How to Enable or Disable Remembering Window Positions on Multiple Screens in Windows 11
Remembering window positions on multiple screens in Windows 11 is a display feature that saves your app layouts so windows return to their correct monitors when you disconnect and reconnect displays. This setting stops apps from piling up on your primary screen every time you undock your laptop or plug into an external monitor.
Open Settings, go to System and then Display, and select Multiple displays to change this feature.
Enable or disable remembering window positions in Windows 11 by going to Settings System Display Multiple displays. Check or uncheck “Remember window locations based on monitor connection” to control this feature. This setting restores your apps to their previous screen positions.
How to Enable or Disable Remembering Window Positions Using Settings
You can turn on or off the feature that saves app locations across multiple screens using the main Settings app in Windows 11. This stops apps from jumping around when you disconnect or turn off an extra monitor. Press Win+I to open Settings , go to System, and then click Display to find the switch.
- Press Win+I to open Settings .
- Click on System on the left menu.
- Select Display on the right side.
- Scroll down until you see Multiple displays.
- Click the arrow next to it to expand the options.
- Find the option that says Remember window locations based on monitor connection.
- Check the box to turn this on. Uncheck it to turn it off.
- Close Settings when you’re done.
Click here to open Display Settings directly
Windows Display Settings tile
Windows 11 remembers window locations based on monitor
How to Enable or Disable Remembering Window Positions Using the Registry (Advanced)
Backing up the database beforehand prevents permanent data loss. 🚨 Administrator privileges are mandatory to execute this method.
To Enable (This is the default setting):
You can also use Command Prompt to change this setting. Advanced users often prefer this text-based approach, which requires an elevated terminal window and a precise execution string.
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v RestorePreviousStateRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /fTo Disable:
Disabling the feature requires launching an elevated Command Prompt and running this specific command:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v RestorePreviousStateRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fRebooting the PC applies the updated Registry keys.
Summary
Windows 11 multiple screens settings let you control whether your computer remembers where open apps were placed on each monitor. Turning this feature on saves you time by putting windows back on the correct screen every time you plug in an extra display. You can change this behavior at any time using the Settings app.- Windows 11 can remember where you last placed your windows on different monitors.
- You can turn this feature on or off using Settings. This is the easiest way.
- You can also change this setting using the Registry if you're comfortable with advanced settings.
- This feature helps keep your workspace organized when you connect or disconnect monitors.
- Adjusting this setting lets you customize how your windows behave across multiple screens.
- For more help, check out Microsoft Support's guide on using multiple monitors.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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