How To Move A Fullscreen Game To A Second Monitor?

Are you wrestling with the annoyance of gaming on the wrong screen? Picture this: you’re all set for an epic gaming session, snacks at hand, only to find your favorite game launches on the bad monitor. Frustrating, isn’t it? How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? This seemingly small hiccup can disrupt your immersive experience, requiring more setups. But why settle for less?

To move a fullscreen game to a second monitor, set the second monitor as your primary display in your computer’s display settings. Then, launch the game. It should now open on your second monitor. Alternatively, use the Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow keys to shift the game between monitors.

Here’s the deal: Your perfect gaming setup is within reach, and the solution is simpler than you think. You can effortlessly shift your game to the monitor of your choice, ensuring an uninterrupted, high-quality gaming experience. How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to seamless gaming!

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What Is Fullscreen Gaming On Dual Monitors?

Fullscreen gaming on dual monitors isn’t just about expanding your visual real estate; it’s a gateway to a more immersive and versatile gaming experience. The idea is simple yet powerful: one game, two screens, double the impact. But here’s the catch: not all games play nice with this setup. Some games launch on your secondary monitor by default, while others stick to the primary screen. This rigidity can dampen the thrill of gaming, especially if your primary monitor isn’t up to par with your gaming aspirations.

How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? Technically, the challenge lies in the game’s settings and your computer’s display configuration. Games often default to the primary monitor – your operating system labels ‘Monitor 1’. But what if your better, more advanced monitor sits idle as the secondary screen? That’s where things get a bit tricky.

The graphics card, screen resolution, and refresh rates of your monitors also play a crucial role. Mismatched resolutions or refresh rates can cause graphical hiccups, impacting the fluidity of your gaming experience. Understanding these technical nuances is essential for a seamless transition of your game from one screen to another.

5 Ways To Move A Fullscreen Game To A Second Monitor

Below are the 5 ways to move a fullscreen game to a screen monitor.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Step into the world of easy fixes with the Alt+Enter keyboard shortcut. This method is a game-changer for gamers looking to move their fullscreen game to another monitor swiftly. Here’s how it works:

Launch your game and wait for it to go fullscreen on your primary monitor.
Then, simply press Alt+Enter. This magical combination toggles the game between fullscreen and windowed mode.
Once in windowed mode, drag the game window to your desired monitor.
Hit Alt+Enter again, and voilà! Your game is now fullscreen on your second monitor.

How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? But hold on, it’s not all smooth sailing. This method has its quirks. Firstly, not all games support the Alt+Enter shortcut. Some games might respond to something other than this toggle, leaving you stranded. Secondly, the resolution and refresh rate disparity between your monitors can be a spoilsport. If your primary and secondary monitors are not matched in these aspects, the game might not display correctly when moved. This can result in distorted graphics or a less-than-ideal gaming experience. Navigating these challenges requires patience and a willingness to experiment with settings until you find the perfect balance for your gaming setup.

Method 2: Utilizing Windows Settings Panel

Dive into the world of Windows Settings for a seamless gaming transition. Whether you’re a Windows 10 warrior or a Windows 11 explorer, moving your fullscreen game to another monitor can be a breeze with the right approach. Here’s how you do it:

How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? For Windows 10 Users:

Right-click and select ‘Display settings’.
Identify which of your monitors is set as ‘Monitor 1’ and ‘Monitor 2’.
Click on the monitor you want your game to appear on.
Scroll down to ‘Multiple displays’ and click ‘Make this my main display.’
Launch your game, and it should now open on your chosen monitor.

For Windows 11 Users:

The process is quite similar. Access ‘Display settings’ from the desktop context menu.
Windows 11 offers a more intuitive display layout, making identifying and selecting your preferred monitor easier.
After selecting the monitor, ensure it’s set as the primary display to direct your game to launch there.

This method offers a robust solution, particularly for those games that are stubborn about screen preferences. However, changing your primary display affects all applications, not just your game. Be prepared for a slight rearrangement of your desktop icons and taskbar each time you switch.

Method 3: Switching To Projector Mode

Embrace the simplicity of Projector Mode, a hidden gem for gamers. Projector Mode in Windows is typically used for presentations, but it’s also a fantastic tool for moving fullscreen games between monitors. How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? Here’s how to harness its power:

With your game running on the primary monitor, press the Windows key + P.
This shortcut brings up the Projector settings. Select ‘Duplicate’ to mirror your displays or ‘Extend’ to use them as separate screens.
If you chose ‘Extend,’ you can now drag your game window to the second monitor.
Once on the second monitor, set the game back to fullscreen mode.

The beauty of this method lies in its straightforwardness. It’s particularly useful for games that must be more responsive to other approaches. Plus, it doesn’t require diving into system settings or altering your primary display. This makes it a convenient, quick fix for gamers looking to jump into action without the hassle of extensive configurations. However, using the ‘Duplicate’ option mirrors everything on both screens, which might not be ideal if you aim for an extended display setup.

Method 4: Setting The Second Monitor As The Primary Monitor

Sometimes, the most straightforward solution is right under our noses – simply set your second monitor as the primary one. This method is especially effective if your secondary monitor boasts better specs or positioning for gaming. How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? Here’s how to do it:

Navigate To Display Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select ‘Display settings’.
Identify Your Monitors: You’ll see a visual layout of your monitors. Identify which is which.
Set As Primary: Click on the monitor you prefer for gaming. Scroll down and find the ‘Make this my main display’ checkbox. Check it.
Apply And Confirm: Click ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ to confirm the changes.

This method is effective because many games automatically launch on the primary monitor. By switching which monitor holds this title, you’re redirecting where your games open.

How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? There are a few things to keep in mind, though. This change affects your entire system, not just games. Your taskbar, desktop icons, and startup applications will all move to the new primary monitor. If you frequently switch between gaming and other activities, this might become a bit of a hassle.

Method 5: Run The Game In Windowed Mode And Dragging

Embrace the flexibility of windowed mode for an easy monitor switch. How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? This method is delightfully simple and incredibly practical. Here’s how you can do it:

Start Your Game: Open the game you want to play. By default, it will open on your primary monitor.
Switch To Windowed Mode: Access the game’s settings and switch from fullscreen to windowed mode. This can be done in the game’s video or display settings. Some games also allow you to toggle this by pressing Alt+Enter.
Drag To Your Desired Monitor: Click and hold the title bar of the game window (the very top of the window), and drag it over to your second monitor.
Revert To Fullscreen: Once the game is on the second monitor, you can switch it back to fullscreen mode if desired.

How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? It doesn’t require any changes to your system settings, making it a hassle-free solution. However, it’s worth noting that not all games perform optimally in windowed mode. Some might experience a drop in frame rates or minor graphical glitches. Despite this, for many gamers, the ease and convenience of this method make it a go-to solution for multi-monitor gaming setups.

What Are The Advanced Tips And Tricks?

Elevate your dual-monitor gaming to the next level with these expert tips. First, consider the power of your graphics card. Dual monitors can be demanding, especially if you’re running high-resolution games. Ensure your GPU can handle the load to avoid lag or stuttering. Next, fine-tune your game’s graphics settings. Sometimes, lowering certain settings can reduce strain on your system, leading to smoother gameplay.

Monitor synchronization is another crucial aspect. If your monitors have different refresh rates, set your game to match the lower rate to avoid display inconsistencies. Additionally, explore the option of G-Sync or FreeSync, if your monitors support them, for a smoother experience.

How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? Remember the importance of ergonomic setup. Position your monitors and seating arrangement for maximum comfort and minimum strain, especially during long gaming sessions.

Lastly, be mindful of background applications. Running heavy programs on your secondary monitor can affect game performance. Close unnecessary applications to ensure your system resources are focused on your game.

FAQs

How do I move a fullscreen game to another monitor?

To do so, either minimize and drag it to the desired monitor or use the 'Show only on 1' option in the Windows Settings .

How can you change a game from full screen to window?

Press Alt+Enter in full-screen gaming mode to switch to window mode, though not all games support this .

How to choose which monitor a game opens on?

Windows 11 has no built-in setting to choose a monitor for opening games. However, you can force an app to open on the primary monitor in Windows Settings or through your graphics card's control panel .

How do I play games on my second monitor?

Open Windows Settings (Win+I), go to System > Display and select 'Show only on 2' in the monitor settings drop-down list, where '2' represents the second monitor .

Can I use different resolutions on my dual monitors for gaming?

This question wasn't directly answered in the sources, but generally, you can use different resolutions on dual monitors. However, it might affect game performance and display consistency.

Conclusion

In the quest for the best gaming experience, dual monitors offer possibilities. These methods provide various solutions to suit your needs, from switching your primary display to exploiting windowed mode. How to move a Fullscreen game to a second monitor? Remember, the effectiveness of each technique can vary based on your specific hardware and game compatibility. Embrace the challenge, tweak your settings, and prepare for an unparalleled gaming adventure across two screens!

Tony Polanco

Tony, computing writer at Automaticable, covers laptops, tablets, Windows, iOS. Off-duty, he indulges in comics, gaming, speculative fiction, and excessive Twitter use. Non-nerdy side includes rocking out at concerts and hitting NYC bars.