Multiple Displays Disable Monitor

Question

Level 1

45 points

Multiple Displays Disable Monitor

Running a MBP with a CalDigit dock and have 2 external monitors connected. One of the monitors I am using with another system sometimes so I am back and forth using the monitor. I would like to disable the one monitor from my MBP since some of my APPs are opening up on that monitor. It becomes a hassle to find the windows blindly to bring them to a display I can see. The monitors are connected to a mount that in order to disconnect the connection I would take alot of time which is way I just go back and forth. If I turn off the other system I gain access to the monitor again. I purchased SwitchResX and since installed I am able to disable the monitor, but it appears my MBP has become unstable. If the monitors even the notebook screen goes black, I have to hold the power button down to force a shutdown. My previous Mac's I was able to disable monitors when working with other systems. I cant be the only one with this problem. Is there away to disable the monitor in the system that I am not seeing?

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Dec 28, 2021 12:31 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 30, 2021 2:03 PM in response to MauWoW

Thats because you can’t do what you want to do, mate. If you could, it’d have been in one of the articles she gave you.

Have you checked the display functions that are actually on the monitor? I used a single monitor for two computers for awhile and the switch function you’re talking about wanting was handled directly on the monitor, not in my computer preferences.

Reply

Answer 2

Lindsay_B.

Community Specialist

Dec 29, 2021 10:22 AM in response to MauWoW

Hi there, MauWoW,

Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities. If we understand, you're having trouble when using multiple displays with your MacBook Pro. We are happy to help.

Based on what you've described, we would recommend starting with the information in the Apple Support article Use one or more external displays with your Mac - Apple Support.

Don't hesitate to respond back if you still need assistance.

Best.

Reply

Answer 3

Lindsay_B.

Community Specialist

Dec 30, 2021 1:48 PM in response to MauWoW

We appreciate you following up, MauWoW,

The resource previously provided educates you on the ways you can use multiple external displays with your Mac. If the specific function you are looking for is not listed there, check Change Displays preferences on Mac – Apple Support.

If you still have questions or need clarification on the capabilities of your computer and connected displays, please speak with Apple Support directly here: Get Support.

Enjoy your day.

Reply

Answer 4

MauWoW Author

Level 1

45 points

Dec 30, 2021 1:35 PM in response to Lindsay_B.

That link does not help. I have the monitors working. What I would like to do is inside my system disable one of the monitors. I am able to do this with past Apple systems and with Windows. I have a work computer connected to the other monitor using Display port and on the MBP connected with HDMI. Currently the windows computer is using the monitor, and when I open new Apps they are opening in the monitor that is being used with windows. Disconnecting the Monitor connection is not an easy task. Using SwitchResX I am able to disable the monitor but my MBP monitors never come back on after going to sleep.

Is there a way I am not seeing inside my system (MPB) to disable the monitor that is being used with the other system (windows)? Or do I continue to take screenshoots to find where the windows are to drag them back to view?

Reply

Answer 5

MauWoW Author

Level 1

45 points

Dec 30, 2021 2:18 PM in response to Miss Smartie Partie

Thats why I am asking if the system has the function. I was able to turn the displays off inside the system before I am not seeing it now. The monitor does have the function to to got between the 2 from DP to HDMI, but that still doesn't stop the apps from launching on that monitor. I am still able to move the mouse to the screen which shows it's active. The SwitchResX app has the option to disable the monitor but when the screens go to sleep the only way to get them back is to hold the power button to force a reboot.

Reply

Answer 6

MauWoW Author

Level 1

45 points

Jan 6, 2022 5:51 AM in response to MauWoW

Is there an update to this case? This morning the MBP screen would not come back on for the notebook or the other monitors. I had to hold the power button down to force a reboot for the screens to appear. In doing so the spread sheet I was working on became corrupted. There has to be a way Apple supports to either A, get items from other windows to the main window with out dragging or B, disabling a screen so that only selective active screens show windows.

Reply

Answer 7

MauWoW Author

Level 1

45 points

Dec 30, 2021 1:50 PM in response to Lindsay_B.

That does not help. How can I disable and enable a display.

Reply

Multiple Displays Disable Monitor

Similar questions