How to Change the Main Monitor on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 25, 2025

Summary of Key Takeaways

  • The main monitor in Windows 11 is where your taskbar, Start menu, and primary apps appear.

  • You can easily change the main monitor via Display Settings.

  • Multiple methods exist: drag-and-drop monitors in settings, context menus, or graphics card utilities.

  • Adjusting the main display helps improve workflow, gaming setups, and productivity.

  • The process takes less than 2 minutes and requires no extra software.

Introduction

Do you use more than one monitor with your Windows 11 PC? If so, you’ve probably noticed that one display acts as the main monitor—it’s where your Start menu, taskbar, and default apps appear. But what if you want to change it?

Maybe you bought a bigger monitor and want it to be your main screen, or you prefer your laptop screen instead of your external one. Luckily, Windows 11 makes it super simple.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the main monitor on Windows 11 step by step, with easy instructions for beginners.

What Is the Main Monitor in Windows 11?

The main monitor (also called primary display) is the screen Windows 11 prioritizes. It usually contains:

  • Taskbar and system tray

  • Start menu and search bar

  • Desktop icons

  • Apps that open by default

If you’re using multiple monitors, setting the right one as your main monitor ensures a smoother experience.

Why Change the Main Monitor?

Changing the main monitor can improve your workflow and comfort:

  • Gaming setups → Make your high-refresh-rate monitor the main one.

  • Work productivity → Set your large monitor as the main display.

  • Presentations → Ensure the right screen shows slides.

  • Laptop + monitor use → Prefer external monitor over the laptop’s built-in screen.

Method 1: Change Main Monitor via Display Settings

This is the easiest and most common way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.

  2. Scroll down and find the Display layout section.

  3. You’ll see numbered boxes (e.g., 1, 2). Click Identify to know which monitor is which.

  4. Select the monitor you want to set as the main one.

  5. Scroll down and check the box: Make this my main display.

  6. Click Apply.

✅ Done! Windows will now use your chosen monitor as the primary screen.

Method 2: Change Main Monitor Using Drag-and-Drop

Another quick way is rearranging monitors in the settings.

  1. Open Display settings.

  2. Under Rearrange your displays, drag the monitor icons to match your physical setup.

  3. Select the monitor you want as the main one.

  4. Check Make this my main display.

👉 This method is useful if your monitors feel out of order (e.g., moving your mouse left jumps to the right screen).

Method 3: Change Main Monitor via Graphics Card Settings

If you have a dedicated GPU, you can also change the main monitor using its control panel.

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Right-click on your desktop → NVIDIA Control Panel.

  2. Go to Display → Set up multiple displays.

  3. Select the monitor you want as the primary.

  4. Click Apply.

For AMD Users:

  1. Right-click on desktop → AMD Radeon Software.

  2. Go to Display settings.

  3. Choose the preferred monitor → set as primary.

Method 4: Change Main Monitor in Game or App Settings

Some games and applications allow you to choose the main display inside their own settings.

  1. Open the game/application.

  2. Go to Video/Display Settings.

  3. Choose your desired monitor from the Display or Monitor dropdown.

👉 Useful when Windows settings don’t apply properly for certain apps.

What Happens After Changing the Main Monitor?

When you switch the main monitor:

  • The taskbar and Start menu move to the new monitor.

  • New apps and windows open on the main screen by default.

  • Your wallpaper might shift depending on display setup.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues

Issue 1: “Make this my main display” is greyed out

  • Ensure multiple monitors are connected and detected.

  • Update your graphics drivers.

Issue 2: Taskbar still showing on the wrong monitor

  • Go to Taskbar settings → Taskbar behaviors.

  • Enable Show taskbar on all displays or select primary only.

Issue 3: Wrong monitor resolution

  • Go to Display settings → Scale & resolution and adjust manually.

Tips for Multi-Monitor Productivity

  • Use Win + P shortcut to switch display modes (Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only).

  • Enable Snap layouts in Windows 11 for easier multitasking.

  • Use different wallpapers on each monitor for easy identification.

  • Place your main monitor directly in front of you for better ergonomics.

Comparison Table: Changing Main Monitor Methods

Method Best For Difficulty
Display Settings Everyday users Easy
Drag-and-Drop Fixing screen order Easy
GPU Control Panel Gamers & power users Medium
App/Game Settings Specific apps not following Windows Medium

Conclusion

Changing the main monitor on Windows 11 is quick and easy, whether you’re using built-in settings, GPU software, or app-specific options.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can set your primary display exactly how you want it, boosting your productivity, comfort, and gaming experience.

FAQs About Changing the Main Monitor on Windows 11

1. How do I know which monitor is my main one?

Your main monitor shows the taskbar and Start menu by default.

2. Can I have two main monitors in Windows 11?

No, Windows only allows one main display at a time, but you can extend the taskbar to all monitors.

3. Will changing the main monitor affect my desktop icons?

Yes, icons typically move to the new main monitor.

4. Do I need to restart after changing the main monitor?

No, changes apply instantly—no restart required.

5. Can I set my laptop screen as the secondary monitor?

Yes, just connect an external display and set it as the main monitor in settings.

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