Summary
This article explains how to change the display mode in Windows 11 when using multiple displays, including projectors and external monitors. It covers the Windows + P shortcut, the Windows Settings method, and how to identify connected displays.
Body
Purpose: This article explains how to change the display mode in Windows 11 when using multiple displays, such as a computer monitor and projector or an external monitor.
- Duplicate shows the same content on both displays.
- Extend expands the Windows desktop across both displays so each display can show different content.
Table of Contents
Change Display Mode Using Windows + P
The quickest way to switch between Duplicate and Extend is with the Windows projection menu.
- Press the Windows key + P at the same time.

- The Project menu will appear on the right side of the screen.

- Select the desired display mode:
- PC screen only – Uses only the computer's primary display.
- Duplicate – Shows the same content on both displays.
- Extend – Expands the Windows desktop across both displays.
- Second screen only – Uses only the secondary display.
- For most situations, select Duplicate or Extend depending on how the displays need to be used.
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Change Display Mode Using Settings
The display mode can also be changed through Windows Settings.
- Right-click an empty area of the Windows desktop.
- Select Display settings.
- Under System > Display, locate the settings for the connected displays.
- Locate the drop-down menu for the multiple-display configuration.
- Select the desired option:
- Duplicate these displays to show the same content on both displays.
- Extend these displays to use both displays as one extended desktop.
- If Windows asks you to confirm the change, select Keep changes.
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Complete: The Windows 11 display mode should now be configured for either duplicated or extended displays.