How to Set Up Multiple Screens in Windows

Got two or more monitors? This quick guide shows you how to put them in the right order, choose your main display, set the correct refresh rate and move windows between screens in a flash.

Watch the full 5 minute walkthrough, or follow the quick steps below.

1. Open your display settings

   Right click an empty space on your desktop and choose Display settings. You will see a box for each screen that Windows has detected.

2. Put your screens in the right order

   Click Identify to show a number on each monitor. Then drag the boxes so they match how your screens are physically arranged on your desk. This makes your mouse move smoothly from one screen to the next in the direction you expect.

3. Choose your main display

   Click the screen you want to be the main one, scroll down to Multiple displays and tick Make this my main display. Your taskbar, Start menu and most new windows will appear here.

4. Set the right refresh rate

   Select a screen, scroll down and open Advanced display. Under Choose a refresh rate, pick the highest value your monitor supports. Many screens quietly default to 60Hz even when they can do much more, so this is one of the quickest ways to make games and everyday use feel smoother. Repeat for each screen.

5. Move windows between screens with a shortcut

   Click on a window, then hold the Windows key and Shift and press the Left or Right arrow. The window jumps to the next monitor in that direction and keeps its position and size.