If you’re dealing with the frustration of games minimizing on dual monitors in Windows 11, you’re not alone. This guide will take you through the steps to solve that problem. You’ll learn how to tweak settings in Windows 11 to stop those annoying interruptions. In just a few steps, your gaming experience will become much smoother.
How to Stop Games Minimizing on Dual Monitors in Windows 11
This section will walk you through the steps to adjust your Windows 11 settings so your games stop minimizing when using dual monitors.
Step 1: Open Display Settings
To begin, right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings."
You’ll find this option easily by right-clicking on an empty space on your desktop. This opens up the display settings where you can manage your monitor configurations.
Step 2: Identify Your Monitors
In the display settings, click on "Identify" to see which monitor is which.
This is crucial because it helps you understand which monitor is your primary and which is secondary. You’ll see large numbers appear on your screens, making it clear.
Step 3: Set Primary Monitor
Set the monitor where you want your game to run as the primary monitor by selecting it and checking the box that says "Make this my main display."
This tells Windows 11 where your game should primarily run, reducing the chances of it minimizing when you interact with the second monitor.
Step 4: Adjust Focus Assist
Press “Windows + I” to open Settings, navigate to "System," and then "Focus assist." Set it to "Alarms only."
Focus assist helps you keep interruptions to a minimum. By setting it to "Alarms only," you make sure notifications won’t cause your game to minimize.
Step 5: Check Game Settings
Within the game’s settings, look for options related to "Window Mode" and set it to "Borderless" or "Windowed Fullscreen."
These settings within the game itself can sometimes be the culprit. Switching to these modes often keeps the game from minimizing when you click on the other monitor.
After you complete these steps, your game should no longer minimize when using dual monitors. You should experience smoother transitions between your game and other applications.
Tips for How to Stop Games Minimizing on Dual Monitors in Windows 11
- Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Disable background applications and notifications to reduce interruptions.
- Use third-party software that manages multiple monitor setups.
- Adjust taskbar settings to show the taskbar on all monitors.
- Regularly update your Windows OS to avoid bugs and glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my game minimize when I click on the second monitor?
This happens because the game loses focus, causing it to minimize. Adjusting settings can help.
Can dual monitors affect game performance?
Yes, running games on dual monitors can sometimes impact performance, but it’s usually minimal if your system is powerful enough.
What is the best window mode for dual monitor gaming?
"Borderless Windowed" mode is often the best for dual monitor setups as it allows for easy transition between monitors.
Do I need special software for dual monitor gaming?
While not necessary, special software can optimize your experience and provide more configuration options.
Are there any specific settings in Windows 11 that help with dual monitor gaming?
Yes, setting the primary monitor and using Focus assist are key settings that can help.
Summary of How to Stop Games Minimizing on Dual Monitors in Windows 11
- Open Display settings.
- Identify your monitors.
- Set primary monitor.
- Adjust Focus assist.
- Check game settings.
Conclusion
Tackling the issue of games minimizing on dual monitors in Windows 11 isn’t as daunting as it seems. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll ensure a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. Remember to keep your system updated and make use of Focus assist to fend off those pesky notifications. If you still face issues, exploring third-party software might be the next best step.
The world of dual monitor setups opens up a realm of possibilities, not just for gaming but for productivity as well. Embrace these tips, and you’ll soon find yourself wondering how you ever managed with just one screen. Happy gaming!
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.