The display configuration issue occurs when just one monitor is active.
The display configuration issue occurs when just one monitor is active.
I use two monitors set to duplicate, one for TV (monitor 2) and another for gaming (monitor 1). Recently, whenever I turn on just "Monitor 1", windows switch to "Extend these displays" and adds a non-existent display next to "display 1". In settings, clicking "duplicate these displays" and then "keep changes" instantly brings it back to "extend these displays". If I only use "Display 2", the issue disappears. It only shows one monitor (display 2) in settings. After first turning on "Display 1", windows revert to the extension option when I switch back. Turning off "Display 2" restores the display extension problem. It also seems the resolution changes during this issue, which has only happened for a short time. I've updated my GPU and CPU drivers already, but it doesn't solve anything. Whenever I think I fixed it, it just comes back. The problem is annoying because sometimes I open a program and it opens in the fake second display. Any help would be appreciated.
You've linked both screens, so Windows aims to show on both. You can move the first screen left or right if needed. Have you tried switching the video ports? Connect Display 1 to the port where Display 2 is plugged in, and vice versa. Which GPU and monitors are you using? Consider using different video cables and check if updating the BIOS for your motherboard helps.