How To Make a Program Open on a Certain Monitor

Multiple programs on different monitors can be a great way to multitask and increase productivity. However, many users find launching a program on a specific monitor challenging using a dual-monitor setup.

To help make the task easier, we have written an extensive guide on making a program open on a certain monitor with quick and simple instructions. We will also discuss fixing multiple monitor setup issues in detail.

Making a Program Open on a Certain Monitor

If you don’t know how to open a program on a certain monitor, our following 4 step-by-step methods will help you accomplish this task with minimal effort.

Method #1: Using Drag and Drop

To make a program open on a certain monitor by default, drag and drop it in the following way.

1. Launch the program.
2. Drag the program window to the monitor you wish to open it on.
3. Press the “Restore down” icon and reduce the window to half its size.
   
4. Press the “X” button to close the program.
5. The next time you launch the program, it will open on the monitor you closed it on.

You can also configure the program to open on another monitor by following the same steps.

Method #2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

It is also possible to open a program on a certain monitor each time using the keyboard shortcuts in the following way.

1. Launch the program on your computer.
2. Press the Windows + Shift + Left arrow keys to shift the program window to the monitor on the left.
3. Press the Windows + Shift + Right arrow keys to shift the program window to the monitor on the right.
   
4. Reduce the window to half its size by pressing the “Restore down” icon and dragging the corners inwards.
5. Press “X”. 

The program would now open on the chosen monitor by default every time you launch it.

Method #3: Changing the Main Display

To open a program on a certain monitor, you can also make it your primary display by following these quick and easy steps.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click “System”.
4. Click “Display”.
5. Select your desired monitor in the “Multiple displays” section after identifying it.
6. Check the “Make this my main display” option, and that’s about it!

As your main display, every program you launch will be opened on your chosen monitor unless set otherwise.

Method #4: Assigning a Monitor to Mac

Using these steps, you can simply assign a monitor to each program or app to open it there by default on A Mac.

1. Right-click the program you wish to open in the Dock.
2. Click “Options”.
3. Select “Desktop on Display” with your desired monitor’s number, and you’re done!

If the app you wish to open isn’t in the Dock, launch Finder and click “Applications”.  Now, locate the app you want to open, drag it to the Dock, and drop it there.

Multiple Monitors Not Working on Windows

If you are facing issues opening different programs and apps on other monitors, try the following fixes to resolve the issue.

Fix #1: Turning On the Extend Option

The quickest way to troubleshoot your multi-monitor setup is to enable the Extend mode on each one for easy navigation by doing the steps below.

1. Press the Windows + P keys simultaneously on the keyboard.
2. Click “Extend”.
   
3. Repeat the process on each monitor before opening the program on a different monitor.

Fix #2: Restarting Everything

To resolve the issue with programs not opening on multiple monitors, shut down and unplug all devices from the main power source. Next, wait a few minutes to let everything rest, then plug it in, turn on all your monitors and computer again, and see if this fixes the issue.

Also, ensure you connect both monitors via an HDMI cable for faster connectivity.

Fix #3: Reinstalling the Display Driver

If you are facing issues with your multiple monitors set up, try reinstalling the display driver in the following way.

1. Press the Windows + X keys on your computer keyboard.
2. Click “Device Manager”.
3. Expand “Display Adapters”.
4. Right-click the display adapter on your computer.
5. Click “Uninstall device”.

Once completed, restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the display drivers and resolve the multi-monitor setup issue.

Summary

In this guide, we discussed how to open a program on a certain monitor. We have also discussed multiple methods to fix your computer monitor display issues.

Hopefully, your question has been answered, and you can save yourself from the trouble of moving around your apps every time you turn on your PC.