How to Change the Presentation Mode for Screens in Windows

This updated guide explains how to Change the Presentation Mode for Screens in Windows through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

This tutorial will show you how to change the presentation mode for monitors in Windows 10.

ModeDescriptionPC screen only Only the current home screen is active. All other connected screens will be disabled. (When you are connected to a wireless projector, this option will change to Diconnects .) Duplicate The main screen will be duplicated on the second screen. Extend (default) The main screen extends across all connected displays and allows you to have a desktop spread across them. Second screen only The current home screen is disabled. All other connected displays will remain enabled and the second screen will be used as the new home screen.

1. Follow step 2 ( Project ) or step 3 ( Action Center ) below, depending on how you may need to open the flyout Project menu.

2. Press the Win + P keys or swipe from the right edge of the touch screen and move to step 4 below.

3. Open Action Center , click the Project button and move to step 4 below.

Change the Presentation Mode for Screens in Windows — Change the Presentation Mode for the Monitor in the Project Flyout Menu

Open Action Center, click the Project button

4. Click the desired presentation mode ( PC screen only, duplicate, extend or second screen only ). You can also press the down arrow key until you see the projection mode you want and press Enter to apply.

For example, if you have a blank black screen and can't see the menu, you can do this below to restore default Extend settings.

Press the Win + P keys, press the down arrow key twice and press Enter .

Click the desired presentation mode

Change the Presentation Mode for the Screen with the Command

Copy and paste one of the commands below that you may need to use into the Command Prompt or the Run dialog box ( Win + R ) and press Enter .

PC screen only

%windir%System32DisplaySwitch.exe /internal

Duplicate

%windir%System32DisplaySwitch.exe /clone

Extend

%windir%System32DisplaySwitch.exe /extend

Second screen only

%windir%System32DisplaySwitch.exe /external

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Change the Presentation Mode for Screens in Windows?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.