How to Switch Which Monitor a Game is On
When playing games on multiple monitors, it’s common to want to switch the game window between monitors. This can be done in a few different ways, depending on the operating system and graphics card you’re using. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for switching which monitor a game is on.
Why Switch Monitors?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s cover why you might want to switch monitors in the first place. Here are a few scenarios where switching monitors might be useful:
- Multi-monitor setup: If you have multiple monitors set up, you might want to play a game on a specific monitor to take advantage of its larger screen real estate or higher resolution.
- Dual graphics cards: If you have a dual graphics card setup, you might want to play a game on the card that’s dedicated to a specific monitor.
- Game-specific settings: Some games have specific settings or optimizations that require a specific monitor or graphics card.
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the simplest ways to switch which monitor a game is on is to use keyboard shortcuts. Here are some common keyboard shortcuts that can help you switch monitors:
- Windows: Press Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow to move the game window to the left or right monitor.
- Mac: Press Command + Shift + Left/Right Arrow to move the game window to the left or right monitor.
Method 2: Graphics Card Settings
Another way to switch which monitor a game is on is to adjust the graphics card settings. Here’s how:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience: Open the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app and go to the Settings tab. Click on Display and select the monitor you want the game to be displayed on.
- AMD Radeon Software: Open the AMD Radeon Software app and go to the Settings tab. Click on Display and select the monitor you want the game to be displayed on.
Method 3: Game Settings
Some games have built-in settings that allow you to switch which monitor the game is displayed on. Here’s how:
- Check the game settings: Open the game settings and look for an option that says Monitor or Display. This option will usually allow you to select which monitor you want the game to be displayed on.
- Use the game’s built-in display settings: Some games have built-in display settings that allow you to adjust the display settings for each monitor. For example, you might be able to adjust the resolution, refresh rate, or aspect ratio for each monitor.
Method 4: Third-Party Software
There are also several third-party software options that can help you switch which monitor a game is on. Here are a few options:
- DisplayFusion: This software allows you to create custom display settings for each monitor, including the ability to move windows between monitors.
- MultiMon: This software allows you to create a custom display layout for each monitor, including the ability to move windows between monitors.
- UltraMon: This software allows you to create custom display settings for each monitor, including the ability to move windows between monitors.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble switching which monitor a game is on, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Check your graphics card settings: Make sure that your graphics card is set to display on the correct monitor.
- Check your game settings: Make sure that the game is set to display on the correct monitor.
- Try restarting your computer: Sometimes, restarting your computer can resolve issues with monitor switching.
- Check for updates: Make sure that your graphics card drivers and game are up to date, as updates can sometimes resolve issues with monitor switching.
Conclusion
Switching which monitor a game is on can be a bit tricky, but there are several methods you can use to achieve this. By using keyboard shortcuts, adjusting graphics card settings, checking game settings, and using third-party software, you should be able to switch which monitor a game is on. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that arise, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when switching which monitor a game is on:
- Use a consistent naming convention: Make sure to use a consistent naming convention for your monitors, such as "Monitor 1" and "Monitor 2", to avoid confusion.
- Use a monitor calibration tool: If you’re having trouble adjusting the display settings for each monitor, consider using a monitor calibration tool to help you get the settings just right.
- Experiment with different settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the combination that works best for you.
Table: Monitor Switching Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Use Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow or Command + Shift + Left/Right Arrow to move the game window to the left or right monitor. |
| Graphics Card Settings | Adjust the graphics card settings using NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to select the monitor you want the game to be displayed on. |
| Game Settings | Check the game settings for an option to select the monitor you want the game to be displayed on. |
| Third-Party Software | Use software such as DisplayFusion, MultiMon, or UltraMon to create custom display settings for each monitor. |
Bullets List: Monitor Switching Tips
• Use a consistent naming convention for your monitors.
• Use a monitor calibration tool to help you get the display settings just right.
• Experiment with different settings to find the combination that works best for you.
• Check your graphics card settings and game settings to ensure they are set to display on the correct monitor.
• Try restarting your computer if you’re having trouble switching monitors.