How to only sometimes use a TV as an extended computer display

February 14, 2024 8:24 AM

I'm using a TV as a third display for my computer to play video games in a more comfortable setting. They're connected via HDMI. Is there a way to toggle whether or not that tv is used as a display without unplugging the cord?

I'm using Windows 10.

Basically what I want is to leave the HDMI cord connected between computer and TV but I don't want the tv to always serve as a third display for my computer. Ideally there's a setting on my computer that I could change that says, "Ok, please start using the 3rd display now," and "Ok, now I'm done with the 3rd display, please quit using it now."

It's not a big deal because I can just turn the TV off or make sure the TV's source is set to a different HDMI except when I want to do the mirroring/extending, but I'd just like the extra option of not having anything pushed to the TV without having to disconnect the cord.

The TV has a google chromecast, but I'm specifically not interested in casting to make the TV display what's on my computer due to lag between input and what's displayed on the screen when casting.

posted by msbrauer to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

When using an external monitor, I can right click on the desktop, choose display settings and then under 'multiple displays' choose 'show only on 1'. Does that do what you need it to with the TV?
posted by jacquilynne at 8:46 AM on February 14 [1 favorite]

Best answer: You can manage it in Windows Display settings but it's a bit awkward.

I haven't used it, but I imagine DisplayFusion lets you set a hotkey for this.

You could also get a cheap "dumb" HDMI switch (for $20 or so) and just not connect anything to the second input. Then you could disconnect the monitor by pressing the switch. That'd also require an extra HDMI cable though.

You mention video games -- are you aware that Steam has a built-in feature to temporarily change your primary display while Steam is up? You have to use Big Picture Mode for it to work though, and it's a bit fiddly.
posted by neckro23 at 9:06 AM on February 14 [1 favorite]

Switching with Windows Display settings is a decent answer. I'd suggest caution on using a cheap switch. Many won't support 4K. AMHIK.
posted by jclarkin at 9:42 AM on February 14

Hold down the windows key and press P. A menu will pop up with the different display modes. Keep pressing P to switch.
posted by zebraantelope at 6:52 PM on February 14

Response by poster: I haven't used it, but I imagine DisplayFusion lets you set a hotkey for this.

This looks like just what I need. Looks like even on the free tier one can enable/disable monitors.
posted by msbrauer at 7:11 PM on February 14

Best answer: If you want a simpler and open source solution, I use Monitor Profile Switcher for this exact use case. I have my two 4k desktop monitors in one room and a HDTV connected with a long cable in the room next door and I often switch between them with hot keys. I have it set up so I switch between the two setups so never have all 3 monitors at on at once, and the switcher also handles changing my audio device settings at the same time so my audio goes through the optical out on my HDTV when I swap to it. I have a wireless keyboard/mouse I use when I'm using my TV output.
posted by JZig at 9:52 PM on February 14