How to Change Your Main Screen in Windows 11

Do you have more than one screen hooked up to your Windows 11 computer? You can pick which one is your main screen. Your main screen is where your taskbar, clock, and most of your apps will open by default. Let’s walk through some simple ways to do this.

Option 1: Change Your Main Screen Using Windows Settings

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click on System on the left side, then click Display on the right side. Open Display Settings
3. At the top, you’ll see pictures of your screens with numbers on them. Click the screen you want to be your main one.
4. Not sure which screen is which? Click the Identify button. Numbers will pop up briefly on each screen so you can tell them apart.
5. Scroll down and click on Multiple displays to see more options.
6. Look for the box that says Make this my main display and check it.
7. If that box is already checked and looks grayed out, then that screen is already your main display.
8. When you’re done, close the Settings window.

Option 2: Change Main Screen Using NVIDIA Control Panel

Only use this if your PC has an NVIDIA graphics card and drivers installed.

1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel. Right-click on your desktop and look for it in the menu.
2. In the left menu, find Set up multiple displays under Display.
3. Right-click on the screen number you want as your main display, then click Make primary.
4. Click Apply.
5. A message will pop up asking you to confirm. Click Yes within 20 seconds to keep the change. If you don’t click Yes in time, it will go back to how it was.
6. Close the NVIDIA Control Panel when you’re finished.

Option 3: Change Main Screen Using Intel Graphics Control Panel

Only 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. From the Primary Display drop-down menu, choose the display you want as your main screen.
5. Click Apply.
6. Click Yes to confirm the change within 15 seconds. If you don’t click Yes in time, it will go back to the way it was.
7. Close the Intel Graphics Control Panel when done.

Option 4: Change Main Screen Using AMD Radeon Settings

Only 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

Your main display is the screen where important things show up. This includes your taskbar, notifications, and where most of your apps open.

You can change your main display through Windows Settings or through your graphics card’s control panel. Which method you use depends on what type of graphics your computer has.

Each method is easy and quick to do. Just follow the steps that match your setup.

Make sure to confirm your choice if the system asks you to. If you don’t confirm, the change will go back to how it was before.

Following these steps will help you set up your multiple monitors exactly how you want them. By picking your main screen, you can make your computer easier and more comfortable to use every day!