Stop A Game From Minimizing When Using A Second Screen

If you’re a gamer who enjoys multitasking—watching a video, monitoring a chat, or browsing the web while playing a game—using a second screen can significantly enhance your experience. However, an annoying issue that many encounter is that their game minimizes whenever they interact with the second screen.

Common Causes of Game Minimizing

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand why your game may be minimizing when interacting with another display:

1. Fullscreen Mode: Games running in fullscreen mode often minimize when you click on a different window or screen because fullscreen mode is designed to focus entirely on the game.
2. System Focus: Windows shifts focus to the other window when clicked, causing the game to minimize.
3. Software Conflicts: Certain software (like screen recording apps or system overlays) can interfere with how your game interacts with multiple monitors.

Let’s explore solutions to keep your game active while using a second screen.

Solution 1: Switch to Borderless Windowed Mode

Many modern games offer a borderless windowed mode, which allows the game to remain on one screen without minimizing when you click outside of it. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Open Game Settings: In most games, navigate to Options or Settings.
2. Display or Video Settings: Look for a section related to display or video settings.
3. Change Display Mode: Switch from Fullscreen to Borderless Windowed or simply Windowed (Borderless).
4. Apply Changes: Save and apply the changes to see if the game continues running smoothly while you use your second screen.

Solution 2: Use Third-Party Tools

Some third-party programs can lock your mouse cursor to one screen while playing games. These tools prevent your game from losing focus and minimize interruptions.

1. DisplayFusion

DisplayFusion is a popular multi-monitor management software that allows you to create custom profiles for different applications, ensuring that your game doesn’t minimize when switching screens.

1. Download and install DisplayFusion from its official website.
2. Open the program and navigate to the Triggers section.
3. Set up a trigger for your game to prevent it from losing focus when interacting with other screens.

2. Borderless Gaming

If your game doesn’t have a built-in borderless windowed option, the Borderless Gaming tool forces any fullscreen game to run in borderless mode.

1. Download and install Borderless Gaming.
2. Run your game in fullscreen.
3. Open Borderless Gaming and add your game to the list.
4. The program will automatically convert your game to a borderless window, preventing it from minimizing when switching screens.

Solution 3: Check for Software Conflicts

Certain background software like screen recording applications, overlays, or even antivirus software can cause games to minimize unexpectedly.

Steps to identify and resolve conflicts:

1. Disable Overlays: Disable any overlays from applications such as Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or Steam that may be interfering.
   • For Discord, go to User Settings > Overlay and turn off the in-game overlay.
   • For Steam, navigate to Settings > In-Game and uncheck the box that enables the Steam overlay.
   • For NVIDIA, open GeForce Experience, go to Settings > General, and turn off the in-game overlay.
2. Antivirus: Some antivirus programs have active scanning modes that may minimize your game. Temporarily disable these features or add your game to the antivirus exclusion list.
3. Close Unnecessary Background Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close any background applications that aren’t essential. This can free up system resources and reduce potential conflicts.

Solution 4: Adjust Display Settings in Windows

Sometimes, your display settings within Windows can cause issues with games minimizing.

Steps to check and adjust your settings:

1. Open Display Settings:
   • Right-click on your desktop and select Display Settings.
2. Monitor Arrangement: Ensure your monitors are arranged correctly under the Multiple displays section, with the primary display set to your gaming screen. If the arrangement is off, Windows may shift focus between screens, minimizing the game.
   • To change the primary display, click on the screen number, and select Make this my main display.
3. Disable Display Scaling: If your monitors have different scaling settings, it can cause focus issues. Ensure that both monitors are set to the same scaling factor under Scale and Layout.

Solution 5: Use a Secondary Input Method

A less technical but highly effective solution involves using a secondary input method, like a game controller. By using a controller for in-game actions, you can freely use your mouse on the second screen without causing the game to minimize.

Solution 6: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can lead to various display issues, including games minimizing when you switch screens.

Steps to update your graphics drivers:

1. NVIDIA Users:
   • Open the GeForce Experience application.
   • Go to the Drivers tab, and click on Check for updates. If an update is available, install it.
2. AMD Users:
   • Open the AMD Radeon Settings application.
   • Go to System > Software & Drivers, and check for updates. If an update is available, install it.

Conclusion

Stopping your game from minimizing when using a second screen involves understanding what causes the issue and applying the appropriate solution. Whether you switch to borderless windowed mode, use a third-party tool, or adjust your system settings, you’ll be able to enjoy your game and multitask seamlessly. By following these steps, you can enhance your gaming and multitasking experience without the frustration of interruptions.