How to Make Windows Remote Desktop Use 2 of 3 Monitors?

Remote Desktop is a powerful tool for professionals who need flexible access to their work computers. While using multiple monitors through Remote Desktop is a great productivity booster, many users want to use only 2 of their 3 monitors instead of all of them. By default, Windows Remote Desktop either uses one monitor or all monitors, but with some simple configurations, you can select specific monitors (such as only two of your three screens).

This article provides a comprehensive 1000-word guide on how to configure Windows Remote Desktop to use exactly two of three monitors, along with step-by-step instructions, configuration methods, tips, and troubleshooting advice.

Can Remote Desktop Use Only Selected Monitors?

Yes, but not from the standard Remote Desktop interface. However, you can manually configure the RDP file or use Command Prompt / PowerShell to specify which monitors to use by identifying their IDs through Windows display settings.

Windows officially supports multi-monitor Remote Desktop on:
✔ Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise
✔ Windows Server Editions

It does not support selective monitor use directly in Windows 10/11 Home.

Solution Overview

To use exactly 2 out of your 3 monitors, you must:

1. Identify monitor IDs using Display Settings

2. Create or modify your Remote Desktop .rdp file

3. Add custom monitor selection configuration

4. Save and use that .rdp file to connect

Step 1: Identify Monitor Numbers

Before configuring, you must know which two monitors you want to use.

1. Right-click on desktop → Display Settings

2. Click Identify

3. Note the numbers shown on the monitors (1, 2, 3)

Suppose you want to use Monitor 1 and Monitor 3, but not Monitor 2.

Step 2: Enable Multi-Monitor Support in Remote Desktop

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc)

2. Click Show Options

3. Go to the Display tab

4. Check “Use all my monitors for the remote session” (We will later limit which are used)

5. Enter the computer address → click Save As to store a .rdp file on your Desktop

This RDP file will be used to manually set monitor preferences.

Step 3: Edit the RDP File to Select Only 2 Monitors

Locate the saved .rdp file → Right-click → Open with Notepad

Now, we will add settings that define which two monitors to use.

Add the following lines at the end of the file:

use multimon:i:1
selectedmonitors:s:MONITOR_IDS

For example, if you want to use monitors 1 and 3:

use multimon:i:1
selectedmonitors:s:1,3

Save the file and close Notepad.

To connect, simply double-click the modified .rdp file.

Alternative Method: Using Command Line

You can connect using the command line by specifying monitor numbers directly.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, press Enter

2. Type this command:

mstsc /multimon /span /monitors:1,3

(Remember to replace 1,3 with the IDs of the two monitors you want)

This method works without modifying an RDP file.

How to Confirm Which Monitors Are Used

Once connected, try dragging windows to verify they only move between your selected two monitors.

If all three monitors are active, it means either:

❌ Your RDP client doesn’t support selected monitor use
❌ Monitor IDs were incorrect
❌ Windows version does not support selective monitor mapping

Important Notes and Limitations

Feature	Supported
Use 1 monitor	✔ Yes
Use all monitors	✔ Yes
Use only 2 of 3 monitors	✔ Yes (with configuration)
Works in Windows Home	❌ No
Works in Windows Pro/Enterprise	✔ Yes
Supported in the Microsoft Remote Desktop app	✔ Yes
Supported in Chrome Remote Desktop	❌ No
Supported in AnyDesk / TeamViewer	✔ Yes (built-in controls)

Tips for the Best Multi-Monitor Remote Desktop Experience

✔ Ensure both computers use Windows Pro or Enterprise
✔ Use matching resolutions for better performance
✔ Enable LAN mode for the fastest display response
✔ Use wired internet for a smoother multi-screen experience
✔ Keep monitors arranged horizontally, not vertically

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem	Possible Reason	Solution
All monitors are used instead of the selected two	Wrong RDP syntax	Verify monitor IDs and the command
Remote Desktop is not detecting multiple monitors	Running Windows Home	Upgrade to Windows Pro
Black screen on the second monitor	Graphic driver issue	Update display drivers
Resolution mismatch	Different screen sizes	Use similar resolutions
RDP file settings not applied	File not saved correctly	Re-edit and resave with .rdp extension

Using Third-Party Tools for Easier Multi-Monitor Control

If configuring manually feels complicated, you can use third-party remote software that supports selecting exact monitors:

Software	Select Specific Monitors?	Pricing
TeamViewer	✔ Yes	Free/Pro
AnyDesk	✔ Yes	Free/Pro
Splashtop	✔ Yes	Paid
Parallels Remote Access	✔ Yes	Paid

These tools provide easier user interfaces to choose exactly which screens to share. Conclusion

How to Make Windows Remote Desktop Use 2 of 3 Monitors? Windows Remote Desktop does not directly provide an option to pick which specific monitors to use, but with a few advanced configuration methods—such as editing the RDP file or using the command line—you can successfully make it use any two of your three monitors.

In summary, you need to:

1. Identify monitor numbers

2. Enable multi-monitor in Remote Desktop

3. Edit .rdp file and add selected monitor IDs

4. Use the correct command syntax to connect

Once properly configured, you get the productivity of dual monitors without including your third screen.