Hey guys! Ever found yourself in a situation where you need to move an application window to another screen, but you're not quite sure how to do it? Maybe you've just upgraded to a multi-monitor setup, or you're trying to be more productive by spreading your work across multiple displays. Whatever the reason, knowing how to move an application window between screens is a super handy skill. In this guide, we'll walk you through several methods to achieve this, making your multi-monitor experience smooth and efficient.

Why Move Applications Between Screens?

Before we dive into how to move applications, let's quickly touch on why you might want to do this. The most obvious reason is to increase productivity. With multiple screens, you can have different applications open and visible at the same time. For example, you might have your email client open on one screen, a document you're working on in the center, and a web browser with research material on the third. This setup reduces the need to constantly minimize and maximize windows, saving you time and mental energy.

Another key reason is better organization. Spreading your applications across multiple screens helps you keep your workspace tidy and focused. You can dedicate each screen to a specific task or project, preventing your desktop from becoming cluttered with overlapping windows. This can be particularly useful for tasks that require you to monitor multiple data streams or applications simultaneously, such as coding, video editing, or financial analysis.

Enhanced multitasking is also a significant benefit. Instead of switching between applications on a single screen, you can have them all visible at once. This allows you to keep an eye on multiple tasks and respond to them more quickly. For instance, a customer service representative might have their ticketing system on one screen, a chat application on another, and a knowledge base on a third. This enables them to provide faster and more efficient support to customers.

Finally, moving applications between screens can simply improve your overall computing experience. It makes working with multiple applications more enjoyable and less frustrating. Whether you're a professional looking to boost your productivity or a casual user who wants to make the most of their multi-monitor setup, mastering the art of moving applications between screens is well worth the effort.

Method 1: Drag and Drop

The most straightforward way to move an application window to another screen is by simply dragging and dropping it. This method is intuitive and works on virtually any operating system, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here’s how to do it:

1. Identify the application window you want to move. This is the window you see on your current screen that you want to relocate to another display.
2. Click and hold the title bar of the application window. The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of the window that usually displays the name of the application and the document you're working on.
3. Drag the window towards the edge of your current screen that connects to the other screen. Keep holding the mouse button down as you move the window.
4. Continue dragging the window until it appears on the other screen. Once you see the window on the desired screen, release the mouse button.

This method works best when your screens are physically adjacent to each other. If your screens are arranged in a more complex configuration, such as one above the other, you'll need to drag the window in the corresponding direction. It might take a little practice to get the hang of it, but once you do, it becomes second nature.

If you're having trouble dragging the window, make sure that the application is not maximized. A maximized window will typically resist being dragged to another screen. To un-maximize the window, click the Restore Down button in the upper-right corner of the window (in Windows) or the green button in the upper-left corner (on macOS).

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If the window gets “stuck” on the edge of the screen, try moving your mouse cursor slightly faster or slower.
• Ensure that your monitors are properly configured in your operating system’s display settings. This will ensure that the system knows the correct arrangement of your screens.
• If you're using multiple monitors with different resolutions, the dragging behavior might feel a bit odd. Experiment with different screen arrangements in the display settings to find what works best for you.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can be a real game-changer when it comes to efficiency. They allow you to perform actions quickly and easily, without having to fumble around with your mouse. Fortunately, there are several keyboard shortcuts that you can use to move application windows between screens.

Windows:

• Windows Key + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: This is the most common and reliable keyboard shortcut for moving windows between screens in Windows. Simply select the window you want to move, hold down the Windows key and the Shift key, and then press the left or right arrow key to move the window to the next screen in that direction. This shortcut works seamlessly in most multi-monitor setups.
• Windows Key + Arrow Keys (Maximize/Minimize): While not directly for moving between screens, these shortcuts can help manage window placement. Use Windows Key + Up Arrow to maximize a window, Windows Key + Down Arrow to minimize, and Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow to snap the window to the left or right side of the current screen. From there, you can drag it to another screen.

macOS:

• Control + F3 (Mission Control): Pressing Control + F3 opens Mission Control, which displays all your open windows and desktops. You can then drag the desired application window to another desktop (which can be on another screen) and then switch to that desktop. This is a more involved process than the Windows shortcut, but it's a reliable way to manage windows across multiple displays.
• Third-Party Apps: macOS doesn’t have a built-in keyboard shortcut as straightforward as the Windows Key + Shift + Arrow shortcut. However, there are several third-party apps available that can add this functionality. Apps like Magnet, BetterSnapTool, and Spectacle allow you to define custom keyboard shortcuts for moving and resizing windows.

General Tips for Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Make sure the application window you want to move is selected (i.e., it has focus). If another window is active, the shortcut might not work as expected.
• If the keyboard shortcut doesn't seem to be working, check your operating system's settings to ensure that the shortcut is enabled and not being used by another application.
• Experiment with different keyboard shortcuts to find the ones that work best for you and your workflow. Once you get used to them, they can significantly speed up your productivity.

Method 3: Using Display Settings

Sometimes, application windows can get “lost” or appear off-screen, especially after changing display configurations. In such cases, using your operating system's display settings can help you bring the window back into view or move it to another screen.

Windows:

1. Open Display Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings.”
2. Identify the Monitor: In the display settings window, you’ll see representations of your monitors. Identify the monitor that you want the application window to appear on.
3. Move the Window: If the window is off-screen, try changing the screen resolution or orientation temporarily. This might force the window to reappear on one of your screens. Alternatively, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting the monitor.
4. Taskbar Settings: Sometimes, the application might be running but not visible. Right-click on the taskbar, select “Taskbar settings,” and make sure that the option “Show all windows on all displays” is enabled or disabled, depending on your preference. Experiment with this setting to see if it brings the window back into view.

macOS:

1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Select Displays: In System Preferences, click on “Displays.”
3. Arrangement Tab: Click on the “Arrangement” tab. This shows you how your monitors are arranged.
4. Identify the Monitor: Identify the monitor that you want the application window to appear on.
5. Mission Control: As mentioned earlier, you can use Mission Control to drag the window to another desktop on a different screen.

General Tips for Display Settings:

• Make sure that your monitors are properly detected and configured in the display settings. If a monitor is not detected, try restarting your computer or updating your graphics card drivers.
• Experiment with different screen resolutions and orientations to find the settings that work best for you.
• If you’re using multiple monitors with different resolutions, make sure that the scaling settings are configured correctly. Incorrect scaling settings can cause windows to appear blurry or distorted.

Method 4: Using Application-Specific Settings

Some applications have built-in settings that allow you to specify which screen they should open on. This is particularly useful for applications that you frequently use on a specific screen.

• Check Application Preferences: Look for settings related to window placement or display in the application's preferences or settings menu. Some applications allow you to choose which monitor to open on by default.
• Startup Scripts: For more advanced users, you can create startup scripts that automatically move specific applications to specific screens when you log in. This requires some technical knowledge, but it can be a powerful way to customize your multi-monitor setup.
• Window Management Tools: There are several third-party window management tools available that can help you control where applications open. These tools often provide more advanced features than the built-in operating system settings.

Examples:

• Video Editing Software: Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve often allow you to configure which monitor different panels and windows should open on.
• Trading Platforms: Financial trading platforms often have settings that allow you to specify which monitor to display charts, order entry windows, and other important information on.

Conclusion

Moving application windows between screens is a fundamental skill for anyone using a multi-monitor setup. Whether you prefer the simplicity of dragging and dropping, the efficiency of keyboard shortcuts, or the precision of display settings, there’s a method that will work for you. By mastering these techniques, you can boost your productivity, improve your organization, and enhance your overall computing experience. So go ahead, experiment with these methods and find the ones that fit your workflow best. Happy multi-tasking, and enjoy the benefits of your multi-monitor setup!