How To Open Steam Games On Second Monitor?

Have you ever wondered, How To Open Steam Games On Second Monitor?

If you’re one of the many gamers who prefer playing on a dual-monitor setup, this article is just for you!

How To Open Steam Games On Second Monitor?

Understanding the Need for Dual Monitors

Before we delve into the details, let’s understand why you might want to play your favourite Steam games on a second monitor.

Dual monitors allow you to multitask efficiently. 

You can open your game on one screen while watching other essential tasks on your second screen.

How To Open Steam Games On Second Monitor?

Here is a simple guide to help you open your Steam games on a second monitor without technical issues.

Step 1: Setting Up the Monitor

Before anything else, ensure your second monitor is appropriately connected to your PC and working correctly.

Step 2: Accessing Display Settings

Navigate to your computer’s display settings. This can be found in the control panel on Windows or the system preferences on a Mac.

Step 3: Setting the Second Monitor as Primary Display

In the display settings, set your second monitor as your primary display.

This step will ensure that the game launches on the second screen.

Step 4: Launching Steam

Now, open Steam on your primary display (the second monitor).

Step 5: Opening Steam Games

Finally, open your Steam game. The game will launch there since your second monitor is now the primary display.

It’s as simple as that!

Steam Settings To Change Monitor

You’re a gaming enthusiast who uses multiple monitors.

In that case, you might have wondered how to play your Steam games on a secondary monitor while keeping your primary one free for other tasks.

This guide will walk you through the process, enabling you to enjoy a new gaming experience on your multi-monitor PC.

  1. Launch Steam in Big Picture Mode: Start by opening your Steam application. Navigate to the top right corner of the interface and click on the ‘Big Picture Mode’ icon. This will switch Steam to a full-screen user interface.
  2. Access the Options: Once in Big Picture Mode, look for the options menu, represented by a gear icon. Click on it to access the settings.
  3. Select Resolution: In the options menu, find and select Resolution under the Screen Options section.
  4. Choose Your Monitor: A second dropdown menu will appear after you select ‘Resolution’. This menu lets you choose the monitor you want the Big Picture Mode to display.

After completing these steps, your Steam games will launch on the selected monitor whenever you start them in Big Picture Mode.

If you wish to revert to playing games on your primary monitor, launch the game from the Steam application without using Big Picture Mode.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite the simplicity of the process, there might be some common issues that you might need help with.

The game Still Opens on First Monitor.

If the game still opens on your first monitor, try switching the monitor cables.

Ensure the monitor you want to game on is connected via the correct connection type, i.e. the primary display port.

Monitor Not Detected

If your second monitor isn’t detected, check your monitor cable and ensure it is securely connected to both your PC and the monitor.

If the problem persists, try using a different cable.

FAQs

Ques 1: Can I play different Steam games on two monitors simultaneously? 

Ans: Unfortunately, you can only run one game at a time on Steam. However, you can use your second monitor for other tasks while gaming on the primary one.

Ques 2: What if my second monitor is smaller than my primary one? 

Ans: The game will adjust to the monitor’s resolution on which it is being played. It won’t affect your gaming experience.

Ques 3: Can I use my second monitor for Steam games if it’s a TV? 

Ans: Yes, as long as your TV has an HDMI port and your computer graphics card supports it, you can use it as a second gaming monitor.

Final Thoughts

Playing your favourite Steam games on a second monitor can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

With the steps provided in this guide, you should have no trouble setting it up.

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Manvendra Singh
Manvendra Singh

Hi, I am John Williams. Editor-in-chief of the website PCSynced.com. Here I write about PC technology & Guides.