Question:

What is the best way to turn off multiple monitors without disrupting the desktop layout?

I have two monitors that do not have a Standby mode option for the power button. When I turn them off, they disconnect from the computer and all the windows and icons move to the remaining monitor. This is very inconvenient as I have to rearrange everything when I turn them back on. Is there a way to manually turn off the monitors without losing the desktop configuration?

Answer:

Many people use multiple monitors to enhance their productivity and multitasking. However, turning off the monitors can sometimes cause problems, especially if they do not have a Standby mode option for the power button. In this article, we will explore some possible solutions to turn off multiple monitors without losing the desktop configuration.

Why does turning off monitors affect the desktop layout?

When you turn off a monitor, it sends a signal to the computer that it is no longer connected. The computer then adjusts the display settings accordingly, and moves all the windows and icons to the remaining monitor(s). This can be very annoying if you have a specific arrangement of windows and icons on each monitor, as you will have to rearrange them every time you turn the monitors back on.

How to prevent this from happening?

There are a few ways to prevent the computer from changing the display settings when you turn off the monitors. Here are some of them:

• Use a software solution: There are some third-party software applications that can help you preserve the desktop layout when you turn off the monitors. For example, [DisplayFusion](https://www.displayfusion.com/) is a popular tool that allows you to save and restore your window positions and desktop icons with a hotkey or a mouse click. You can also customize the behavior of the monitors when they are turned off, such as keeping them active or disabling them. DisplayFusion is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, and has a free and a paid version.
• Use a hardware solution: Another option is to use a hardware device that can trick the computer into thinking that the monitors are still connected when they are turned off. For example, [HDMI Dummy Plugs](https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Dummy-Plug-Headless-Display/dp/B07C5LV9XN) are small adapters that plug into the HDMI ports of the monitors and emulate a display signal. This way, the computer will not detect any change in the display settings when you turn off the monitors. HDMI Dummy Plugs are relatively cheap and easy to use, but they may not work with all monitors and graphics cards.
• Use a different power source: A simple workaround is to use a different power source for the monitors, such as a power strip or a surge protector, instead of the power button on the monitors. This way, you can turn off the power to the monitors without sending a signal to the computer. However, this may not be very energy-efficient, as the monitors may still draw some power when they are plugged in. Also, you will have to manually turn on the power to the monitors when you want to use them again.

Conclusion

Turning

off multiple monitors without disrupting the desktop layout can be a challenge, especially if they do not have a Standby mode option for the power button. However, there are some possible solutions that can help you preserve the desktop configuration, such as using a software or a hardware solution, or using a different power source. You can try these methods and see which one works best for you.