How To Change Your Primary Monitor in Ubuntu Without Using the Command Line

In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your primary monitor in Ubuntu without using the command line. This task can be accomplished using the built-in settings of various desktop environments. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Primary Monitor

The primary monitor is the main display screen in a multiple-monitor setup. It is the monitor where the taskbar, icons, and primary applications appear by default. The need to change the primary monitor may arise when you want to shift your workspace to a larger or better-quality monitor.

Changing the Primary Monitor in Different Desktop Environments

MATE Desktop

If you are using the MATE desktop environment, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Preferences > Monitors.
2. Here, you will see a list of connected displays. Click the Make Default button next to the display you want to set as the primary.

GNOME 3 Desktop

For users of GNOME 3, the process is slightly different:

1. Go to Settings > Display.
2. You will see a toolbar-like bar at the top of each display. Drag this bar to the display you want to set as the primary.

Unity Desktop

In Unity, the concept of a primary desktop is not available. However, you can set the Launcher placement to either of your displays or all displays.

KDE Desktop

If you are using the KDE desktop environment, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to System Settings > Display and Monitor.
2. Here, you will see a star icon on each display. Click the star icon on the display you want to set as the primary.

Ubuntu GNOME 14.10

For Ubuntu GNOME 14.10 users, the steps are as follows:

1. Open the Displays settings.
2. Select the secondary display.
3. Use the list on the left to set the display as Primary, Secondary Display, Mirror, or Turn Off.

Using NVIDIA X Server Settings

If you have an NVIDIA video card, you can use the NVIDIA X Server Settings tool to change the primary monitor.

1. Open the tool from System - Administration.
2. Select X Server Display Configuration.
3. Choose the display you want to be the primary.
4. Check the Make this the primary display for the X screen option.

Physical Switch

Another workaround is to switch the cables on the back of your computer. This will physically change the primary monitor.

Deleting the Monitors.xml File

In some cases, deleting the ~/.config/monitors.xml file and logging out and back in can fix the issue. Then, go to Settings > Monitors and re-save the settings to create a new monitors.xml file.

Force Change

If all else fails, you can try turning off the secondary monitor, confirming the change, and then turning it back on. This can sometimes force all programs to appear on the primary monitor.

Conclusion

Changing the primary monitor in Ubuntu without using the command line is a straightforward process. The steps may vary depending on your specific Linux distribution and version, but the methods outlined in this article should cover most scenarios.

Remember, the primary monitor is where your main workspace resides, so choose the display that best suits your needs. Whether you’re using MATE, GNOME, Unity, KDE, or an NVIDIA graphics card, Ubuntu provides you with the flexibility to customize your display settings to your liking.