How to Set Your Primary Monitor in Windows?

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on August 30, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

When you have multiple monitors connected to your computer, Windows typically designates one as the primary monitor (usually the first-connected one) and the others as secondary. The primary monitor displays everything by default, so selecting which monitor serves as the primary one is crucial. Thankfully, Windows allows you to pick your primary monitor at any time through a simple process.

Follow the steps below to set your desired monitor as the primary display:

  1. Right-click anywhere on your Desktop and select Display Settings.
    Display Settings
  2. In the Display Settings window, you will see all connected displays represented in graphical shapes. Click on the display you want to set as the primary display. Scroll down and check the box for Make this my main display.
    Select Primary Display
  3. If the option Make this my main display is greyed out, it means that the chosen monitor is already set as the primary display.

Ensure that the displays are extended. Without extending the displays, there will be no option to set a primary monitor. Change the setting to Extend these displays in display settings.Extending screen in Windows 10 settings

Note: Try connecting your HDMI cable to the monitor you want to use as the primary one. Some users reported that the monitor connected via HDMI is recognized as the primary monitor. This might not be the case for everyone but could help some users.

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on August 30, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

14
    SL
    SlickRCBD Oct 15, 2018

    This is NOT for Windows 10. It works fine for Windows 7, but not Windows 10. I have “Display Settings” instead of “Screen Resolution” in Windows 10, and I can’t find the checkbox for the primary display.

    Reply
    SL
    SlickRCBD Oct 15, 2018

    This is NOT for Windows 10. It looks like the instructions for Windows 7.

    Reply
      KA
      K. Arrows Author Oct 21, 2018

      Updated

      Reply
    JR
    José Gerardo Sena Ramírez Dec 6, 2018

    I can’t connect another monitor at the same time need help

    Reply
    ZO
    Zoruzero Dec 16, 2018

    Thanks alot man! Just a small thing I wasnt sure about.

    Reply
    MS
    Matt Swayze Dec 21, 2018

    Doesn’t matter that it’s set as the main monitor. If I chose “PC Screen Only” under project is goes to Monitor #1 no matter what is set as my main monitor. How do you change this?

    Reply
      KT
      kawaii_Trump Jul 20, 2020

      I have the same exact problem too

      Reply
      KT
      kawaii_Trump Jul 20, 2020

      okay, I found that you can do nothing on software side. the port priority are hardwire depending on your graphic card port. you have to try every port behind the pc until you found which one is number 1, 2 ,3 … I found out that HDMI port is always #1. followed by DVI-D. Then Display port 1 and Display port 2. Before this my TV is HDMI and my monitor is DVI-D. When selecting “PC Screen Only” option, it will go to my TV, but I don;t want it, I want my monitor to be primary, so I use adapter HDMI to Display port for my TV. Therefore my new config is my monitor #2 and my TV #3. In windows it will be #1 and #2. Solved. TL;DR buy adapter.

      Reply
    MA
    Mario3K Feb 25, 2019

    thanks a lor man

    Reply
    SW
    Shane Warren Author Sep 21, 2019

    What happens when you connect the second monitor?

    Reply
    SW
    Shane Warren Author Sep 22, 2019

    The article has been updated to accommodate new methods.

    Reply
    FR
    freonpsandoz Mar 21, 2020

    Pro tip: When Windows decides on its own to make the TV connected via HDMI the primary monitor, THERE’S NOT A F*** THING YOU CAN DO on the actual monitor. When the HDMI cable to the TV is connected, the actual monitor goes blank. When it’s disconnected, THERE’S NO OPTION TO MAKE THE ACTUAL MONITOR THE PRIMARY ONE. You MUST switch the TV input to the HDMI connection to the computer and go into settings using it as the “monitor.” If that TV ever goes out when Windows has made it the monitor, it’s reformated time.

    Reply
    RU
    RODOLFO URBANO Jul 23, 2020

    Thanks for sharing this. Very helpful.

    Reply
    FF
    ffuser9 Sep 16, 2021

    The windows 10 instructions worked perfectly for me. It’s so simple I feel stupid! Thanks you for posting this and keeping it as simple as it is without a lot of extra word or fluff.

    Reply