If you’re tired of your game minimizing every time you click away onto your second monitor, you’re not alone. Windows 11 users with dual monitors can easily fix this issue. By adjusting your display settings, updating graphics drivers, and tweaking some software preferences, you can keep your game running smoothly on one screen while multitasking on the other. With just a few steps, you’ll be able to enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience alongside your multitasking endeavors.
How to Stop Games Minimizing Dual Monitors Windows 11
To keep your game from minimizing every time you click on your second monitor, follow these steps. You’ll be able to game on one screen and multitask on the other without disruptions.
Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers
First, update your graphics drivers to ensure compatibility with dual monitors and improve performance.
To update, go to your device manager, find your graphics card under “Display adapters,” right-click it, and select “Update driver.” This will prompt Windows to search for the latest drivers or you can download them from the manufacturer’s website.
Step 2: Adjust Display Settings
Next, adjust your display settings to set the main monitor for gaming and reduce interruptions.
In Windows 11, right-click on your desktop, choose “Display settings,” then select the monitor you want as your primary display. Check the “Make this my main display” box to set it as the primary monitor.
Step 3: Disable Game Mode
Game Mode might interfere with dual monitor setups, so it’s best to disable it.
Open Settings, click on “Gaming,” then “Game Mode.” Turn off Game Mode to prevent it from taking over your system resources while gaming.
Step 4: Use Borderless Windowed Mode
For smoother multitasking, switch your game to borderless windowed mode if available.
In your game’s settings, look for the display options and select “Borderless Windowed” mode. This allows you to switch between monitors without minimizing the game.
Step 5: Enable Focus Assist
Focus Assist can help minimize distractions while you game on one screen.
To enable Focus Assist, go to Settings, click on “System,” then “Focus Assist,” and choose a setting that suits your needs, such as “Priority only” to limit notifications.
After following these steps, your game should no longer minimize when you click on your second monitor. Your main game will remain active on one screen, allowing you to manage other tasks on the second screen without disruptions.
Tips to Stop Games Minimizing Dual Monitors Windows 11
- Ensure your monitors have matching refresh rates to reduce screen flicker when switching between displays.
- Check for Windows updates regularly to keep system performance optimized for multitasking.
- Minimize background applications to free up resources and prevent lag during gaming.
- Use third-party software, like DisplayFusion, to manage multiple monitors efficiently.
- Consider upgrading hardware if performance issues persist, as newer graphics cards handle dual monitors better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my game minimize when I click on my second monitor?
This usually happens because the game is in full-screen mode, which loses focus when you click on another screen.
Will these steps affect my game’s performance?
Adjusting settings like Game Mode and display configurations might improve performance, as they allocate resources better.
What if my game doesn’t have a borderless windowed mode?
If this option isn’t available, you can use software like Borderless Gaming to simulate it.
Can I still use Game Mode with dual monitors?
While you can, it’s best disabled for dual monitors as it can interfere with non-gaming tasks.
How often should I update my graphics drivers?
It’s good practice to check for updates monthly or whenever you experience graphics issues.
Summary
- Update graphics drivers.
- Adjust display settings.
- Disable Game Mode.
- Use borderless windowed mode.
- Enable Focus Assist.
Conclusion
Dual monitors are a blessing for multitaskers, but nothing is more frustrating than having your game minimize every time you switch screens. With Windows 11, stopping games from minimizing on dual monitors is not just a possibility but an easy fix. By updating your drivers, adjusting display settings, and turning off Game Mode, you can create a seamless gaming experience. These settings ensure that your game maintains focus on one monitor, keeping interruptions at bay.
Remember, technology is meant to work for you, not against you. If your game keeps minimizing, don’t just bear with it—fix it! With these simple steps, you can reclaim control over your dual-monitor setup and enjoy the best of both gaming and multitasking worlds. Keep exploring and tinkering with your setup, and soon enough, you’ll become a pro at optimizing your system for all your needs. That ultimate gaming experience with the dual monitors you’ve always dreamed of? It’s just a few clicks away!
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.