Changing your primary display from display 1 to display 2 in Windows 10 is a straightforward process. It involves adjusting your display settings to switch the primary monitor. Here’s a quick overview: Open ‘Settings’, navigate to ‘System’, select ‘Display’, identify your monitors, and choose the primary display option for your desired screen.
How to Change Display 1 to Display 2 in Windows 10
This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to switch your primary display from display 1 to display 2 on Windows 10.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting ‘Settings’.
To find ‘Settings’, look for the gear icon on the Start menu or use the shortcut by pressing ‘Windows key + I’.
Step 2: Go to System
Select ‘System’ from the settings menu.
The ‘System’ option contains various settings for your computer’s hardware and software, including display settings.
Step 3: Click on Display
Once you’re in the ‘System’ menu, click on ‘Display’.
The ‘Display’ section is where you can adjust screen resolution, orientation, and multiple display settings.
Step 4: Identify Your Displays
Click on the ‘Identify’ button to see numbers on your screens, indicating which is Display 1 and which is Display 2.
Identifying your displays is essential to avoid confusion and ensure you’re selecting the correct monitor.
Step 5: Select the Primary Display
Click on the screen number you want to set as your primary display, then scroll down and check the box that says ‘Make this my main display’.
Setting your main display ensures that your taskbar, Start menu, and other primary functions appear on the selected monitor.
Step 6: Apply the Changes
After selecting your primary display, click ‘Apply’ to save your changes.
You might notice your screens flicker for a moment as the settings are applied, but this is normal and indicates the changes are taking effect.
After you complete these steps, your selected monitor will now act as the primary display. This means your taskbar, Start menu, and other main functionalities will appear on this screen.
Tips for How to Change Display 1 to Display 2 in Windows 10
- Make sure all your monitors are connected and powered on before you start adjusting the display settings.
- If your screens aren’t displaying the correct numbers, try clicking ‘Detect’ in the display settings.
- You can use the ‘Windows key + P’ shortcut to quickly switch between display modes, including ‘Extend’ and ‘Duplicate’.
- Keep your display drivers updated to avoid any compatibility issues or bugs.
- Adjust the resolution settings for each display to ensure both screens are showing content at the optimal quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my displays identify correctly?
Sometimes, display settings can get mixed up. Try disconnecting and reconnecting your monitors or restarting your computer.
How do I revert to my original display settings?
Simply follow the same steps and select the original primary display. Click ‘Apply’ to save the changes.
Can I set different wallpapers for each display?
Yes, right-click on the desktop, select ‘Personalize’, and under ‘Background’, choose a different wallpaper for each monitor.
What if my screens are flickering after changing the display?
Screen flickering can result from outdated drivers. Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
Is it possible to rotate the display orientation?
Yes, in the display settings, you can choose to rotate the screen orientation to Portrait or Landscape.
Summary of How to Change Display 1 to Display 2 in Windows 10
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click on Display
- Identify Your Displays
- Select the Primary Display
- Apply the Changes
Conclusion
Changing your primary display in Windows 10 is an essential skill, especially if you use multiple monitors for work or gaming. By following these simple steps, you can easily switch your main display to fit your needs. Make sure to utilize the tips provided to enhance your experience and troubleshoot any potential issues.
Remember, keeping your display drivers up to date can prevent many common issues and ensure a smoother transition when changing settings.
If you found this guide useful, consider sharing it with others who might need help with their display settings. For more detailed information about Windows 10 features, be sure to check out other articles on our website.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.