How to Enable or Disable Remembering Window Positions on Multiple Screens in Windows 11
Windows 11 remembers where you last placed application windows across multiple screens. This means when you reopen an app, it reappears in the exact spot it was in before you closed it. This feature helps keep your workspace tidy, especially if you use more than one monitor.
This automatic window placement is a setting within Windows 11 that can be turned on or off. It works by saving the position of each app when you shut it down. Then, the next time you launch that same application, Windows 11 brings it back to its saved location.
This setting is particularly useful when you disconnect and reconnect external displays, as it restores your entire desktop layout automatically. You can control this behavior directly within your Windows 11 Settings menu.
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
Windows 11 can remember where you last put your app windows when you use multiple screens. You can easily turn this helpful feature on or off right in the Settings app. This guide will show you exactly where to find the setting so you can pick what works best for you.
- Press Windows key + 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)
To Enable (This is the default setting):
If you want to manually turn on or off the feature that remembers window positions on Windows 11 multiple screens, you can use the Command Prompt. This method is more advanced and requires you to open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type a specific command.
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v RestorePreviousStateRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /fTo Disable:
To disable it, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type this command:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v RestorePreviousStateRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fSummary
Windows 11 makes using multiple screens easier by remembering where you put your app windows. You can quickly turn this feature on or off in the Settings app. For those who like more control, you can also adjust this window positioning behavior using the Registry editor.- 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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