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Steam: How to Choose which Monitor a Game opens on
Learn to configure your games to start on your preferred monitor
3 min. read
Updated onJuly 24, 2024
updated onJuly 24, 2024
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Multi-monitor setups are very common nowadays, especially when you are an avid gamer.
These can sometimes replace the need to buy ultra-wide and curvedmonitors, and they also allow you to multitask while gaming.
However, whenever you launch a game, the default setting is to make it appear on your primarymonitor.
If for some reason you want to make your games launch on your othermonitors, then all you need to do is follow the steps written in the guide below. And we also have a simple guide ontroubleshooting games opening on the wrong display, so don’t hesitate to take a closer look.
How can I change which monitor a game opens on?
1. Use a dedicated multi-monitor management tool
Before proceeding with any of the solutions and workarounds listed in this article, the first thing you should consider is the use of a dedicated multi-monitor management tool.
These tools usually allow you to perform all manner of desktop enhancements and modifications in a fast and simple manner.
In the case at hand, playing your games on othermonitorsother than your primary one can be easily achieved with DisplayFusion.
This software tool is an extremely lightweight multi-monitor management tool that will allow you to increase your productivity and the number of things you can do when using your setup.
Here are some of the perks of using DisplayFusion:
⇒Get DisplayFusion
2. How to change which monitor Steam plays games on?
Besides using dedicated multi-monitor software tools, there are also tricks and workarounds that you can use to make games run on your secondary monitors.
You can force Steam to open a game on the monitor of your choice in various methods, depending on your preferences.
- Run the game inWindowed modeand drag it to the screen you want.
If you don’t knowhow to run Steam games in Windowed mode, follow the steps from our in-depth guide.
- Set the second monitor as a primary monitor in Windows.
If yoursecond monitor is not detected, try the troubleshooting steps from our dedicated article.
- Run the game in borderless windowed mode and useShift+Win+Arrow Rightto move it to the right.
Do note that this method might leave a gap the size of your taskbar on the secondary monitor.
- Add the following launch option for Steam via the app’s built-in settings:-sdl_displayindex
In order to specify which monitor you want Steam to open the game in, simply modify the with your monitor’s number.
For example, if you want Steam to open the game with the monitor that’s assigned via Windows settings to be your first, use this command:-sdl_displayindex 0
- Lastly, some games allow you to choose a monitor when in fullscreen or borderless windowed mode.
3. Make CS: GO open on different monitor
Since Counter-Strike;Global Offensiveis exclusively aSteamgame, all of the methods presented above will work just as well with CS: GO.
4. Make Fortnite open on another monitor
UnlikeSteamgames, you can easily switchFortnitefrom fullscreen to windowed mode from the video settings. Once you’ve done that, simply mode thewindowsto a secondmonitor.
However, if you want to playFortnitein fullscreen mode you secondarymonitor, your only choice is to set the secondmonitoras a primarymonitorin Windows.
5. Make Overwatch open on a different monitor
Similarly to the first two solutions, thisBlizzardtitle can also be launched on a secondarymonitorif you use the following two methods:
By following the right steps or by using the right tools, you should be able to play your favorite games from your secondarymonitor, while still using the primary one to perform other tasks.
If this guide wasn’t helpful, check our guide on how tomove a game to another monitorto learn more.
Let us know which of the methods did you use by leaving us a message in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,Epic Store,Fortnite issues,Multi-monitor guides,Overwatch issues,Steam Guides
Teodor Nechita
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related.
When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a stroll in the park, trying to find inspiration for the next articles he may write.
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