How to Choose a display mode on your Windows 11 PC

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

That menu that popped up? It lets you control what appears on each screen. Windows 11 offers four main display modes. Let’s explore what each one does so you can pick the best fit for your needs.

1PC screen only

Select ‘PC screen only’ when you want to shut off external displays and route everything back to your primary monitor. This setting ensures only your primary screen displays content, which is great if you’re working on a laptop and don’t need to share your view.

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

The Duplicate display mode in Windows 11 is perfect for sharing your screen during presentations or meetings, as it shows the exact same thing on multiple monitors. This setting copies everything from your main screen onto any other connected displays, so everyone can see what you're doing.

Duplicate display mode connects a computer screen to another screen, such as a projector or TV. This mode shows the exact same content on both screens. Duplicate display mode aids presentations by letting an audience see content on a larger screen. Duplicate display mode also helps collaboration by letting a partner view work on a bigger screen.

3Extend

Windows 11's Extend display mode turns your extra monitors into one large workspace, giving you more room to spread out your apps and windows. This setting makes your connected screens work together as a single, bigger desktop, so you can drag programs from one screen to another.

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 Windows 11 feature, 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

The Second screen only display mode in Windows 11 is useful when you want to turn off your main monitor and show everything on an external screen or projector. This setting directs all display output to your connected device, making your primary screen go black.

What it does: It directs the display output solely to the connected external screen or 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.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/screen-mirroring-and-projecting-to-your-pc-or-wireless-display-5af9f371-c704-1c7f-8f0d-fa607551d09c#id0ebd=windows_11

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.