The 5 Best Dual-Monitor Management Apps for Windows 10

If you work with multiple apps most of the time, managing all the windows from a single display is cumbersome. Worse, if it is a 14-inch laptop screen. Even when writing this article, I have multiple windows open on a dual-monitor setup to help me get more work done and spend less time fiddling with the mouse.

However, just connecting a second display is not enough. You also need the right software to manage dual monitors to make the multi-monitor setup work for you.

Here are the best free and premium tools to manage dual monitors and to help boost your productivity.

1. DisplayFusion

DisplayFusion is a popular multi-monitor utility for Windows users to manage dual monitor setup. It comes with advanced features like Multi-Monitor Taskbars, TitleBar Button, etc.

Upon launch, DisplayFusion will prompt you to disable the Windows 10 Multi-monitor taskbar and enable DF Multi-Monitor Taskbar. Enabling it allows you to access System Tray icons on the second monitor. However, the Action Center is still off-limits and limited to the primary monitor.

All the DisplayFusion features are accessible from the taskbar. Right-click on the taskbar and choose the monitor functionality you want to configure. Monitor Configuration allows you to rearrange displays, customize resolution, refresh rate, color depth, and change the display origination.

DisplayFusion is available in Free and Pro versions. With the premium version, you get access to the advanced taskbar, additional customization options in the settings, including Remote Control, Windows Key + X Menu, lock screen, screen saver customization, and more.

Window Snapping is another cool feature that makes window management easy. You can choose a different snapping mode, a modifier key, and choose the snap distance in the settings.

A pro version trial is included with the free version, so try the features before deciding to make a purchase.

Download: DisplayFusion for Windows (Free/Pro $29)

Dual Monitor Tools is an open-source Windows utility to manage dual monitor setup. You can create a custom hotkey to move windows around, restrict cursor movement between displays, launch apps, change wallpapers and even activate a screen capture utility.

DMT features a collection of modules that you can customize as per your preference. All the modules are accessible from the program’s left pane, including the Dual Wallpaper Changer tool. You can access it as a standalone app to set different wallpaper on each screen.

While you don’t need a separate tool to set a different wallpaper on each screen due to native support for this in Windows 10, the cursor customizer is a unique offering. You can set hotkeys for functions like Lock cursor onto screen, Next screen, and Move cursor to previous screen without fiddling with the mouse.

The Launcher Module controls the use of Magic Words to launch applications. Snap and Swap Screen are the two additional modules to help you control windows position and capture screenshots.

Download: Dual Monitor Tools for Windows (Free)

MultiMonitorTool is a basic Windows utility to manage your dual monitor setup. It features a basic user interface that displays all the monitors connected to the system, with some information to help you determine the primary monitor and the resolution.

Selecting one of the monitors will show all the open windows on that display. The F8 and F7 hotkey allows you to move the window to the next or primary monitor.

MultiMonitorTool supports a few more nifty features, such as Preview Windows that allows you to view a preview of a selected window in the top right corner of another monitor. Using the tool, you can disable and enable monitors, set primary monitors, and change orientation and resolution.

It is a portable program and works with all the versions of Windows since XP. So, if you have to access different computers with multiple monitors frequently, MultiMonitorTool is a handy utility to have in your flash drive.

Download: MultiMonitorTool for Windows (Free)

4. UltraMon

UltraMon is a premium multi-monitor management utility that allows you to move and maximize windows across the desktop efficiently. To achieve this, Move and Maximize options are added to the open windows.

More customization options are accessible from the system tray icon. Right-click on the app icon, and you can manage open windows by enabling cascading or changing the orientation.

You can also set the primary monitor, enable or disable the secondary taskbar, disable the secondary display, change wallpaper and screen saver and configure display settings. The mirroring feature is a useful addition for older OS’, as Windows 10 offers an integrated display duplicate option.

UltraMon offers tons of customization and useful features, but it is a premium utility, and costs $39.95 when writing this article. Use the trial version to try out the features before committing.

Download: UltraMon for Windows ($39.95)

5. MultiMon Taskbar Pro

MultiMon Taskbar or MultiMonitor Taskbar is a dual monitor management tool available in free and pro versions. It is a lightweight utility and requires installation.

According to the developers at MediaChances, MultiMon Taskbar was developed for the company’s internal usage, which is evident in how the tool looks.

Upon launch, a taskbar is added on top of the Windows taskbar. You can scale and extend an open window to both the monitors or only on the primary or secondary monitor using the arrow keys. Click the small navigation button to move windows to the monitors on your left or right.

MultiMon Taskbar is not for everyone. The features are very limited and catered to a very niche audience, specifically in the media setup. If you are an average user looking to boost your productivity, MultiMon may not be a great option. However, do take the tool for a spin to see if it fits your requirements.

Download: MultiMon Taskbar Pro for Windows ($34 Personal /$80 Commercial)

Windows 10 Multi-Display Feature

Taking a cue from third-party dual monitor apps, Microsoft has added native support for multiple displays in Windows 10. To access the settings, go to Start > Settings > System > Display.

In the Display tab, you can rearrange your displays with a simple drag & drop. There are other basic settings that you can manage, including changing display resolutions, orientations, and scaling. In addition, Windows 10 natively supports setting different wallpapers on each monitor.

Then there is a limited but functional multi-monitor taskbar option and some handy shortcuts to move between multiple screens. For example, try CTRL + T tab to move between recently used windows effortlessly.

Right-click on the Windows taskbar, and you will find options to cascade windows, show windows stacked, and side by side.

Best Apps to Configure Your Multi-Display Setup!

Whether you are working remotely or in an office environment, a multi-display setup is crucial to maintain high productivity levels. Dual monitor management programs can help you move across windows swiftly and spend less time fiddling with your mouse.

That said, if you have an ultrawide monitor setup, you would need more than just a dual monitor management tool. Virtual monitor apps can help you manage and make use of all that screen real estate better.

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