If you’re sick of dragging your program windows across all your screens every time you turn on your PC, this guide’s for you. Windows 11 actually has a sneaky way to remember which monitor apps should open on—does the trick most of the time, honest. If you set things up right, your favourite apps should pop up on the right monitor without faffing about. No more window wars or trying to snap everything into place every blasted time. It’s all about making your workspace smarter and a lot less annoying.
How to Make a Program Open on a Specific Monitor in Windows 11
The gist is to get Windows to “remember” where your apps like to hang out. Most modern programs do this automatically if they save their last window position. But some older or stubborn ones forget quicker than you can say “Why, Windows?” No worries—here’s what to do.
Move the program after launching it
- Open up the app you want on a specific monitor—like your favourite browser, code editor, or messaging app.
- Once it’s open, drag the window over to your preferred monitor. It helps if you maximise it or resize a bit so Windows can remember where it is.
- Pro tip: Sometimes dragging with the mouse doesn’t cut it, so you might need to use keyboard shortcuts like Win + Shift + Left/Right arrow to snap it onto the right screen.
On some setups, this might do the trick. But if the app keeps opening on the wrong monitor, keep reading.
Close the program while it’s on the right monitor
- Make sure the app is still on your preferred screen before closing it.
- Then, close it normally—don’t minimise, actually close the window.
This signals to Windows that the app should reopen on that monitor next time. Sometimes, it takes a couple of tries, so don’t stress if it doesn’t happen straight away.
Re-open and check if it sticks
- Launch the app again and see if it pops up on the right monitor. If not, redo the move and close steps. Windows can be a bit fussy sometimes.
If it still doesn’t stick, here are a few more options to try.
Look into app-specific or system-wide settings
- Many apps have their own multi-monitor settings. For example, browsers like Chrome or Edge tend to remember their last position if you close them while on your preferred monitor. Have a squiz in the app’s settings for anything about window position or startup habits.
- Check your display setup in Settings > System > Display. Make sure Windows recognises your monitors correctly and that they’re arranged right. Sometimes, Windows gets the monitors mixed up.
- Use Snap Layouts (Win + Z) to quickly arrange your windows where you want—they can help in setting things up the first time.
Try third-party software if you’re having a nightmare
- If apps still won’t behave, tools like DisplayFusion or UltraMon can do the heavy lifting. They let you force apps to open on specific screens reliably, offering much more control than Windows alone.
- These programs often let you set up rules or profiles for particular apps and monitor setup. Some apps just don’t follow Windows’ last-position memory, so a third-party fix might be the handy option.
Just a heads up—sometimes the process is a bit hit or miss, especially with certain apps or multi-monitor arrangements. A bit of patience and fiddling might be needed before everything sticks properly.
Tips for Making a Program Open on A Specific Monitor in Windows 11
- Make sure your monitors are set up properly in Settings > System > Display. Windows sometimes swaps monitor labels, which can cause confusion.
- Using Snap Layouts (Win + Z) makes positioning much easier and can help Windows remember where you want apps to go.
- Check the app’s own settings—some have dedicated multi-monitor options or last-position memory.
- If you’ve got third-party tools, set up profiles for your fave apps, assigning each to a specific monitor for less hassle.
- Keep in mind, some apps just aren’t great at this—sometimes, third-party solutions are your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t my program remember which monitor I set?
Some apps just don’t save their window position properly or forget after a restart. Display driver problems or shifting monitor setups can also muck things up, especially if you often rearrange your screens.
Will this work for all programs?
Most modern apps will remember where they were last closed, but some older or quirky ones might be stubborn. For those, third-party tools are often the way to go.
Does my monitor setup affect this?
Absolutely. Make sure your displays are correctly recognised in Display Settings. If Windows is confused about which monitor is which, apps might open on the wrong screen or flicker like crazy.
How do I reset my monitor arrangement?
Head to Settings > System > Display and try rearranging or resetting your layout. Sometimes, unplugging and replugging your monitors helps Windows re-recognise them properly.
Can I automate this with software?
You sure can. Tools like DisplayFusion or UltraMon can set rules so your apps always open on the right monitor. Might take a bit of setting up but well worth it if you’re often on the same setup.
Summary
- Open your app and drag it to the monitor you want.
- Close the app while it’s on that monitor.
- Reopen and see if it remembers.
- If not, check app settings or use third-party tools.
- Make sure your display setup in Windows is all sorted out.
Wrap-up