Pros & Cons:

Why Can’t I Change the Primary Display?

There can be several reasons why you may face difficulties in changing the primary display on Windows 10. Some possible reasons include:

1. Limited Hardware Support: Certain older graphics cards or outdated drivers may not support changing the primary display.
2. Compatibility Issues: Conflicts between graphics card drivers, Windows updates, or third-party software can prevent changing the primary display.
3. Administrative Restrictions: Lack of administrative privileges can hinder making changes to display configurations.

To fix these issues, you can try the following fixes:

1. Update Graphics Card Drivers: Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card.
2. Troubleshoot Compatibility: Disable or uninstall any conflicting software or drivers and try changing the primary display again.
3. Obtain Administrative Privileges: Log in with an administrator account or contact your IT department for administrative access.

Implications and Recommendations

Here are some recommendations to consider when changing the primary display on Windows 10:

1. Consider Ergonomics: Position your primary display in a comfortable and ergonomic position to reduce eye strain and improve productivity.
2. Test Different Configurations: Experiment with different display configurations to find the setup that works best for your workflow.
3. Enable Simplified Taskbar: Windows 10 offers a feature called Simplified Taskbar, which shows taskbar buttons only on the primary display. This can provide a cleaner desktop experience.

5 FAQs about Changing the Primary Display on Windows 10

Q1: How do I identify which monitor is the primary display?

A: The primary display is the one where the taskbar appears by default. You can also identify it by checking the monitor’s position in the Display settings.

Q2: Can I have different resolutions on each monitor?

A: Yes, Windows 10 allows you to have different resolutions on each monitor. However, for the best experience, it is recommended to have matching or similar resolutions.

Q3: Can I change the primary display on a laptop?

A: Yes, you can change the primary display on a laptop with an external monitor connected. The same methods apply to laptops as they do to desktop computers.

Q4: How many monitors can I connect to Windows 10?

A: The number of monitors you can connect to Windows 10 depends on your graphics card and its specifications. Most modern graphics cards support multiple monitors.

Q5: Will changing the primary display affect my desktop icons and window placements?

A: Yes, changing the primary display will affect the placement of desktop icons and the default location of new windows. You may need to rearrange your icons or adjust window positions accordingly.

Final Words

Changing the primary display on Windows 10 offers flexibility and customization to enhance your user experience. Whether you prefer a native Windows method or want to explore advanced options with third-party software, there are various ways to change the primary display to suit your needs. Consider the pros and cons of each method, and don’t forget to review the implications and recommendations provided in this blog post. With the right setup, you can optimize your monitor’s usage and take full advantage of the multi-monitor capabilities Windows 10 has to offer.