How to Switch Monitors in Fortnite: A Quick Guide
Yes, you can easily switch your Fortnite display to a different monitor. It’s a straightforward process that most players can do without much trouble. You just need to adjust a few settings within your game or your computer’s display options to tell Fortnite which screen to use. This can help improve your gaming experience, especially if you have multiple displays.
Many gamers use multiple monitors for different reasons. Some might want to keep their game on one screen while browsing the web or watching videos on another. Switching Fortnite between these displays is a common need. We found that understanding your computer’s display settings is key to getting this done correctly. It ensures your game appears where you want it.
- Switching Fortnite to another monitor is simple.
- You can do this through in-game settings.
- Your computer’s display settings also offer control.
- This helps manage your gaming and multitasking needs.
Let’s walk through exactly how to get Fortnite running on your preferred monitor, step by step.
Getting Fortnite to Display on Your Chosen Monitor
Switching which monitor Fortnite uses is easier than you might think. You have a couple of main ways to do this. You can adjust settings directly within the game itself. Or, you can make changes in your computer’s operating system display options. We found that knowing both methods gives you the most control. Let’s start with the quickest and most common way: in-game settings. If you’re looking for a portable monitor, our guide covers the best 1080p options.
Using Fortnite’s In-Game Display Settings
This is often the easiest method for most players. Fortnite’s settings are pretty user-friendly. They allow you to select your display output directly. This means you can tell the game exactly where you want it to show up. No need to dig deep into system files or complicated menus.
Accessing the Video Settings Menu
First, you need to get into Fortnite. Once the game has loaded up and you’re in the lobby or main menu, look for the settings icon. It usually looks like a gear or a wrench. Click on that to open up the main settings menu.
Within the settings menu, find the tab labeled “Video” or “Display.” This is where all the graphics and screen-related options live. You’ll see a variety of choices here, from resolution to graphics quality.
Selecting Your Monitor in Display Settings
Look for an option called “Display Mode.” This setting typically lets you choose between Full Screen, Windowed, or Fullscreen Windowed. Below that, you should see a dropdown menu for “Monitor.”
This is the key setting! Click on the dropdown menu. You will see a list of all the monitors your computer detects. They are usually numbered, like Monitor 1, Monitor 2, etc. Simply select the monitor you want Fortnite to use. We found that this dropdown accurately lists your connected displays.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which number corresponds to which physical monitor, you can use your Windows or macOS display settings to find out. We’ll cover that next.
Confirming Your Changes
After selecting your desired monitor, make sure to click the “Apply” button. This is usually at the bottom of the settings screen. Fortnite will likely ask you to confirm the changes. Once confirmed, the game should instantly move to the monitor you selected. If it doesn’t, double-check your selection and try applying it again.
Adjusting Windows Display Settings for Your Monitors
Sometimes, the in-game settings might not show your monitors correctly, or you might want to control which monitor is your primary display. Your computer’s operating system handles how multiple monitors work together. Adjusting these settings can ensure Fortnite picks the right one.
Identifying Your Monitors in Windows
To start, right-click anywhere on your desktop. From the menu that pops up, select “Display settings.” This will open the main display configuration window for Windows.
You’ll see numbered boxes representing your monitors. If you’re not sure which number is which monitor, click the “Identify” button. Numbers will briefly appear on each of your screens. This helps you match the numbers in the settings to your physical displays.
Setting Your Primary Monitor
The primary monitor is the main display where your taskbar and most applications will open by default. To set your preferred monitor as primary, click on its corresponding numbered box in the Display settings. Scroll down until you find the option that says “Make this my main display.” Check that box.
We found that setting your gaming monitor as the primary display often helps applications launch on the correct screen without extra steps. Once you’ve made this change, click “Apply” or “Keep changes.”
Configuring Display Arrangement
In the same Display settings window, you can also arrange your monitors. You can drag the numbered boxes to match the physical placement of your monitors on your desk. This helps your mouse cursor move smoothly between screens.
For example, if your second monitor is to the left of your main one, drag its box to the left of the primary display’s box. Getting this arrangement right is important. It prevents your cursor from getting “lost” when moving between screens.
| Setting | Purpose | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Display Mode | Game Window Type | Fortnite Video Settings |
| Monitor Selection | Choose Game Output | Fortnite Video Settings |
| Identify Displays | Match Numbers to Screens | Windows Display Settings |
| Make Main Display | Set Primary Monitor | Windows Display Settings |
| Display Arrangement | Arrange Monitor Layout | Windows Display Settings |
Troubleshooting Common Display Issues
Even with the right steps, you might run into a snag. Don’t worry, most problems are fixable. Sometimes, Fortnite might stubbornly stick to the wrong monitor. Here’s what to try next.
Ensure Your Graphics Drivers Are Updated
Outdated graphics drivers are a frequent culprit for display glitches. Manufacturers like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel release updates regularly. These updates fix bugs and improve compatibility with games and multiple monitors. We recommend checking your graphics card manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
Restarting Your Game and Computer
It sounds simple, but a fresh restart can solve a surprising number of issues. Try closing Fortnite completely. Then, restart your computer. After it boots back up, launch Fortnite again and check your settings. This often clears temporary glitches.
Checking Game File Integrity
If the problem persists, the game files themselves might be corrupted. You can check and repair these files through the Epic Games Launcher. Open the launcher, go to your Library, find Fortnite, click the three dots next to it, and select “Verify.” This process checks for and replaces any broken files. It can take a little while.
Basic Checklist Before You Play
- Did you set the correct monitor in Fortnite’s video settings?
- Is your preferred gaming monitor set as the primary display in Windows?
- Are your monitor arrangement and resolution set correctly in Windows?
- Have you restarted Fortnite and your PC recently?
- Are your graphics card drivers up to date?
- Did you try verifying the game files through the Epic Games Launcher?
Following these steps should help you get Fortnite running on the monitor you want. Enjoy your gaming!
Conclusion
You’ve learned how to easily switch your Fortnite display to your preferred monitor. Whether you’re using the in-game settings or your computer’s display options, getting the game on the right screen is achievable. We found that a quick check of your Windows display settings often helps, especially in setting your primary monitor. With these steps, you can improve your multi-monitor gaming setup. Now, go ahead and launch Fortnite on your chosen display for the best gaming experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Fortnite on two monitors at once?
Fortnite typically runs in full screen on one monitor at a time. You can set up your system so that the game appears on your second monitor, but you can’t have the game simultaneously displayed in full screen across both. You can, however, use the second monitor for other tasks while gaming.
What if Fortnite doesn’t show up on my selected monitor?
If Fortnite doesn’t appear on your chosen monitor after changing settings, try restarting the game and your PC. Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date, as this often resolves display issues. Verifying your game files through the Epic Games Launcher can also help if the problem persists.
How do I know which monitor is Monitor 1 or Monitor 2?
In Windows, you can easily identify your monitors by going to Display settings and clicking the “Identify” button. Numbers will briefly appear on each of your physical screens, corresponding to the numbered boxes shown in the settings. This helps you match the names in Fortnite’s settings to your actual displays.
Will changing my primary monitor affect other games?
Yes, changing your primary monitor in Windows will affect where most applications and games launch by default. We recommend setting your main gaming monitor as the primary display for a consistent experience across all your games. This ensures Fortnite and other titles open where you expect them to.
Is it better to change monitors in-game or in Windows settings?
For Fortnite specifically, using the in-game video settings to select your monitor is often the most direct and easiest method. However, adjusting Windows display settings to make your gaming monitor primary can help ensure applications, including Fortnite, consistently launch on the correct screen.
