Games Opening on Wrong Monitor? Easy Fix Guide!

Games Opening on Wrong Monitor – So, at first, everything seemed fine, but then, the game launched on my second monitor, and honestly, I panicked. 😭 However, I tried dragging it, yet it didn’t stay there. Therefore, I restarted, but nothing changed. Consequently, frustration kicked in, and obviously, I needed a real fix. Since this issue happens a lot, I decided to investigate. Now, luckily, I’ve got all the solutions, and today, I’m sharing them with you!

Table of Contents

Common Causes of Games Opening on the Wrong Monitor 🕵️‍♂️

Windows assumes the wrong monitor as primary, so the game follows that setting.
The game recalls the last-used screen, so it keeps launching there.
GPU settings override Windows preferences, which leads to confusion.
Loose or faulty cables interfere, and that results in unexpected behavior.

Now that we know the causes, let’s dive into the fixes! 🚀

How to Force Games to Open on the Correct Monitor 🎯

1. Set the Correct Primary Monitor 🖥️

First, right-click the desktop, and then choose Settings.
Next, click on the monitor you want as the main screen.
After that, check “Make this my main screen”, so Windows prioritizes it.
Lastly, restart the game, and now, it should launch correctly. 😎

2. Change the Game Graphics Settings 🎮

Open the game, and then head to Settings.
Look for Monitor Selection Option, and then select the correct one.
Switch to Windowed mode first, and then move it to the right monitor.
Once done, go back to fullscreen, and then check if it stays there.

3. Move the Game Manually (and Save It There) ✋

First, launch the game in Windowed mode (press Alt + Enter if necessary).
Next, drag it to the correct monitor, and then place it properly.
Then, switch back to fullscreen, and finally, close the game.
When you reopen it, chances are, it will remember the position! 🙌

4. Override with NVIDIA or AMD Settings 🎛️

NVIDIA Users:

Open NVIDIA Control Panel, and then select “Set up multiple screens”.
Choose your gaming monitor as primary, and then save changes.

AMD Users:

Launch AMD Radeon Settings, and then navigate to Screen Settings.
Set the correct monitor as default, and after that, restart your game.

5. Use Launch Options & Config Files 🔧

First, right-click on the game in Steam, and then go to Properties.
Under Launch Options, add -adapter 1 or -monitor 1.
Alternatively, edit the config.ini or settings.json file manually.
Look for graphics settings, and then modify the monitor ID.

6. Physically Reorder Monitors (Extreme Fix) 🔄

If nothing else works, then unplug all monitors except one.
Boot the game, and then confirm it launches on the correct screen.
Plug the second monitor back, and finally, reset your settings.

Although this method feels extreme, sometimes, it’s the only way. 😂

How to Prevent This Issue in the Future 🛡️

Always set the primary monitor correctly before launching games.
Keep GPU drivers updated, and then restart after installation.
Use gaming profiles in DisplayFusion, and then apply them per game.
Turn off unused monitors when gaming, and then re-enable them later.
Check for game updates, since patches sometimes fix these issues.

Also Read: How to Install a Network Driver Without Internet Easy!

FAQs – Your Questions Answered! ❓

1. Why does my game keep launching on my second monitor?

This problem occurs because Windows, GPU, or the game itself selects the wrong monitor. However, setting the correct primary screen usually fixes it!

2. Can I force a game to open on a specific monitor?

Yes! By using game settings, launch options, or GPU control panel, you can force it to open where you want.

3. What if my game has no multi-monitor settings?

Try these steps:

First, launch in windowed mode, and then move it.
Next, edit the configuration files, and then set the correct monitor ID.
Alternatively, use software like Borderless Gaming, and then adjust the screen.

4. Will unplugging my second monitor fix it permanently?

Not necessarily, but doing so forces games to detect only one screen. However, after plugging it back, setting your main screen again helps prevent issues.

Games Opening on Wrong Monitor? Easy Fix Guide!

Common Causes of Games Opening on the Wrong Monitor 🕵️‍♂️