Five free tools for multi-monitor computer setups

Having two monitors is a great way to extend the Windows desktop. This makes various tasks easier for you and can lead to higher productivity.

However, Windows 10 doesn't give you huge configuration settings when it comes to dual monitor or multi-display.

You often have to struggle with multiple functions, such as moving an app from one window to another or issues with stretching an app across both screens.

We'd like to share several free and open source tools available for download to help you harness the power of multi-monitor setups and get you started quickly. We hope you find the perfect app for you!

1-Dual Monitor Tool:

Not only is Dual Monitor Tools free, but it is also an open source dual monitor program. Actually, we should say “packages” because it's actually a collection of modules that you can mix and match.

For example, Dual Wallpaper is a standalone tool that lets you have different wallpapers on each screen. 

So if that's all you want, that's all you need to download.

DMT allows or some pretty interesting tricks. For example, the DMT Cursor lets you customize the behavior of the mouse cursor. 

You can lock the cursor to a monitor, make it harder to move between monitors, or allow free movement. 

This is very handy if you have a use case where the cursor accidentally ends up where it shouldn't, it could save your life.

DMT resides in the system tray and you can quickly access all modules from there. It's not fancy (or pretty), but these tools are incredibly useful!

DOWNLOAD HERE

2-DisplayFusion (free version)

DisplayFusion is probably the best known multi-monitor program.

With reason! It's the app that brings it all together: multi-monitor taskbars, variable wallpapers, keyboard shortcuts and more.

The paid 'Pro' version comes with a lot more on top of that, but for the vast majority of people DisplayFusion Free will be more than they need to get the most out of their dual monitor setup.

DisplayFusion also offers wonderful advanced window snapping features that make window management across multiple monitors much easier.

Which includes the ability to break windows to watch the edges. A maddening oversight in Windows itself.

DOWNLOAD DisplayFusion HERE

3-MultiMonitorTool

Not all dual-monitor programs have to be elaborate or over-engineered to be useful. MultiMonitorTool is the perfect example.

It's a basic, lightweight utility that puts a lot of power under your fingertips.

For one, it will accept command line instructions and you can see a live preview of the multi-monitor setup you are currently using. 

This makes it perfect for computers running multiple monitors in a public space. Besides the command-line interface, you can perform common tasks such as moving windows between monitors using keyboard shortcuts.

This tool will work with Windows versions as old as XP all the way up to current Windows 10 versions. , MultiMonitorTool is a real lifesaver.

DOWNLOAD MMT HERE

4-MultiMon Taskbar 2.1

A newer version of MultiMon Taskbar is available, with version number “3.5”. However, it is the “Pro” version that comes with a price tag. 

Users who want a free tool should therefore opt for version 2.1, which is not necessarily a bad thing. There are simply differences in functionality here.

The free version of dual-monitor software adds taskbars to extended monitors on Windows. It can do this for up to three monitor configurations. Each monitor's taskbar displays only the applications on that monitor. This includes not displaying applications on the primary monitor's taskbar that are not that monitor.

This free tool is only designed to work up to Windows 7, but there are still many computers running this older operating system. MultiMon is also fairly stable software, so if you have a good vintage multi-monitor system, it's worth checking out.

DOWNLOAD MultiMon HERE

5-UltraMon

UltraMon is a great tool for multi-monitor computer setups that can support up to 10 monitors. 

It lets you set custom features for each monitor, such as resolution, wallpaper, and taskbar settings. 

UltraMon lets you move running programs from the primary display to the secondary display (and vice versa). Each of the monitors will have its own taskbar showing you the applications running on them. 

You can preset and save monitor settings, as well as where a program opens from the context menu to speed up your workflow.

 It also has a feature to easily turn off secondary monitors to save power consumption when you don't need them and to reduce distractions when not in use.

DOWNLOAD UltraMon HERE