How to Stop Game from Minimizing When Using a Second Screen?
Are you tired of the frustration of your game minimizing every time you try to use a second screen, such as a monitor or TV, when playing on your computer? This common issue can be frustrating, but there are several solutions to help you keep your game running full-screen on your primary monitor while using a second screen for other tasks.
Why Does This Happen?
Window Management Confusion: When you connect a second screen to your computer, the operating system might not know which screen to prioritize, resulting in the game minimizing to make room for the second screen.
What Can You Do?
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent a game from minimizing when using a second screen. Here are some solutions:
Option 1: Adjust Your Display Settings
- Duplicate: You can duplicate your desktop on the second screen, which will allow you to play the game on your primary monitor while keeping your game window open.
- Extend: Another option is to extend your desktop to the second screen, which will give you more screen real estate. However, this might not work with all games.
Option 2: Disable Full-Screen Optimization
- Some games have an option to enable or disable full-screen optimization. Disabling it might prevent the game from minimizing. Check your game settings to see if this option is available.
Option 3: Use a Third-Party Utility
There are several third-party utilities available that can help you manage your windows and prevent games from minimizing. Some popular options include:
• Duet Display: Allows you to use your second screen as an external monitor for your computer.
• Sticky Notes: A simple application that allows you to pin windows to the edge of your screen, preventing them from getting minimized.
• WindowBlinds: A customization tool for windows that allows you to create custom settings for your game windows.
Option 4: Use a Game-Specific Setting
Some games have specific settings that allow you to disable full-screen optimization. Here are a few examples:
• Warframe: Go to Settings > Controls > Graphics > Fullscreen and toggle off the option to allow full-screen optimization.
• Diablo 3: Go to Video Options > Graphics > Full-Screen and toggle off the option to use full-screen optimization.
Other Tips and Tricks
- Set Your Game to Borderless-Windows Mode: Some games, such as Minecraft, have an option to run in borderless-windowed mode, which can help prevent the game from minimizing.
- Use a Window Sizer: A window sizer is a software that allows you to resize your game window, which can help prevent it from being minimized.
- Disable Taskbar in Your Game: Disabling the taskbar in your game can help prevent the game from getting minimized.
Troubleshooting Steps
If none of the above solutions work for you, here are some troubleshooting steps to follow:
- Check Your Display Settings: Ensure that your display settings are correctly configured to recognize both screens.
- Check Your Game Settings: Ensure that your game settings are correctly configured to allow full-screen mode.
- Check for Conflicting Software: Ensure that there is no conflicting software running in the background that might be causing the issue.
FAQs
Q: Why does my game minimize when I use a second screen?
A: This is usually caused by window management confusion, where the operating system isn’t sure which screen to prioritize.
Q: How do I prevent my game from minimizing when using a second screen?
A: You can try adjusting your display settings, disabling full-screen optimization, using a third-party utility, or using a game-specific setting.
Q: What are some popular third-party utilities for managing windows?
A: Some popular options include Duet Display, Sticky Notes, and WindowBlinds.
Q: How do I set my game to borderless-windowed mode?
A: Check your game settings to see if an option is available to run the game in borderless-windowed mode.
Q: What if none of the above solutions work for me?
A: Try troubleshooting by checking your display settings, game settings, and conflicting software, and consider seeking help from your game’s support team.
Conclusion
Stop game from minimizing when using a second screen is a common issue that can be frustrating, but there are several solutions available. By adjusting your display settings, disabling full-screen optimization, using a third-party utility, or using a game-specific setting, you can keep your game running full-screen on your primary monitor while using a second screen for other tasks. Remember to troubleshoot and follow the FAQs to resolve any issues. Happy gaming!