Microsoft has a fix for unwanted program window rearrangements on multi-display syste

[harlan4096]

Multi-monitor systems are quite popular in the work place and also at home as they may improve productivity significantly. Developers may use multiple monitors to display more code on the screen or documentation, writers and researchers may use it for Office apps and research programs, and streamers to keep an eye on their channels while streaming a game.

If you worked on multi-monitor systems before, you may have run into a frustrating issue. When you recover a device from sleep, application windows may have been moved without your doing in the meantime. It is a frustrating experience, especially when you have to rearrange program windows after waking a device from sleep.

Up until now, third-party programs such as WindowManager, Auto Window Manager, or Window Resizer offered a workaround for the issue.

Microsoft has created a fix for the issue and is already testing it on the Windows Insider channel. According to a blog post on the Microsoft DirectX Dev Blog, it fixes issues on devices that connect to at least two (desktop) or one (laptop) external monitors.

Microsoft employee Michelle Xiong, program manager of the Grapics Team, explains why the issue occurs:
 

The technical terminology we use to describe this problem is known as Rapid Hot Plug Detect (Rapid HPD). This behavior impacts DisplayPort multi-monitor setups which results in unwanted desktop rearrangements. We have worked towards mitigating desktop rearrangements when Rapid HPD occurs.

The fix is available in Windows OS builds 21287 and newer, and a system that is connected to multiple monitors. Desktop systems require at least two external monitors, laptops at least one external monitor.

The build number suggests that the fix could find its way into Windows 10 version 21H2, out in the second half of 2021.

The solution works for all monitor manufacturers, hardware specs, connector types and cable brands according to Microsoft.

Now You: how many monitors do you use?
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