How to Keep a Borderless Game Window Open on a Specific Monitor Without Minimizing
Many gamers and users seeking seamless multi-monitor setups encounter a common challenge: maintaining a borderless game window on one monitor while performing other tasks on another. Typically, when switching focus or interacting with other applications, the game window may minimize or shift, disrupting the experience. This article explores possible solutions to keep a borderless game window persistent across monitors without interruption.
The Scenario
Suppose you’re playing a game on your second monitor and want to multitask on your primary monitor. You prefer a borderless window for a more immersive and seamless experience but find that switching to another monitor causes the game to minimize. Using windowed mode might avoid minimization, but it introduces an annoying window border that distracts from the gameplay, especially if the window’s resolution doesn’t perfectly match your display settings. Reducing the window size further makes the window too small to be practical.
Is This a Windows Limitation?
This behavior isn’t unique to gaming; it stems from how Windows manages application focus and window states. Typically, when an application loses focus, it can minimize, especially in full-screen or borderless window modes, depending on how the software handles window focus. Some applications are more stubborn, but generally, Windows does not provide a native, straightforward setting to force a window to stay open and on top without minimizing when focus shifts.
Possible Solutions and Workarounds
While there isn’t a dedicated “keep open” setting for all applications, several approaches can help achieve a more stable borderless window experience:
1. Use “Always on Top” Utilities
Third-party tools like DeskPins, AutoHotkey scripts, or DisplayFusion can force windows to stay on top or prevent them from minimizing when focus shifts.
- AutoHotkey Example:
You can write a simple script to keep your game window always on top:
ahk
WinSet, AlwaysOnTop, On, YourGameWindowTitle
Replace YourGameWindowTitle with the actual window title of your game.
2. Modify Game Settings
Some games offer launch options or in-game settings that influence window behavior. Check if your game supports command-line parameters to run in persistent borderless window mode without minimizing.
3. Use Window Management Tools
Applications like DisplayFusion or Ultrawide Window Manager provide features to lock windows in place and
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