Multiple monitor setups are quite common these days. They are more or less mandatory for the design industry, and those who code or create websites. When using more than one monitor, you pick a primary one so your main workspace is in front of you, rather than on the left or right monitor. To learn how to select a primary monitor, choose your operating system from the list below and follow the steps.
How to select a primary monitor in Windows
Press the Windows key, type display settings, and then press Enter.
In the section near the top, select the monitor you’d like to make the primary.
How to select a primary monitor in Windows.
How to select a primary monitor in macOS.
Once you’ve made your selection, scroll to the bottom of the page and locate the Multiple displays section.
Check the box next to Make this my main display.
How to select a primary monitor in macOS
Select System Preferences from the Dock.
Select Displays near the upper-left part of the System Preferences menu.
On the next screen, near the top in the middle, select the Arrangement tab.
In the center of the Arrangement window, on the monitor images, click the white bar and drag it to the left or right. The monitor that moves into the center is now be your primary.
You should now see a white bar over the new primary monitor.
When you’re finished, click the close button (red X) in the upper-left corner of the window.
Related information
- How to connect a monitor to a computer.
- How to have multiple monitors or displays on a computer.
- View two windows side-by-side using Smart Window.
- Split and arrange open windows.
- How to view or change the screen resolution of a monitor.
- See our primary term page for related information.
- Monitor, LCD, and display help and support.
