How to Change Your Main Screen in Windows 11

If you have more than one screen connected to your Windows 11 computer, you can choose which one is your main screen. The main screen is where your taskbar, clock, and most apps will open by default.

Here’s an easy guide to help you pick your main display, using simple steps.

Option 1: Change Your Main Screen Using Windows Settings

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on System on the left, then select Display on the right.

    Open Display Settings
  3. At the top, you’ll see pictures of your screens labeled with numbers. Click the screen you want to be your main one.

    If you’re not sure which screen is which, click the Identify button. Numbers will briefly show up on each screen.
  4. Scroll down and click on Multiple displays to expand the options.
  5. Check the box that says Make this my main display.
  6. If the box is already checked and grayed out, that screen is already your main display.
  7. When done, you can close the Settings window.
Windows Display Settings tile
Windows Display Settings tile
windows 11 make this my main display
windows 11 make this my main display

Option 2: Change Main Screen Using NVIDIA Control Panel

Use this only if your PC has an NVIDIA graphics card and drivers installed.

  1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel. You can find it by right-clicking the desktop and selecting it.
  2. In the left menu, click Set up multiple displays under Display.
  3. Right-click the number of the screen you want as your main display, then click Make primary.
  4. Click Apply.
  5. A confirmation message will appear. Click Yes within 20 seconds to keep the change, or it will revert.
  6. Close the NVIDIA Control Panel when you’re finished.
NVIDIA Control Panel display settings resolution options


Option 3: Change Main Screen Using Intel Graphics Control Panel

Use this if your PC has Intel graphics and drivers installed.

  1. Open Intel Graphics Control Panel from the Start menu (look under All Apps).
  2. Click the Display icon at the bottom.
  3. In the left menu, click Multiple Displays.
  4. Choose the display you want as your main screen from the Primary Display drop-down menu.
  5. Click Apply.
  6. Click Yes to confirm the change within 15 seconds, or it will go back.
  7. Close the Intel Graphics Control Panel when done.
Intel graphics main display monitor selection interface

Option 4: Change Main Screen Using AMD Radeon Settings

Use this if your PC has AMD graphics and drivers installed.

  1. Open AMD Radeon Settings.
  2. Click on Display.
  3. Select the display you want to be your main screen.
  4. Turn on the Preferred Display switch.
  5. You can now close the AMD Radeon Settings.

Summary

  • The main display is the screen where important things like your taskbar and notifications show up.
  • You can change your main display through Windows Settings or your graphics card’s control panel, depending on what type of graphics you have.
  • Each method is easy and quick to do.
  • Make sure to confirm your choice if the system asks, or the change will go back.
  • Following these steps will help you use your multiple monitors the way you want.

By picking your main screen, you can make your computer easier and more comfortable to use every day!

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