Introduction:
The allure of a dual-monitor setup is undeniable: It increases productivity, multitasking mastery, and even enhanced gaming experiences.
But when it comes to running games on your secondary monitor, a new question arises: should you use fullscreen or borderless windowed mode?
This guide delves into Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display, equipping you to make an informed decision and conquer the two-monitor gaming frontier!
Why Fullscreen Isn’t Ideal (and Borderless Is Your Ally)
The beauty of a dual-monitor setup lies in its versatility, but running games in fullscreen mode on your secondary monitor can be a frustrating experience.
Here’s why:
The Default Dilemma:
Applications, including games, often default to launching in fullscreen mode on your primary monitor. This can be inconvenient if you want the game displayed on your secondary monitor, forcing you to manually drag the window across.
The Fullscreen Frustration:
Fullscreen mode treats the game as the sole occupant of your screen. This means you can’t access other applications or even your desktop without minimizing the game, disrupting your workflow or gameplay flow if you need to quickly reference something on your primary monitor.
The Borderless Window Savior:
This is where the borderless windowed warrior steps in. By running your game in Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display, you unlock a realm of possibilities:
- Freely Flowing Functionality: Borderless windowed mode allows the game window to behave like any other application. You can easily drag and drop it to your secondary monitor, ensuring the game occupies the desired screen real estate.
- Multitasking Maestro: Unlike fullscreen mode, borderless windowed mode on Windows lets you seamlessly switch between the game and other applications on your primary monitor using Alt+Tab. This allows you to check messages, browse the web, or reference a strategy guide without fully exiting the game.
Limitations of Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display
While Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display mode seems like the perfect solution for conquering the two-monitor gaming frontier, there are a few limitations to consider:
1. Not All Games Sing the Borderless Ballad:
While many modern games offer borderless windowed mode as an option, some older titles or specific applications might not support it. In such cases, you might be stuck using fullscreen mode on your primary monitor or exploring alternative methods (mentioned later).
2. The Confines of Windows (for some):
While Windows 10 and 11 offer basic functionality for snapping windows to specific monitors, the built-in options might not always provide the level of control you desire, especially when dealing with older games that lack native Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display window support.
These limitations can be frustrating, but fear not! Here are some potential workarounds:
- Investigate In-Game Settings: Always delve into the game’s graphics settings menu first. Many games offer a dedicated option for “Borderless Window” or similar wording. If your game supports it, this is the simplest and most reliable solution.
- Explore Third-Party Tools (Use with Caution): Third-party tools might claim to force borderless windowed mode for any application. However, approach these with caution due to potential compatibility issues, stability concerns, and security risks.
- Consider Alternative Methods (for tech-savvy users): For more advanced users, methods like utilizing custom configuration files or tools like Borderless Gaming (use at your own risk) might be an option. However, these solutions require technical knowledge and can be more complex to implement.
Taming the Two-Monitor Beast: Solutions for Borderless Bliss
The limitations of borderless windowed mode for dual-monitor setups don’t have to spell game over! Here are some solutions to help you achieve Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display window glory on your secondary display:
1. Keyboard Shortcut Savvy:
Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 come equipped with a handy keyboard shortcut for window management on multi-monitor setups:
- Windows Key + Shift + Left Arrow: This nifty shortcut swiftly moves the active window to the monitor located to the left of your current primary monitor.
- Windows Key + Shift + Right Arrow: Similarly, this shortcut propels the active window to the monitor on the right of your primary monitor.
With these shortcuts in your arsenal, you can easily launch your game in any mode (even fullscreen on your primary monitor) and then use these keyboard commands to effortlessly relocate the game window to your desired secondary display. Simple yet effective!
2. The Primary Monitor Shuffle (if applicable):
This solution might not be ideal for everyone, but it’s worth considering if your setup allows it:
- Make Your Secondary Display Primary: If your graphics card and operating system support it, you can temporarily designate your secondary monitor as the primary one. This will cause applications to default to launching in fullscreen mode on your secondary display.
- Revert After Launching: Once the game is launched in fullscreen mode on your secondary monitor, you can switch the primary display back to your usual configuration. This way, you can leverage the benefits of fullscreen mode while still having access to your primary monitor for multitasking.
Conclusion
While achieving a Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display can be tricky, there are workarounds. Trying keyboard shortcuts or temporarily switching the primary monitor might do the trick. For more robust solutions, explore third-party tools like Borderless Gaming.
Remember, not all applications support Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display mode, so check the application’s settings or consult the developer.
FAQs
1. Why is a fullscreen mode not ideal for games on a secondary monitor?
Fullscreen mode forces the game to occupy your entire primary monitor, limiting multitasking and making it difficult to access other applications.
2. What are the benefits of Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display?
Drag and drop the game window to your secondary monitor for easy positioning.
Seamlessly switch between the game and other applications on your primary monitor using Alt+Tab.
3. What are the limitations of Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display?
Not all games offer Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display mode as an option.
Built-in Windows functionality for window management might be limited for some situations.
4. How can you move the game window to Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display mode?
Use the keyboard shortcut: Windows Key + Shift + Right Arrow (to move to the right monitor) or Windows Key + Shift + Left Arrow (to move to the left monitor).
5. Is there another way to achieve a Fullscreen and Borderless on Your Secondary Display-like experience? (for applicable setups)
Yes, you can temporarily designate your secondary monitor as the primary monitor. Launch the game in fullscreen mode, then switch the primary monitor back to your usual configuration. However, this method might not be compatible with all systems and can disrupt your desktop workflow.
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