How to Move a Window to Another Monitor: All the Options in Windows

Working with multiple monitors is an increasingly common practice, especially among users looking to improve their productivity, whether for professional, academic, or entertainment tasks. However, not everyone knows how to effectively manage open windows between different displays. One of the most common questions is: how to move a window from one screen to another, especially when one of the monitors is not turned on or has stopped working.

In this article we will teach you all the possible ways to move a window between monitors in Windows 10 and Windows 11From keyboard shortcuts to third-party software solutions, to settings you can tweak within the operating system. Whether you're using a laptop with an extended display or a desktop with multiple monitors, you'll find the ultimate solution here to manage your windows like a pro.

Why does a window sometimes not appear on the active screen?

When we use two or more monitors, Windows usually remembers where an application was last opened.This may seem advantageous, as it allows us to maintain a consistent organization in our workspace. However, this behavior also has its downside: if at any time one of the monitors is not connected or turned on, the application will continue to open on that inactive screen, making it impossible to view directly. To learn more about monitor-related issues, you can consult troubleshoot monitor problems.

Other possible reasons why you can't move a window between screens could be that the window is maximized o the monitors are not configured correctly in the Windows screen layout.

How to move a window between monitors with keyboard shortcuts

The fastest and most effective option for controlling windows between screens is to use keyboard shortcuts. If you don't have access to the monitor where the application is running, or even if you want to quickly switch between screens without using the mouse, this is your best option.

Shortcut Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow

This method is one of the most direct and recommended. Simply:

• Select the window or application from the taskbar.
• Press Win + Shift + Left or Right Arrow, depending on the position of the monitor to which you want to move the window.

With this combination, the window will jump as is to the next monitor without changing their size or layout, which is very useful if you have a side-by-side monitor setup.

Win + Left/Right Arrow Shortcut

This shortcut can also be used to move windows, although it works a little differently:

• After selecting the window, press Win + right arrow o Win + left arrow.
• This command changes the position of the window within the active screen and, if pressed several times, may end up jumping to the next monitor.

It's useful, but less straightforward than the previous one, as it first adjusts the size or position within the current monitor, and only then moves it.

What to do when one of the monitors is off

If you happen to have a window open on a monitor that's turned off, you don't need to turn it on to recover the window. Windows continues to detect the display even if it's not on, allowing you to Recover windows using shortcuts without having to see what's happening on that screenFor more information on monitor management, you can visit Fix monitors that turn off.

Repeat the combination of Win + Shift + arrows until you see the window appear on your active monitor. This method is especially useful if you only use a second monitor occasionally.

Physically disconnect the monitor

Another more drastic, but effective, strategy is unplug the monitor that is not being usedBy doing this, Windows automatically reflows the windows on the active monitor, allowing you to access applications without having to fiddle with shortcuts.

However, keep in mind that when you reconnect your monitor, some windows may return to that location, so it's a good idea to check your display settings if you regularly use multiple monitors. If you need to properly configure your monitor, you can consult How to set up a monitor on a laptop.

Use the mouse to drag windows between monitors

If both monitors are on and properly configured, you can move windows by simply dragging them with the mouse. Move the window to the edge of the screen in the direction of the other monitor until the other screen window changes.

This method only works if the displays are arranged correctly in Windows settings. To check:

• Right-click on the desktop and select Screen settings.
• There you'll see the layout of your screens. Make sure they reflect your actual physical layout (horizontal, vertical, etc.).

Restore a window if it is maximized

Another reason why you might not be able to move a window with the mouse is because it is maximized. In that case, the system does not allow dragging it:

• Click the button Restore (the middle one of the three in the upper right corner of the window).
• Then try moving it with the mouse or a keyboard shortcut.

Check the position of your monitors in the display settings

Windows allows you to customize the layout of your monitors to reflect how they are physically positioned. If they are not configured correctly, some functions may not work as expected. To do this, repeat the steps described above from the Screen settings and drag the boxes on each monitor to exactly reflect how they are positioned on your desktop.

Creating virtual desktops as an alternative solution

In Windows 11 you can use virtual desktops as an alternative way to organize your work if one monitor is off or you can't drag windows. This allows you to have different applications open on multiple desktops without having to physically move them between monitors.

To create one:

• press Win + Tab and click "New desktop".
• You can also use the shortcut directly Win + Ctrl + D.

Third-party software to manage windows between monitors

If you regularly work with multiple monitors and need complete control over your windows and their organization, you may want to consider using specialized software. Some of the best tools available include:

DisplayFusion

This program allows:

• Easily move windows between monitors.
• Create display configuration profiles.
• Extend the taskbar to all monitors.
• Set rules for opening apps on specific monitors.

Current Multiple Monitors

Similar to DisplayFusion, this solution offers:

• Control by custom shortcuts.
• Extra buttons on window title bars.
• Full support for multiple virtual desktops and per-monitor configurations.

These tools are especially useful if your workflow requires constant screen switching or if you work in development environments, video editing, graphic design, or any multitasking activity.

Managing windows between monitors may seem complicated at first, but with the right tools and the necessary knowledge, it becomes a streamlined and even automatic process. Whether using key combinations, modifying settings, or installing specialized software, There are multiple solutions to move a window between screens without complications.From now on, you can keep your work environment tidy and adapt it to your needs effortlessly.

Related article:

How to Change Primary and Secondary Monitor in Windows 7 and 10

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.