How to Choose a Display Mode on Your Windows 11 PC
Display modes in Windows 11 let you control how your desktop appears across multiple screens when you hook up an extra monitor, TV, or projector. You can pick from 4 distinct options to mirror your main screen, stretch your desktop across both displays, or show your work on only one screen.
Pressing the Win and the P key together opens the Project menu on the right side of your screen so you can switch between these modes in seconds.
Press Win+P to open the Project menu. Select “PC screen only,” “Duplicate,” “Extend,” or “Second screen only” to choose your display mode.
How to Access Display Modes in 🪟 Windows 11
Skip the settings app entirely when managing multiple displays. Press the Win plus P to open the projection sidebar instantly.
Press the Magic Combination
On your keyboard, press and hold the Win (it looks like a flag) and then press the P key. A small menu will appear on the right side of your screen.
Understanding Your Display Mode Options
Use this menu to control what appears on each screen. Windows 11 offers four main display modes to choose from.
1PC screen only
PC screen only is a windows 11 display modes setting that turns off all connected external monitors and shows your desktop only on your primary screen. Choose this option when you want to disconnect from a projector or extra monitor and work using just your laptop or main computer screen.
What it does: Disables any other connected screens so your main display is the only one showing content. This mode helps save power and routes everything back to your laptop screen.
Using 'PC screen only' is useful when you're on a laptop and don't need to share your screen. This mode helps ensure all content returns to your main monitor after disconnecting an external display. It can also save a bit of power when no extra screens are active.
2Duplicate
Duplicate is one of the main windows 11 display modes that copies everything from your primary monitor onto a second connected screen or projector. Use this setting during presentations or meetings when you need people in the room to see the exact same thing you see on your display.
Everything you see on your main screen will appear identically on the external display.
This mode mirrors your primary screen onto a projector or TV, showing the exact same content on both displays. It helps during presentations or meetings by letting an audience follow along easily. Duplicate display mode also helps collaboration by letting a partner view work on a bigger screen.
3Extend
Extend is a windows 11 display modes option that turns your extra monitors into one large, combined workspace so you can drag apps and windows across multiple screens. Select this setting when you need more room to multitask by spreading your open programs across different displays.
What it does: It makes your connected external screen(s) function as an extension of your main desktop. You gain a larger workspace that spans across all your connected screens. You can move windows and applications between screens, providing more room for your tasks.
Snap Layouts (a feature for arranging open windows side by side) helps manage many tasks at once. You can keep email open on one screen while writing a document on another. Another common scenario involves displaying notes on one monitor and typing on a separate one. Gamers may use Snap Layouts for a deeper experience, though duplicate displays are more typical for gaming.
4Second screen only
Second screen only is among the available windows 11 display modes that shuts off your laptop or primary monitor and sends all video output to an external screen or projector. Choose this setting when you want to use a closed laptop with a large desktop monitor or present from a projector.
Your primary laptop screen or monitor will be turned off.
Using a Windows 11 PC with an external display, keyboard, and mouse is useful when treating a laptop like a desktop. Closing the laptop lid will not turn off the external display, which saves desk space. This setup also helps if the laptop's built-in screen has issues or if the user prefers the larger external monitor.
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Summary
In Windows 11, changing your display mode takes only a moment when using Windows key + P and selecting 'PC screen only,' 'Duplicate,' 'Extend,' or 'Second screen only' to fit your needs.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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