Using multiple monitors can boost productivity, but sometimes you don’t need that second screen running all the time. Maybe you want to focus on one task, save battery life, or troubleshoot display issues. Whatever the reason, learning how to disable a second monitor on Windows 11 is quick and easy — and you have multiple ways to do it.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover all methods to turn off, disable, or disconnect your second monitor in Windows 11 — from using Settings and keyboard shortcuts to advanced control panel tweaks.
🧭 Summary: Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Goal | Disable or disconnect the second monitor in Windows 11 |
| Best For | Laptops, dual-screen setups, extended displays |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Time Required | 2–5 minutes |
| Methods Covered | Settings, Display shortcut, Device Manager, GPU Control Panel |
| Applies To | Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions |
💡 Why You Might Want to Disable a Second Monitor
While multiple displays are great for multitasking, there are times when it’s better to turn one off. Here’s why:
✅ Common Reasons to Disable a Second Monitor:
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Save power and battery on laptops.
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Improve performance in games or demanding apps.
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Focus on a single screen for presentations or writing.
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Troubleshoot flickering, lag, or display issues.
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Hide a screen temporarily when sharing your desktop.
Disabling your second monitor doesn’t delete any settings — you can re-enable it anytime with just a few clicks.
🧰 Before You Begin: Know Your Display Setup
Before making any changes, it’s good to understand your current display configuration.
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Right-click on the desktop and choose Display settings.
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You’ll see boxes labeled 1 and 2 representing your monitors.
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Click Identify to see which physical display corresponds to which number.
💡 Tip: Monitor 1 is typically your main display, and Monitor 2 is your extended screen.
🪟 Method 1: Disable Second Monitor via Windows 11 Settings (Easiest)
The easiest and most direct way to turn off your second screen is through the Settings app.
🔧 Steps:
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Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
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Scroll down to the Multiple displays section.
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Click the dropdown menu under Select a display to view or change its settings.
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Choose your second monitor (e.g., Display 2).
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Scroll to Multiple displays and choose Disconnect this display from the dropdown.
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Click Keep changes when prompted.
✅ Result: Your second monitor is now disabled. The screen will go blank, and Windows will revert to single-display mode.
💻 Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcut to Switch Display Modes
If you need to toggle between display modes quickly — for example, during meetings or gaming — use a simple shortcut.
🪜 Steps:
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Press Windows + P on your keyboard.
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A sidebar labeled Project will appear.
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Choose one of these options:
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PC screen only → disables all secondary displays.
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Duplicate → shows the same content on both screens.
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Extend → uses both screens as one large workspace.
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Second screen only → turns off your main display instead.
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To disable the second monitor, select PC screen only.
✅ Quick Tip: This is the fastest way to disable or re-enable your second monitor without opening Settings.
🧩 Method 3: Disable Second Monitor Using Device Manager
If your second monitor keeps turning back on or you want to completely disable it, you can do so via Device Manager.
Steps:
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Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
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Expand the Monitors section.
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Right-click your second monitor and select Disable device.
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Confirm by clicking Yes when prompted.
To enable it again later, repeat the steps and select Enable device.
⚠️ Note: Disabling a display in Device Manager stops Windows from detecting it until you re-enable it.
🖥️ Method 4: Disable Second Monitor via Graphics Card Control Panel
If you’re using a dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA or AMD), you can manage displays through your graphics control software.
For NVIDIA Users:
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Right-click your desktop → choose NVIDIA Control Panel.
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Go to Display > Set up multiple displays.
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Uncheck the second monitor.
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Click Apply.
For AMD Users:
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Right-click desktop → choose AMD Radeon Settings or Adrenalin Edition.
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Go to Display.
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Toggle off the secondary display.
For Intel Graphics:
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Open Intel Graphics Command Center.
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Navigate to Display > Multiple Displays.
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Uncheck the secondary display and click Apply.
✅ This method is useful if you’re troubleshooting multi-GPU setups or driver conflicts.
⚙️ Method 5: Disconnect the Monitor Physically
If you want a more permanent or hardware-based solution, simply disconnect the monitor.
Steps:
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Power off your PC or put it to sleep.
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Unplug the HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable from your second monitor.
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Turn your PC back on.
💡 Tip: If you reconnect the monitor later, Windows 11 automatically restores your previous display settings.
🪄 Method 6: Turn Off Second Monitor Temporarily (Without Disconnecting)
Sometimes you don’t want to disconnect — just turn off the display.
Two Simple Options:
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Use the monitor’s power button to turn it off manually.
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Or put the monitor to sleep by setting a short screen timeout:
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Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery > Screen and sleep.
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Set the secondary screen to turn off after a few minutes of inactivity.
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This saves energy and avoids unnecessary wear on the display.
🧾 Method 7: Disable Second Monitor for Specific Apps or Games
Some games or programs automatically use multiple monitors. If you prefer running them on just one screen:
Option 1: Change Display Settings in the Game
Most modern games let you choose your display under Settings > Display or Graphics → select Display 1 only.
Option 2: Set a Primary Display in Windows
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Go to Settings > System > Display.
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Select your main monitor.
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Scroll down and check Make this my main display.
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Then disconnect or disable the secondary one.
This ensures apps always launch on your preferred screen.
🧱 Method 8: Use Windows Terminal or Command Line
For advanced users, you can use DisplaySwitch.exe to quickly control display modes.
Commands:
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PC screen only:
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Duplicate:
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Extend:
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Second screen only:
Run these commands in Command Prompt or Run (Windows + R) for instant changes.
🔎 How to Re-Enable Your Second Monitor
If you’ve disabled your second display and want it back:
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Go to Settings > System > Display.
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Click Detect under Multiple Displays.
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Choose Extend or Duplicate to re-enable it.
Windows will remember your last arrangement and resolution automatically.
🚨 Troubleshooting: When Your Second Monitor Won’t Turn Off
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Second screen still active | Driver issue | Update display drivers via Device Manager |
| Display auto-enables after restart | Fast Startup enabled | Disable Fast Startup in Power Options |
| Monitor shows “No Signal” but stays on | Power setting issue | Turn off monitor manually |
| Games open on wrong screen | Incorrect main display | Reassign primary display in Settings |
💡 Bonus Tip: Use Display Profiles for Quick Switching
If you often switch between dual-monitor and single-monitor setups, create custom display profiles.
How:
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Use DisplayFusion or MultiMonitorTool (third-party apps).
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Save a profile for single-display mode and another for dual-display mode.
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Switch between them instantly with a shortcut.
Perfect for gamers, streamers, or professionals who switch display setups often.
🧠 Difference Between Disabling and Disconnecting a Monitor
| Action | Effect | Recommended When |
|---|---|---|
| Disable via Settings | Turns off display signal, keeps settings saved | Everyday use |
| Disable via Device Manager | Fully removes from Windows recognition | Troubleshooting |
| Unplug physically | Cuts power and connection | Permanent removal |
| Turn off power manually | Saves energy, quick toggle | Short-term use |
🏁 Conclusion: Simplify Your Screen Setup
Disabling your second monitor in Windows 11 is easy — and you have plenty of options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the Windows + P shortcut for quick switching, using Settings for a clean setup, or Device Manager for full control, each method works seamlessly.
With just a few clicks, you can focus better, save energy, and streamline your workspace — then turn your second screen back on whenever you need it.
❓FAQs: How to Disable Second Monitor on Windows 11
1. Will disabling a second monitor affect my display settings?
No — Windows 11 remembers your settings, resolution, and arrangement when you re-enable the screen.
2. Can I disable only the external monitor on a laptop?
Yes. Press Windows + P → select PC screen only to turn off the external display.
3. My second monitor keeps turning back on — what should I do?
Disable Fast Startup or check for driver updates in Device Manager. Some updates re-enable connected monitors automatically.
4. Can I disable one monitor while gaming?
Yes. Disable it via Windows + P or in your GPU Control Panel to improve performance.
5. Is there a shortcut to turn off a monitor directly?
Yes — use Windows + P, then select PC screen only. Or use DisplaySwitch.exe /internal from Run dialog.
✅ Key Takeaway:
Learning how to disable a second monitor on Windows 11 helps you manage focus, save resources, and troubleshoot faster. With these simple steps, you can switch between single and dual-display setups effortlessly — anytime you want.