I have a second display attached to my computer and have set it to be an extension of my primary display. When I use software on the secondary display, it often opens new windows (e.g. Matlab opens figures when I run my script). However, these new windows always appear on the primary display. Is there a way to make sure that they open on the same display as the software that created them (in my case, the secondary display)?
3 Answers
Introduction
If you’re a multi-monitor user, you might have come across the issue of new windows opening on the wrong display. It can be frustrating to constantly move windows around to the correct screen, especially when you’re working with multiple programs simultaneously. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make sure that new windows always spawn on the main display, so you don’t have to keep moving them around.
Understanding the Issue
The reason new windows often appear on the primary display is that it is the default display for most programs. When you open a program, it assumes that you want to use the primary display, even if you have a secondary display connected. This can be problematic if you’re using software on the secondary display and want new windows to appear on that same screen.
Why It Matters
Having new windows appear on the wrong display can be frustrating and time-consuming. It can slow down your workflow and make it difficult to stay organized. It’s especially problematic if you’re working with multiple programs at once and need to keep track of which windows belong to which program.
Why It Happens
New windows appear on the primary display because that’s the default display for most programs. When a program is launched, it assumes that you want to use the primary display unless you tell it otherwise. This behavior is hard-coded into the program and can’t be changed without some additional work.
How to Fix It
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make sure that new windows always spawn on the main display. Here are some methods to try:
Method 1: Change the Default Display
One way to ensure that new windows always open on the secondary display is to change the default display. You can do this by going to the Display settings in Windows and setting the secondary display as the primary display. Here’s how to do it:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
2. Scroll down to the Multiple displays section and click on the dropdown menu.
3. Select the secondary display and click on the Make this my main display option.
4. Click Apply to save the changes.
Now, when you open a program, it will assume that you want to use the secondary display as your main display. This means that new windows will open on the secondary display by default.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Software
Another way to ensure that new windows always spawn on the main display is to use third-party software. There are several programs available that allow you to control where new windows open. One such program is DisplayFusion. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and install DisplayFusion.
2. Open DisplayFusion and go to the Window Management tab.
3. Click on the Window Location Rules option.
4. Click on the Add button to create a new rule.
5. Choose the program that you want to apply the rule to and set the Location to the secondary display.
6. Click OK to save the rule.
Now, when you open the selected program, new windows will always open on the secondary display.
Method 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If you don’t want to change the default display or use third-party software, you can use keyboard shortcuts to move windows between displays. Here’s how to do it:
1. Click on the window that you want to move.
2. Press the Windows key and the Shift key together.
3. Press the left or right arrow key to move the window to the secondary display.
You can also use the Windows key and the Shift key together with the up or down arrow key to maximize or minimize the window on the current display.
Conclusion
New windows opening on the wrong display can be frustrating, but there are several ways to fix the issue. You can change the default display, use third-party software, or use keyboard shortcuts to move windows between displays. By following these methods, you can make sure that new windows always spawn on the main display, so you don’t have to keep moving them around.
Yes, it is possible to make sure that new windows always spawn on the main display. Here are a couple of ways you can do this:
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Set your main display as the primary display: You can do this by going to your display settings and making sure that the display you want to be your main display is set as the primary display. This will cause new windows to open on the primary display by default.
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Use the window’s properties to specify the display: Many programs allow you to specify which display a window should open on. You can usually do this by right-clicking on the program’s shortcut and selecting “Properties”. From the Properties window, you can set the “Run on” dropdown to the display you want the window to open on.
If these options are not available or do not work, you may need to use a third-party tool to force windows to open on a specific display. Some options include:
- DisplayFusion: This is a tool that allows you to specify rules for how windows should behave, including which display they should open on.
- Windows 10 Snap Assist: If you are using Windows 10, you can use Snap Assist to snap windows to the edges of your display. This can be a quick and easy way to move windows between displays.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
To solve this issue for specific products, you will need to find a solution for each one.
For example, you can try using WindowAPI for Matlab, which provides additional functionality for monitor placement.
Alternatively, you can try using the script mentioned in the post “Is it possible to viewing the “figure” window on second display” to open figures on the second monitor, if available, or on the first monitor otherwise.