How To Change What Monitor Is 1 And 2

how to change monitor identities on window ten

Question
my monitor identities changed some how and i dont know why and dont know how to change information technology back on windows 10, somone please help!
- Moved by Carey Frisch MVP Thursday, June 21, 2018 6:02 AM Relocated

All replies

Click drag to the desired location

Wanikiya and Dyami--Team Zigzag Windows IT-PRO (MS-MVP)
- Proposed as answer past Karen_Hu Microsoft contingent staff Th, March nine, 2017 6:26 AM
- Proposed as respond by Karen_Hu Microsoft contingent staff Th, March 9, 2017 6:26 AM
Howdy,

Effort this:

Settings ->System, select Display in the left pane. Click Advanced display settings link. Then click and drag one of the monitors to its correct location. The Identity numbers don't matter.

Delight remember to mark the replies equally answers if they help.
If you accept feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com.
- Proposed every bit reply past Karen_Hu Microsoft contingent staff Thursday, March sixteen, 2017 vii:06 AM
hullo..

Right click on the desktop and Open

Intel Graphics Properties

Youl detect the display options etc..

If your using a laptop..

You may need to be continued to an external display monitor, as the setting maybe set to simply display externally.

good luck
- Proposed equally answer by CrazyJfenmaDdoG Thursday, March 9, 2017 9:21 AM
You Rock!!! I have been racking my encephalon and you just nailed it!
I am having a similar problem and looked at the Intel Graphics Backdrop. Under the details tab I found a huge listing of items. Would you kindly elaborate a scrap on what you did to make the settings change? Thank you!
- Proposed as reply past ItsthePandster Thursday, June 21, 2018 iv:38 AM
Hi,

Try this:

Settings ->Organization, select Brandish in the left pane. Click Advanced display settings link. And so click and drag one of the monitors to its correct location. The Identity numbers don't matter.

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact

You are admittedly wrong that the identity number do non matter. I am routinely having the issue where I turn on my TV to watch cable show and my computer is detecting that it is on every bit a monitor. The TV for some stupid ass reason is identified as 1. Especially when I return from sleep/hibernation, even though the display identified every bit 2 is set every bit my main display, when I open a new window it automatically opens on the display set up as 1, and fifty-fifty some of the windows that were originally on the main monitor now show on one besides. I have to go and switch the tv input to the computer input, drag the windows dorsum over (including the window for Settings) and and so disconnect the brandish via the Brandish options window.

There is absolutely no reason that the number identity should not be a user configured setting, the fact that it isn't shows the utter ineptitude of the programmers and designers of Microsoft.
Hiya Calathan, I've but plant out the answer after hoping to find information technology here. For Windows 10 dual-monitor owners:
First > Settings > System > Display > drag box ane or 2 inside the space on the black rectangle where 1 & 2 are.

I get what they're trying to do past making this universal sort of, where typing in a question would bring upward different results, versus information technology beingness direct in someone'south face, just and so many people are used to settings-based irresolute of things that they'd never call up to but drag or move something to get it working.

... That is, until in vain (like I did) they effort clicking the 1 & 2 boxes to endeavour to forcefully prepare the proper order upwards, XD

I Do find it terrible in an OCD chapters that I can't change the identity numbers, simply at least the order of the 'boxes with numbers on them' can be inverse around, including through the Intel Graphics Settings > Display > Multiple Displays > Arrange Displays & Set I or More Active Displays sections. I agree, information technology'due south very annoying that Windows couldn't employ someone to work with Intel on this to improve things. C'est la vie, for at present. Lookout them include it in Windows 12 or something.
- Proposed as reply by ItsthePandster Thursday, June 21, 2018 four:25 AM
- Edited past ItsthePandster Thursday, June 21, 2018 four:34 AM
Hiya Maxc73,

For Windows 10 dual-monitor owners:

First > Settings > System > Display > elevate box 1 or two within the space on the blackness rectangle to reorder the monitor'due south layouts.

Doesn't look like the numbers themselves that are assigned to the monitors can be adapted, or the setting hasn't been found yet by me at least.

Hope this helps!
- Proposed as answer by ItsthePandster Thursday, June 21, 2018 iv:27 AM
Hiya RipperB, when you've right-clicked on your desktop and gone into the Intel Graphics Settings area:

Intel Graphics Settings > Display > Multiple Displays > Arrange Displays & Prepare 1 -OR- More than Active Displays sections. Brand sure to click apply in the lower right corner in one case finished trivial about.

Maybe you lot can figure out how to get the re-titling to carry on through Windows? I seem to make the adjustments in changing the numbers for both displays, simply accept no luck with Windows noticing them once applied.
- Edited by ItsthePandster Thursday, June 21, 2018 four:37 AM
I, likewise have the same problem. I run WinUAE, an AmigaOS emulator, which runs on display #i regardless of where it's positioned in the rearrangment panel. I had everything running good the way I liked, and and then, after an Update, Windows renumbered the screens and now my WinUAE program doesn't brandish on the correct monitor the fashion I desire. The main screen I use used to be brandish #1, at present information technology is numbered #3.

I really hate the manner Windows 10 takes our ability to configure things away from us. Maybe Linux will go mainstream shortly.
Moving the boxes effectually also entails dismounting the physical monitors and swapping them, when your software only shows on brandish #1.
Become to Brandish Settings (from Settings or by correct-clicking on the Desktop). Click the monitor which you would like to be your primary monitor. Coil down and check the box labeled "Brand this my main display." If this selection is non enabled, your principal display is already selected; if it is non the i y'all wanted to be your primary brandish, double-check that the system recognized your selection. You may want to click "Identify" to ensure that you know which monitor Windows sees as which.
I've merely worked through this same trouble and found that there is currently no way to alter monitor identities, Withal y'all can change which monitor or display is the Primary display which I believe tin can prepare your bug as information technology did mine. You simply click on the monitor that you desire to be the primary monitor in settings>display, then scroll down and select the box that says "Make this my main brandish".

Hope this helps.
It does matter, actually.

I accept a laptop and two external monitors connected to its docking station.

When I use the laptop outside the docking station everything goes to the i and only brandish #i.

Back in the docking station everything stays in the #1 display but in this case it'southward not the main display anymore and so I find myself dragging allthe windows back to the primary one.

In my paticular case I "solved the problem" past switching places the 2 external displays on my desk (switching the ports was not plenty) simply it would be nice to have the choice of controling the identities of the monitors.
I take found people asking this same question on help boards forten yearsat present.

The short answer is that you cannot with MS settings alone.

You have to hope you have a graphics card with settings that volition let you override this. I exercise non :(

You volition find a hundred people (encounter below) who say "drag it to the other side" only that's not what you (or I) am request. I want the monitor that is identified as 1 to exist 2 and the i that is 2 to be 1.

And YES, it DOES matter. If I have two monitors 1 is considered the primary where apps open up and the toolbar fully displays. And if you want the left side of one monitor to match the right side of the other, you lot Have to be able to switch the monitor identity. It's insanity that this was overlooked in their UX blueprint, withal here we are.
This is a REAL Problem Microsoft! I have a 4 monitor configuration:

Intel Graphics adapter on my MB is connected to two 8 inch displays

GTX-1060 is continued to a 2k brandish and an Hard disk drive display

Whenever I boot the outset Intel graphics adapter is where the danged organisation icons are and where the search bar is! I take to MANUALLY SEVERAL TIMES switch the primary back and forth before the 2K is finally my Real primary.

I don't mean to be rude but try understanding the question and the trouble before yous throw out that same old BS answer! This is a Real PIA and information technology pisses me off every time I first my computer. This is directly related to the fact that the windows Operating Organisation has a clear affinity to integrated graphics cards and when it enumerates displays information technology starts in that location!
Hullo there everyone. :)

@maxc73 I wish my monitor identities would change on their own, just once though. I have a GTX1080FE and have a 22" Hard disk drive TV connected by display port and a 55" 4k HDR connected by HDMI. My Win 10 1809 shows the 22" as number 2 and the 55" every bit number 1. I utilise the 22" most of fourth dimension for work stuff and the 55" for gaming and watching films/TV shows.

It's not as essential for me equally others but it would be very useful to bandy the identity numbers .

And yeah... the display identity number cannot be changed in the Windows display settings. Information technology's something much deeper than that. Hopefully some awesomely clever hero/heroine will come along and tell usa how to do it. :)
- Edited by everway9 Saturday, March 30, 2019 12:52 PM
This is a existent result for some users of specific project software such equally OpenLP, Easyworship, VideoPsalm etc., especially when using one monitor for desktop work and the second monitor is hooked to a projector.

The answer is to delete some registry keys and then restart the PC with only one monitor - the one you want to use as principal monitor - monitor 1. All other video leads MUST be removed FROM THE PC. This will and so force the OS to assign that monitor on that video output equally i. Then you can adhere the 2nd monitor, find monitors and away you go. Do the usual dragging to how you lot like to use them if y'all wish. Make sure you've then assigned the monitor y'all desire equally the principal monitor and (probably) extended the displays.

The registry keys you need to delete are these:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Systems\CurrentControlSet\Command\GraphicsDrivers\Configuration
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Systems\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\Connectivity
Don't forget to make a backup of your registry starting time!

Many cheers to https://back up.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/736116-windows-brandish-properties-identify-numbers-are for this. Took some tracking down. Simply information technology works.

best, revdv
- Proposed as answer by AchimP61 Sunday, Dec 8, 2019 12:46 PM
OMG RIGHT!?!?!?! Brooo like are people just simple or something?! I've been up all night looking at forums, and EVERYONE is like, "you gotta put the matter where the other thing is and gear up the thing to chief thing apathetic apathetic!" omg soooo annoying! We're trying to change the brandish IDENTITY people!!! My Rocketdock shows on the wrong screen now! I upgraded from my 1070 to a 1080 Ti. And the monitor Identities switched, at start my sound was coming from the wrong display. Merely I switched information technology in the playback devices settings. And switched priority. And I can switch my rocket dock to the other screen besides. But i'll be honest...i'1000 OCD AS HECK!!!! I want the left screen to be 1 and the right to be 2. NO Matter WHAT! Sooo triggered! lmao ps add me on Instagram @Synth__Plissken
Cheers!!! DEAR LORD!!!!!!! FINALLY! if I WAS A CHICK I'D KISS YOU ON THE LIPS BRO! WTF!!!
Nice one @DaUrbanMunky. Great post! At least y'all had the guts to mail service something very similar to what I've idea nearly posting. :D

I take an obsessive compulsive nature myself so I know merely how frustrating these things can exist.

Arrrrrrgggh! :D
I just grappled with the screen identity thing, as I am running iii monitors including the laptop screen, and I accept found out this:

Although I couldn't modify the screen identity one time the estimator decided what each screen was to be chosen, I did find out that the calculator liked monitor identified as number one to have the blue D-sub cable, and identity 2 to exist HDMI. Once I switched cables around, the monitor identities inverse and all was good in the world again!
- Proposed as answer by waldoz76 Thursday, June 6, 2019 12:38 AM
Wow, I was getting and then frustrated, and all I had to practise was switch the cables! :). Thanks Jana_K.
I think I had figured this out a while dorsum, but forgot nearly it (I must have mixed up the cables when I moved my desk-bound).

Information technology was frustrating me because under Intel Graphics Settings, my PC was Screen 1, but under Display Settings it was Screen two. Thank you for the quick set. I'g glad I read this reply earlier irresolute my registry!
...and props to JohnyCamach and DaUrbanMunky for expressing the frustrations I was having, and clarifications I needed.
I followed the steps, but this method doesn't work for me. (revdv/displaylink method)

It starts fine with the two displays continued to the discrete card. (Displayport) And they get numbered correctly equally 1&2.

But once I add together also the TV to the iGPU (HDMI) it doesnt get #3. There is some override and the Tv becomes #1. Am I doing it wrong? Or is that typical?

This is super annoying. I use Gorging Media Composer (NLE) and it displays dialog boxes but on display #i (by design) - regardless of the display arrangement.

In this case #i (Goggle box) is the client monitor which is not part of the user interface. It'due south a existent problem - not an OCD thing.

Nice to run into I am not lonely. DaUrbnaMunky said information technology well.

Thanks
- Edited past Sivanxyz Wednesday, July 10, 2019 11:38 PM
Identities Does Matter on my cease... in our work it screenshots our monitor one to our server and then i want to change from 1 to two and ii to one..
This may be belatedly for those having this issue but hopefully this will exist useful to anyone who encounters the same trouble. I recently update my PC and after the new update, my organisation crashed and so I had to reinstall windows. I use two monitors as well and reset my settings in the BIOS(in an endeavour to figure out why Windows wouldn't load) which too reset my monitor settings in the BIOS. When I finally got everything upwards and running, I realized that the screens were switched in the Display settings. Searched in vain and got no answer but to switch the displays around. That wasn't a keen solution for me but it occured to me that I may take inverse something in the BIOS to where even though I enabled the iGPU for the 2nd monitor that's connected to the CPU, I didn't select which i of the two displays (The ane connected to the GPU and the one continued to the iGPU) would exist my principal one. I went dorsum into the BIOS and set it to automatically choose the primary display and at present information technology's dorsum to normal.
Only switch the connectors (DVI, display port or HDMI) on video menu behind your computer.
Unfortunately this is Not Correct.

The Problem is Windows identifying the monitor and assigning an ID to information technology.

Deleting the two reg keys does nada, waste material of F75king time.

Windows is so ignorant they don;t recall this is relevant?? I tin clinch you it is.

EG: process command PC with a 6 monitor setup.

We run a script that loads upwards Telewindows. Telwindows tells windows where to position shit, starting at Monitor ID i, pinnacle lefthand corner.....and position specific windows on specific Monitors based on ID.

This script runs on two different PC'south, both with vi Monitors.

So...Obviously....when the script runs against BOTH of the stations, one of them (problem child) blows up because the Monitor ID< which designates the layout> is NOT CORRECT

Microsoft is useless. We have spent hours on this effect. It's pathetic.

So....Once more..windows x is NOT worthy. PERIOD.

Unless, IF.....IF....the ONLY thing you do is browse the net, visit social media sites and send out outlook invites to some random Starbucks coffee cafe, its uselss trash.

We cannot utilize this for process command. Of which Microsoft sympathise NOTHING about.

Microsoft fanboys, please continue your circle wiggle.
This could've been so much simpler if windows found a proper manner to accost this, but unfortunately it's a little wonky. What I had to exercise personally was to select the secondary monitor and roll downward to a little check box labeled "Make primary display". From there they switch order but the screen placement is the same, so I had to flip them around on the 'rearrange your displays' section. After that I was proficient as gilt, but information technology would be nice for windows to add specific monitor settings assuasive yous to identify the monitors in any ways you'd like. I could see the method they accept at the moment failing hard on those users who have more than two monitors (though the crowd is niche, there are people out in that location) and they'd have to bound through a bunch of hoops to make things piece of work. Hope this helps anyone who is still running into this issue
I cannot find the "rearrange your display" section. I searched the exact phrase and got the usual. Can you give some more than details?
I had loftier hopes for this to work. I deleted the reg keys and plugged my kickoff 2 monitors and they were named 1 and 2, every bit i hoped and than I plugged the Idiot box and sure enough chosen the boob tube #two, and my second monitor became #3 :( good try thou
Sorry, only the monitor identities practice matter fifty-fifty for Windows itself.

In a three monitors setup I want to motility a window from the acme left monitor (main display, #3) to the top right monitor (#two) past [Win] + [Cursor Right]. Considering currently the main brandish is #three the application window moves to the lesser left monitor (#1) before coming to #2. This only is the current identities setting - it was different before. I could not figure out, why information technology inverse.

If identities could exist somehow aligned/fixed to personal needs it might help to increase usability in several ways - as mentioned by others in this thread, too.