Fixing Games Launching on the Incorrect Monitor

Step 1: Move the Game to the Correct Monitor

Follow these instructions to manually move your game:

1. Right-click the game icon in the Taskbar and select Restore from the preview.
2. Hover over the game, right-click on the preview screen, and select Move.
3. Use Windows + Shift + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to shift the game display.
4. Click the Restore button to switch the game to windowed mode, then close it.
5. Restart the game and check if it now opens on the correct monitor.

Pro Tip: Ensure all monitors are properly connected before starting.

Step 2: Adjust Your Display Settings

Follow these steps to ensure your display settings are optimized:

1. Start Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. End all related game processes via the Processes tab.
2. Open Settings with Windows + I and navigate to System then to Display.
3. Under Display Resolution, adjust to the recommended resolution from the dropdown.
4. Choose the problematic monitor and select Show only on 1, then restart your computer.
5. Launch the game from the correct monitor, exiting via Step 1. Re-enable the incorrect monitor if needed.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for software updates, which can also affect display configurations.

Step 3: Set the Desired Monitor as Primary

Designate your primary display to avoid automatic launch issues:

1. Open Settings with Windows + I and navigate to System, then to Display.
2. Under Multiple Displays, select the correct monitor and check Make this my main display.
3. Restart your computer to apply these changes.

Pro Tip: Switching the primary monitor can drastically improve your gaming launch experience.

Step 4: Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts

Use the following keyboard shortcuts to simplify monitor selection:

1. Start your game and press Windows + P to open the Project settings.
2. Select Second Screen Only to bring your game back to the main monitor.
3. Press Windows + P, then choose Choose PC screen only.
4. Fully close the game using Task Manager and relaunch it.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different display options while the game is running for the best outcome.

Step 5: Modify Display Settings if Using Steam

Adjusting Steam settings can also help resolve display issues:

1. Open Steam by pressing the Windows key, typing Steam, and clicking Open.
2. In your Library, right-click the affected game and choose Properties.
3. Select General and check the Launch Options area on the right side.
4. Ensure the box is empty or contains -autoconfigure, then exit Steam and restart your PC.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for updates in Steam for improved compatibility with your games.

Step 6: Update Your Drivers

Keeping your drivers updated can resolve various issues:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to launch Device Manager.
3. Look for devices with a yellow triangle, right-click, and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and apply necessary updates.
5. Repeat for any other drivers that may need attention in different categories.

Pro Tip: Consider using third-party software to automate driver updates for added ease.

Step 7: Reconnect the Secondary Monitor

Reconnect your monitors to ensure all connections are secure:

1. Open Settings with Windows + I and go to System, then Display.
2. Select the secondary monitor and uncheck Remember window locations based on monitor connection.
3. Change the setting to Extend these displays and then select Show only on 1.
4. Now disconnect and reconnect the cable for the secondary monitor.

Pro Tip: This process can help troubleshoot connection issues that might cause games to launch on the wrong monitor.

Why does my game keep opening on the wrong monitor?

Can updating my drivers fix this issue?