How to Enable or Disable Remembering Window Positions on Multiple Screens in Windows 11
Remembering window positions in Windows 11 saves your open app spots across multiple monitors so they pop back up in the exact same place after you close or disconnect them. This built-in setting stops windows from all piling up on your main screen when you plug your laptop into a dock or extra monitor.
You can turn this handy desktop layout saver on or off with just a few clicks in the main display 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 tracks app window coordinates across multiple monitors out of the box. Finding this toggle takes only a few seconds inside the primary configuration menu. This guide maps out the exact path to configure the layout persistence to your preference.
- 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)
To Enable (This is the default setting):
Command Prompt offers a manual toggle for window positioning preferences on multi-monitor setups. 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 anchors application windows to specific displays to streamline multi-monitor workflows. Toggling the feature requires navigating through the primary configuration menu. Advanced administrators can also modify the underlying window positioning behavior through 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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