To disable a display in Windows 10 without unplugging it, open Settings > System > Display, select the monitor you want to turn off, and choose Disconnect this display from the Multiple displays menu. For a faster switch, press Windows + P and choose PC screen only or Second screen only.
Both methods leave the cable plugged in, and you can turn the display back on at any time. The same steps work on Windows 11, where Multiple displays is a section on the Display page.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Press Windows + P and select PC screen only to use only your main display, or Second screen only to turn off the laptop screen.
Method 1: Disconnect a Display in Settings
Use this method when you have two or more external monitors and want to turn off one specific monitor.
- Right-click the desktop and select Display settings.
- At the top, select the numbered box for the display you want to turn off. Select Identify if you’re not sure which number is which.
- Scroll to Multiple displays and open the menu.
- Select Disconnect this display.
- Select Keep changes within 15 seconds. If you don’t, Windows switches back.
To turn it back on, go to the same page, select the grayed-out display, and choose Extend desktop to this display.
Method 2: Use Windows + P
- Press Windows + P.
- Choose one of the options:
- PC screen only: shows only display 1 (on a laptop, the built-in screen).
- Duplicate: shows the same image on both.
- Extend: uses both as one large desktop.
- Second screen only: turns off the main screen and uses only the external one.
Windows + P only handles two displays well. With three or more, use Method 1.
Method 3: Turn Off a Laptop Screen When the Lid Is Closed
- Search for Control Panel and open it.
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does.
- Set When I close the lid to Do nothing for Plugged in.
- Select Save changes. Now you can close the lid and keep working on the external monitor.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Goal | Best method |
|---|---|
| Turn off one of three or more monitors | Settings: Disconnect this display |
| Switch quickly between one and two screens | Windows + P |
| Use only an external monitor with a laptop | Second screen only, or close the lid |
| Keep a TV connected but off | Disconnect this display |
If you keep a second monitor on and want certain apps to start there, see how to make a program open on a specific monitor.
To move windows between screens instead, see how to move apps to another monitor.
Troubleshooting
- “Disconnect this display” is missing: You selected your main display. Windows can’t disconnect the main one; choose another display, or make another one the main display first with Make this my main display.
- The display turns back on after sleep: Some graphics drivers restore the last layout. Update the graphics driver, or use Windows + P after waking.
- Windows are stuck off-screen: Press Windows + Shift + Left or Right arrow to move the active window to a visible screen.
- You want to disable it in Device Manager: Avoid this. Disabling the “Generic PnP Monitor” entry doesn’t reliably turn off the screen, and disabling the display adapter can leave you with a black screen.
Setting up screens again later? Our guide to dual screens on Windows 10 covers arranging and extending displays, and you can rotate a display sideways from the same page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disconnecting a display save power?
Windows stops sending a signal, and most monitors go into standby. Turn the monitor off with its power button to save the most power.
Will my desktop icons move?
Windows moves open windows and icons to the remaining display. They usually return when you extend again, but you may need to rearrange some.
Summary
- Open Settings > System > Display and select the display.
- Choose Disconnect this display under Multiple displays.
- Use Windows + P for quick switching between two screens.
- Select Extend to bring the display back.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.