> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/platforms/windows/disable-display.md).

# Stop using a display on Windows

## Overview

With Windows, if you have N displays plugged in, Windows will always try to use all N displays.

However, in **Display Settings** you can tell Windows to stop sending a video signal to specific displays.

## If two displays are plugged in

If only two displays are connected, Windows gives you the option to "Show only on 1" or "Show only on 2".

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FFegrtZkxJRvTpubFmebP%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=6c50e996-9ddd-4250-9a1f-0ff7bb003806" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## If 3 or more displays are plugged in

In Windows 11, the options look a little different if you have 3 displays connected. Below, 3 are connected, and the way to get Windows to stop using one of them is to click **Disconnect this display**.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FPL1PIQVeELPILfHcPJh9%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c55f6d14-737b-4b5d-9dcf-aa08f7e25007" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How Windows shows a disconnected display

Once you have disconnected a display, Windows still shows you the display in Display Settings. But its current state will show as "Disconnect this display".

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FCptOQQbTvRj91jQktKNv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=94eb92c5-1e09-45df-b4a7-9277ed3d5ff8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Re-connecting a display

Once you've disconnected a display, you can always reconnect it by clicking that button and selecting an extend or duplicate option.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FHa779tFe57usAAhyUB9r%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=52fb3062-5b14-45e9-bb1f-0a27a7a2ca98" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
