How to Stop Windows 11 Minimizing Apps When a Monitor Disconnects

Windows 11 can automatically minimize windows that were open on an external display when that monitor disconnects. This prevents an app from becoming inaccessible, but it can also disrupt a carefully arranged desktop when a dock or display briefly loses its connection.

You can turn off the behavior in Settings. This change does not disable the monitor or prevent you from minimizing apps manually.

Turn off automatic minimizing in Settings

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings. Select System > Display.

Step 2: Scroll to and expand Multiple displays.

Step 3: Clear the checkbox labeled Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected.

Reconnect and disconnect the external display to test the result. If you want Windows to restore apps to familiar positions when a display returns, leave Remember window locations based on monitor connection enabled.

Optional: change the setting in Registry Editor

The Settings method is safest for an individual PC. The registry option is useful when documenting or automating the setting. It applies to the current Windows user.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, enter regedit, and select OK. Approve the User Account Control prompt.

Step 2: Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop

Step 3: Find the DWORD value MonitorRemovalRecalcBehavior. If it does not exist, right-click an empty area, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and give it that exact name.

Step 4: Double-click the value and enter:

• 0 to prevent automatic minimizing when a monitor disconnects;
• 1 to enable automatic minimizing.

Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager, or sign out and back in, if the change does not take effect immediately.

Command-line method

Open Command Prompt under the user whose setting you want to change. Administrator privileges are normally not required for this current-user value.

To stop windows from being minimized:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop" /v MonitorRemovalRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

To restore automatic minimizing:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop" /v MonitorRemovalRecalcBehavior /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

If the setting does not solve the problem

• Update the graphics driver and any dock firmware supplied by the PC or dock manufacturer.
• Check the HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable; a brief signal loss can look like a disconnect.
• Confirm that the correct display is marked as the main display.
• Try another port to rule out a connector or adapter problem.
• Restart Windows Explorer after a registry change.

Back up the relevant registry key before editing it manually. An incorrect registry change can affect Windows behavior, and the graphical Settings option is preferable when it is available.