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How to Display Win+P Options on Two Screens in Windows

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

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Learn how to display Win+P options on two screens in Windows, and how to fix the issue of missing options when using multiple monitors.

If you use multiple monitors with your Windows PC, you may want to use different display options for each screen. For example, you may want to extend your desktop across both screens, or duplicate the same content on both screens. Windows provides a handy shortcut to access these display options: Win+P. However, some users have reported that they only see the Win+P options on one screen, and the other screen remains blank or black.

This can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you want to switch between different display modes quickly. In this article, we will explain why this issue occurs, and how to fix it. We will also provide some tips and tricks to use multiple monitors effectively in Windows.

What are the Win+P options in Windows?

Win+P is a keyboard shortcut that opens a menu with four display options for your PC and external monitors. These options are:

  • PC screen only: This option turns off the external monitors and shows everything on your PC screen only.
  • Duplicate: This option shows the same content on both your PC screen and the external monitors. This is useful for presentations or sharing your screen with others.
  • Extend: This option extends your desktop across both your PC screen and the external monitors. This is useful for multitasking or working with multiple windows or apps.
  • Second screen only: This option turns off your PC screen and shows everything on the external monitors only. This is useful for saving battery life or using a larger screen.

You can use the Win+P shortcut to quickly switch between these display options without opening the Settings app. However, sometimes you may encounter a problem where the Win+P menu only appears on one screen, and the other screen remains blank or black. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:

  • Incorrect display settings
  • Outdated or incompatible drivers
  • Faulty cables or connections
  • Hardware issues

How to fix the Win+P issue in Windows?

If you only see the Win+P options on one screen, and the other screen remains blank or black, you can try the following solutions to fix the issue:

Solution 1: Check your cables and connections

Make sure that your external monitors are properly connected to your PC or dock, and that the cables are not loose or damaged. Try using different ports or cables if possible, and see if that resolves the issue.

Solution 2: Update your drivers

Sometimes, outdated or incompatible drivers can cause display issues in Windows. To update your drivers, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and check for any available updates. Alternatively, you can go to Device Manager, right-click on your display adapter, and select Update driver. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device.

Solution 3: Change your display settings

You can also try changing your display settings to see if that fixes the issue. To do this, go to Settings > System > Display, and make sure that your external monitors are detected and enabled. You can also rearrange your displays, change the resolution, orientation, and scaling, and choose a different display option from the Multiple displays dropdown menu. If you don’t see your external monitors in the Display settings, you can select Detect to scan for them.

Solution 4: Use the Project app

Another way to access the display options in Windows is to use the Project app. To do this, press Windows logo key + K to open the app, and then select your external monitors from the list. You can also choose a different display option from the menu at the bottom of the app. This may help you to bypass the Win+P issue and use your external monitors as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How do I use the Win+P shortcut in Windows?

Answer: To use the Win+P shortcut in Windows, press and hold the Windows logo key, and then press the P key. This will open a menu with four display options for your PC and external monitors. You can use the arrow keys or the mouse to select an option, and then press Enter or click to apply it.

Question: How do I change the primary display in Windows?

Answer: To change the primary display in Windows, go to Settings > System > Display, and select the display that you want to make primary. Then, scroll down and check the box that says Make this my main display. The primary display is the one that shows the taskbar, the Start menu, and the notification area.

Question: How do I use different wallpapers for each monitor in Windows?

Answer: To use different wallpapers for each monitor in Windows, go to Settings > Personalization > Background, and select Picture from the Background dropdown menu. Then, right-click on the picture that you want to use, and select Set for monitor 1, Set for monitor 2, or Set for monitor 3, depending on which monitor you want to apply the wallpaper to.

Summary

In this article, we learned how to display Win+P options on two screens in Windows, and how to fix the issue of missing options when using multiple monitors. We also learned some tips and tricks to use multiple monitors effectively in Windows. We hope that this article was helpful and informative, and that you can enjoy using your external monitors without any problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following the instructions or suggestions in this article. Please use your own discretion and judgment when applying any of the solutions or tips mentioned in this article.