How to Turn On or off Minimize Windows When a Monitor Is Disconnected in Windows 11

Why Does Windows Do This?

When you disconnect a monitor, Windows 11 has two choices. It can minimize the windows that were on that screen, or it can move them to the primary display so they stay visible. With this setting on, which is the default, Windows minimizes them. You can change that preference, and the change applies to your user account.

What Happens When You Change This Setting?

With the feature turned off, windows no longer vanish into the taskbar 🖥️ when a screen disappears. Windows moves them to the main screen instead, so you can keep working without hunting for your apps. Turn the feature on again if you prefer to have those windows minimized.

How to Change This Setting Using Windows Settings

1. Press the Win+I on your keyboard. The Settings ⚙️ window opens.
2. Look at the left side. Click System.
3. On the right side, click Display.
4. Scroll down and find Multiple displays. Click it to open more options.
5. Look for the option called Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected.
6. Check the box to turn it on. Uncheck the box to turn it off.

The Settings ⚙️ app is the simplest way to change this. It works the same on Windows 11 Home and Pro, and you do not need administrator rights. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings › System › Display The display options for your screens appear.
2. Scroll down and click Multiple displays to expand the section.
3. Find the checkbox Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected.
4. Tick the box to turn the feature on, or clear it to turn the feature off.

If you do not see the option, scroll further down the Display page or connect a second monitor and check again, because some setups only show these options when more than one screen is attached. To undo the change, go back to the same checkbox and set it the way it was.

Windows Display Settings tile

Windows 11 minimize windows on disconnected monitor

Click here to open Display Settings directly

How to Change This Setting Using the Registry (Advanced Users Only)

Back up your system before making changes. A restore point is a quick safety net. If you are unsure about a change, ask someone with technical experience before you go ahead.

To Turn ON Minimize Windows (This Is the Default):

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v MonitorRemovalRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f

To Turn OFF Minimize Windows (Keep Windows on Main Screen):

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v MonitorRemovalRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f

To run these commands, create a new text file, paste the code into it, and save the file with a .reg extension. Double-clicking the saved file applies the changes to the Registry. Windows asks you to confirm, and you may see a User Account Control prompt, so click Yes when it appears. If the setting does not seem to change, sign out and back in, or restart the PC. Then open Settings › System › Display to check that the checkbox matches what you chose.

Summary

• You can control what happens to your windows when you unplug a monitor.
• By default, Windows hides windows on the disconnected monitor.
• You can turn off this feature. Then Windows will move those windows to your main screen instead.
• Change this setting in Windows Settings. It takes just a few clicks.
• Advanced users can also edit the Registry using commands.
• Try both settings. See which one works better for you.

In short, the Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected setting decides whether your open apps are minimized or moved to your main screen when you unplug an extra display. Windows minimizes them by default. You can change this in the Settings app, which is the easier route, or by editing the Registry. Either way, you can switch back whenever you like.