How to Change Display Number in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have multiple monitors connected to your Windows 11 PC but feel confused about which one is “Display 1” and which is “Display 2”? You’re not alone! Many users face this issue when setting up dual or multiple displays. Luckily, Windows 11 gives you full control over monitor arrangement, including changing the display number, primary display, and layout.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through how to change display number in Windows 11 step by step, why it matters, and how to fix common issues. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly organized multi-monitor setup that makes sense for your workflow.

Table of Contents

📝 Quick Key Takeaways

Display numbers (1, 2, 3…) are assigned by Windows automatically, but you can rearrange and change which one acts as the primary display.
Changing display numbers helps when screens are mislabeled or physically arranged differently.
You can adjust display settings from Settings > System > Display.
Troubleshooting options exist if monitors don’t show correctly.

Why Does Windows Assign Display Numbers?

When you connect multiple monitors, Windows 11 automatically assigns numbers like Display 1, Display 2, and Display 3. These numbers don’t always match the physical placement of your monitors. For example:

The monitor on your left could be Display 2.
Your laptop’s built-in screen may be Display 1.
An external monitor could become Display 3.

This mismatch can make moving windows across screens confusing. That’s why it’s important to rearrange and change display numbers according to your setup.

Difference Between Display Number and Primary Display

Before we jump into steps, let’s clarify two terms:

Display Number → Windows’ internal labeling (1, 2, 3). You can rearrange which monitor is left, right, or center.
Primary Display → The monitor that shows the taskbar, Start Menu, and main apps by default.

You might not be able to rename “Display 1” to “Display 2,” but you can reassign which monitor plays the role of primary display and adjust their arrangement.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Display Number in Windows 11

Let’s get into the actual process.

1. Open Display Settings

Right-click on the desktop background.
Select Display settings from the context menu.
This opens the System > Display section in Settings.

2. Identify Monitors

In the Display settings window, you’ll see rectangles labeled 1, 2, and possibly more.
Click the Identify button.
Numbers will briefly appear on your actual screens so you can see which is which.

👉 This is where you’ll notice if the physical arrangement doesn’t match Windows’ numbering.

3. Rearrange Displays

Drag and drop the monitor rectangles to match your real desk setup (left, right, top, bottom).
For example, if Display 2 is physically on your left, drag it to the left side of Display 1.
Click Apply to save the changes.

This makes the cursor and windows move naturally across screens.

4. Change the Primary Display (Taskbar & Start Menu)

If you want another screen to act as your main display:

Click the rectangle of the monitor you want as the primary display.
Scroll down and check the box Make this my main display.
The taskbar and Start Menu will shift to that monitor.

5. Adjust Resolution and Orientation (Optional)

While you’re in display settings, you can also tweak:

Display resolution → Choose the recommended resolution for clarity.
Orientation → Landscape or Portrait mode.
Scale → Adjust text and icons size.

6. Confirm the Changes

Once done, test by moving your mouse between screens and dragging windows. If movement feels natural, your displays are set correctly.

Alternate Ways to Change Display Number

If you want more control, here are extra methods:

Method 1: Using Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD Control Panel

Graphics drivers often have their own multi-monitor tools.

NVIDIA Control Panel → Display > Set up multiple displays.
Intel Graphics Command Center → Display > Arrange displays.
AMD Radeon Software → Display tab.

These tools sometimes let you rename or customize monitor identification beyond Windows’ defaults.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows doesn’t let you directly renumber displays via shortcuts, but you can:

Press Windows + P to switch between display modes (Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only).
Use Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow to move windows across monitors quickly.

Common Issues When Changing Display Numbers

Here are problems you might encounter and their fixes:

Issue	Cause	Fix
Monitors not detected	Loose cable, driver issue	Reconnect cable, update drivers
Wrong numbering	Windows auto-assignment	Use Identify and rearrange displays
Primary display option missing	Laptop screen locked	Disconnect external monitors and retry
Cursor moves incorrectly	Wrong arrangement in settings	Drag monitors into correct position

Security & Productivity Tips for Multi-Monitor Setup

Set main display to the screen you use most (usually center).
Match resolution across monitors for smoother window dragging.
Use virtual desktops (Windows + Tab) for multitasking.
Avoid running untrusted apps on multiple monitors if security is a concern.

Conclusion

Changing the display number in Windows 11 isn’t about renaming monitors but rearranging and assigning the correct primary display. By using Settings > System > Display, you can identify, drag, and align monitors to match your physical setup.

This not only makes navigation seamless but also improves productivity, especially in dual- or triple-monitor workspaces.

Now that you know how, go ahead and set up your displays in a way that feels natural to you.

FAQs: Changing Display Number in Windows 11

1. Can I rename Display 1 to Display 2 in Windows 11?
No, Windows assigns numbers automatically. But you can rearrange them in Display settings.

2. How do I know which monitor is Display 1?
Click Identify in Display settings — numbers will appear on each screen.

3. Can I change the main monitor without changing display numbers?
Yes. Select the monitor and check Make this my main display.

4. Why does my external monitor always show as Display 2?
Windows prioritizes the built-in screen as Display 1 on laptops.

5. Is it possible to force Windows to swap Display 1 and Display 2?
Not directly, but you can make Display 2 your primary monitor, which works the same in practice.