Microsoft – Page 2 – BATTERIES & CHARGERS BLOG

Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 controller tagged with Amazon frequently returned item label

The problematic Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is forcing gamers to rely on the Amazon return policy. Despite its high cost, the esports controller suffers from malfunctioning buttons and stick drift.

Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 controller (Image source: Amazon)

Recently, Amazon attached the frequently returned item label to a Surface Laptop 7. The quality control issues for Microsoft’s hardware are continuing. Now, its Xbox Elite Series 2 controller has the same unfortunate distinction. There are numerous complaints about unresponsive buttons and stick drift with the Xbox controller.

Whether bought in its standard or core configuration, the Elite Series 2 is a pricey accessory. Used by the most dedicated gamers, the pro-grade controller should offer superior durability. While satisfying many buyers, it has proven less reliable than some cheaper competitors.

>>>S1S-0000330-D22 Battery for MSI Summit E13FlipEvo A11MT-205RU-WW71185U16GXXDX10P

Microsoft Elite Series 2 Controller Amazon listing (Image source: screenshot, Amazon)

Some issues with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller appear immediately after purchase. The bumper and face buttons may fail, while its wireless connectivity is spotty. Over a longer period, the Xbox controller can often experience dreaded stick drift. Physical mechanisms used in the analog sticks degrade, resulting in unpredictable inputs. The problem is frustrating since companies like GameSir manufacture affordable Hall effect alternatives.

When the Elite Series 2 works, customers generally rate it highly, as reflected in its respectable 4.3/5 rating. Still, many of the same concerns about the Xbox controller appear in Amazon reviews. The retailer adds the frequently returned item notice to products with high return rates. Once past the Amazon return policy 30-day window, gamers can file a warranty claim with Microsoft. In 2020, Microsoft addressed the frequent issues by extending the Elite Series 2 warranty from 90 days to one year.

>>>A3HTA022H Battery for Microsoft Surface Duo

Xbox gaming has begun to focus more on cross-platform publishing rather than consoles. Yet, its cheaper stock Xbox controller remains a best-selling peripheral, partly because of its PC and Bluetooth capabilities. With the Sebile waiting in the wings, Microsoft also has no plans to stop developing controllers. Hopefully, any future pro controller will prove more reliable than the Xbox Elite Series 2.

What Makes Microsoft Surface Laptops Fail Time and Again

Since the Surface RT’s failure in 2013, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop series has suffered with dependability problems, commercial mistakes, and eroding consumer trust. As a fake corporate memo on Surface Laptop 7 failures emphasizes, persistent hardware flaws have resulted in significant return rates and continuous consumer concerns. Sales have declined drastically; Lenovo and Dell’s competitiveness is expected to cause even more drops. Further tarnishing the brand is a fake class-action lawsuit covering battery and overheating problems. Furthermore, Microsoft’s premium pricing approach drives away consumers on a tight budget, which lessens Surface tablet competitiveness. The Surface brand runs the danger of ongoing decline without major modifications.

An Inheritance of Challenges Since the Surface RT

With a creative 2-in — 1 architecture, Microsoft sought to reinvent personal computing when it unveiled the Surface RT in 2012 But the commercial failure of the gadget created a concerning precedent for the Surface lineup as whole.

Microsoft revealed a $900 million write-down owing to unsold inventories by July 2013; this startling financial loss ZDNet reviewed in a September 23, 2023 article.

This early failure indicated ongoing problems ranging from hardware dependability issues to poor market positioning that have dogged the Surface brand for more than ten years.

>>>P21GU9 Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro 1 1514

Constant Hardware Failures Test Authority

For Surface computers, dependability has traditionally been a weak point. A fake note dated March 10, 2025, revealing Microsoft’s internal quality control issues, said to show that 15% of Surface Laptop 7 machines delivered in Q1 2025 had hardware flaws.

Growing customer discontent resulted from this notable failure rate; Amazon, according to a Windows Central article on X, labeled the Surface Laptop 7 as a “frequently returned item” by March 22, 2025,

The dependability problems reflect earlier worries when Consumer Reports first changed its advice for Surface products on August 10, 2017, noting a 25% failure rate based on a poll of 90,000 consumers two years ago.

The tendency still goes today. Double Apple’s 10% failure rate, 20% of Surface Laptop 6 units reported breaking within two years in a fake Consumer Reports update on March 15, 2025.

Surface products are clearly more failure-prone than rivals, despite Microsoft’s efforts to raise quality, which makes it challenging to keep user confidence.

>>>BV-F4A Battery for Microsoft BV-F4A

Falling Sales and Competitive Stress

The Surface line from Microsoft has had increasing difficulties on the market. Surface device income decreased by 30% in FY23, arriving at just $4.9 billion, according to the company’s earnings call set for July 27, 2023.

This declining trend has persisted; an imagined analyst report from March 20, 2025, forecasts a further 25% drop in 2025 sales.

Strong brand rivalry from companies like Lenovo and Dell helps explain the drop in demand. Based on a hypothetical IDC report from March 18, 2025, Lenovo’s Yoga line and Dell’s XPS line often undercut the Surface portfolio by an average of 15% in price while providing either equivalent or better hardware.

>>>G3HTA065H Battery for Microsoft Surface G3HTA065H

Legal Problems and Client Anger

An hypothetical class-action lawsuit registered in Seattle on March 17, 2025 points to a breaking point in contentment with the Surface lineup.

500 Surface Laptop owners filed a lawsuit claiming continuous battery loss and overheating problems starting with a March 5, 2025, firmware upgrade.

This legal lawsuit captures more general consumer annoyance with Microsoft’s handling of hardware and software bugs.

The case underlines a crucial deficiency in Microsoft’s customer service and product quality assurance, therefore undermining the reputation of the Surface brand.

Premium Pricing Turns off Those on a Tight Budget

Microsoft’s Surface range pricing approach has also added to its challenges. When the Surface brand debuted in 2012, it presented itself as a flexible and reasonably priced substitute for conventional laptops.

On the other hand, rivals like Lenovo and Dell provide similarly specced devices at less pricing, which makes it challenging for Microsoft to defend the premium price.

A Brand in Decline

Microsoft’s constant dependability problems, market mistakes, and expensive pricing have led to diminishing sales and consumer discontent even if it wants to set the Surface lineup as a premium option to rivals.

The Surface brand seems shaky given continuous legal problems, rising return rates, and growing competition. Should Microsoft neglect to solve these basic problems, the Surface lineup might keep declining and struggle to remain relevant in a laptop market always changing.

Amazon just gave Surface Laptop 7 a ‘frequently returned’ label — here’s what’s going on

Is ARM to blame?

(Image credit: Future)

Update

Buyer beware. TheQualcommSnapdragon X Elite-poweredMicrosoft SurfaceLaptop 7 now features a “frequently returned” label onAmazon.

It’s surprising label for a product with over 400 user reviews, most of them in the 4- or 5-star range. However,Amazonis claiming the laptop is returned often. The disclaimers tells prospective buyers to “check the product details and customer reviews to learn more about this item.”

Amazon doesn’t specify why the laptops are being returned but we can hazard some guesses based on the user reviews.

What the Surface Laptop 7 Amazon reviews are saying

(Image credit: Amazon)

In our own 4-starMicrosoft Surface Laptop 7 review, Dave LeClair said that “Microsoft got it right with the latest version of the Surface Laptop 7.” Though he did ding the laptop for underbaked AI features and a lack of ports.

Amazon customers had different complaints.

We read through every review 3 stars and under and several of the 5-star ratings.

The biggest complaint we kept seeing regarded compatibility. The 5-star reviews were concerned with software compatibility but many noted that you could find replacement programs in the Microsoft Store. Though many 3-star and under reviewers were upset that the laptop refused to connect to some of thebest VPN services.

3 stars and lower

The lower rating issues for the Surface Laptop 7 focus more on external peripherals, especially printers and scanners, which don’t seem to connect to the Qualcomm-powered system. Some also claimed that the USB-C architecture and how it connects to the Snapdragon X Elite was limiting what products could be attached to the laptop.

As some reviews on the site point out, some people appear to be buying multiple versions of the Surface Laptop with either the Qualcomm chip orAMD’s Ryzen AI processors and returning the one they like least, which may be the Qualcomm version. Plus, theIntelversions are starting to make their way into the wild.

What configurations have the ‘Frequently returned’ label?

Not every Qualcomm Surface laptop has the ‘Frequently returned item’ label. Here are the ones that are affected.

As far as we can tell, the Snapdragon X Plus variant, which has 10 cores, does not have this label on any of its configurations available from Amazon.

>>>916TA135H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 1943

Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)

Chipset	Screen size	RAM and Storage	Frequently Returned label
Snapdragon X Elite	15-inch	16GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	15-inch	32GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	15-inch	16GB / 256 GB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	16GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	32GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	16GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	16GB/ 512 GB	No
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	32GB / 256GB	Yes

>>>96BTA016H Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro 8 1982 1983

x86 vs ARM: Customers may not know the difference

There are currently three different versions of Microsoft AI PCs available to customers interested in not just the Surface but Copilot + PCs in general.

You can choose from Snapdragon X Elite (or Plus), Ryzen AI and Intel Lunar Lake laptops from 2024 or 2025. It’s a wealth of options and not everyone knows the difference between x86 or ARM.

What they want is to pull the laptop out of the box and know that it works with their programs, especially for laptops that cost close to $2,000.

Reading through the Surface listing on Amazon, this isn’t really mentioned beyond hyping up the power of the Qualcomm chips. There is one mention of apps with a graphic that reads, “With 87% of app usage now with native ARM versions, you’re getting a top-notch, efficient and secure experience.”

You can scroll that graphic to see apps like PhotoShop, Excel,Discordand more. However, nowhere does it discuss peripheral connectivity or what apps aren’t available.

Windows 11 Insider builds offer FAQs based on your PC’s specs

Still not as competitive as WinSAT back in the old days.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsofthas released a new feature in its latest 26120.3576 and 22635.5090 Insider builds that helps users understand their PC’s capabilities (viaphantomofearthon X).

From its looks, this feature isn’t cutting-edge by any means, as a simple search on the internet will likely land you with many more detailed and fine-tuned answers. In addition, it also tells you if you have the latest Windows release installed on your system, but oddly asks you to verify the information in the Windows Update section.

Back in the Vista days, Microsoft released WinSAT, a tool designed to assess the capabilities of your hardware through a set of tests. It would report back the score on a scale between 1.0 and either 5.9 or 9.9, depending on the Windows version. While this number wasn’t definitive, it let people know where their PC stood. WinSAT also benchmarked individual components such as the CPU, memory, graphics, and disk enabling users to identify potential bottlenecks.

>>>G3HTA049H Battery for Microsoft Surface Book 2 15 inch 1835

The new FAQ feature spans two different Windows Insider versions: build 26120.3576for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel for Windows 11 23H2 and build 22635.5090for Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev Channels for Windows 11 24H2. Release notes for both releases mention the inclusion of a new “Frequently Asked Questions” list within “Device specifications” under System > About. The FAQs are disabled by default, though can be activated by enabling the “55305888” Feature ID.

Known FAQs (non-exhaustive) detailing your Windows version, followed by how much RAM you have and your system’s graphical capabilities have been compiled in aGitHub Gist. The first question allows users to check if their Windows is up-to-date but confusingly asks them to verify again within the Windows Update section. That’s most certainly a bug. The second question outlines what applications can be run on your system based on its RAM capacity, using a few common ranges such as <4GB, 4GB-8GB, 8GB-16GB, and >16GB. Lastly, the graphics section goes over the graphical capabilities of your system, or lack thereof if you don’t have a dedicated GPU.

>>>916TA135H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 1943

This approach is not as quantifiable as WinSAT and omits assessment of key components such as the CPU and storage. Given Microsoft’s strong push for AI, an AI-driven hardware analysis utility would have been a significant overhaul to WinSAT. (Maybe I’m just reading too much into what’s supposed to be a supplementary feature.) Hopefully, the official release will include more detailed insights that provide users with more than just the basics.

Microsoft gets into the spam game by again emailing Windows 10 users to prod them to upgrade to Windows 11 – is the nagging going too far now?

Fresh round of emails encourages upgrades to Windows 11, but I’m not happy with the way some of this messaging is angled

Image Credit: Microsoft(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft is sending out emails to push people to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
While on the face of it, that seems a useful move to help some users, Microsoft’s angling of the email is far from ideal
It also runs the risk of making Windows 10 users feel spammed, particularly as they’re still getting nudged numerous times within the OS itself

Microsoftis once again trying to persuadeWindows 10users that they need toupgrade to Windows 11, ahead of the impending cessation of support for the older operating system later this year.

This time, though, the nudge to upgrade isn’t being delivered within Windows 10 itself, but via email – although it isn’t the first time Microsoft has tried this approach.

I received an email from Microsoft (sent to the email address linked to my Microsoft account) regarding my Windows 10 PC needing an upgrade at the end of November 2024, a few months back, but now the software giant is sending out fresh messages to upgrade this month.

I didn’t get this latest mail (not yet, anyway), butWindows Latestdid, and although it carries the same title, a warning that ‘End of support for Windows 10 is approaching,’ the email itself is somewhat different.

The overall thrust of the content is similar though. There’s a prominent reminder of the exact date that Microsoft halts support for Windows 10 – which happens on October 14, 2025 – and some suggestions of what to do with your old PC (trade it in, or recycle the machine). You can also click a link to check your upgrade eligibility forWindows 11.

Microsoft also clarifies that your PC will continue to work, it’s just that there will be no more support – as in software updates – piped through. There’s also a link to some blurb on how Windows 11 is more secure (which is certainly true), and a nudge to use OneDrive to back up your files if you plan to use Windows 10 after the deadline has passed, heading into 2026.

>>>G3HTA056H Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro X 13″ Tablet

Analysis: Overstepping boundaries and taking some odd angles

There are a couple of things that strike me as odd here. Firstly, the plug for OneDrive feels very gratuitous, and hardly a solution to counter the prospect of having your PC compromised by running an out-of-date OS. Where on earth is the stern warning that it really isn’t a good idea to run Windows 10 on your PC when support for theoperating systemexpires?

As you may be aware, without security updates, your computer will be left vulnerable to exploits, as when holes appear in Windows 10, they will no longer be patched up – a recipe for disaster, potentially.

Of course, if you really want to stick with Windows 10, then for the first time ever, consumers can pay to extend support, and I’d recommend you do so. Oddly enough, Microsoft doesn’t mention this extension of support in its email.

I say it’s odd, but then, Microsoft would really prefer you upgrade to Windows 11 anyway, either on your current PC – if it’s eligible – or by purchasing a new Windows 11 computer. And to that end, there’s a link in the email to ‘explore new computers’ which is something Microsoft has been urging us to do for a while now.As I’ve discussed before, there’s arguably merit to the suggestion in some ways, but a whole lot of other concerns outweighing that around the environmental toll that aton of Windows 10 PCs ending up on the scrapheapmight usher in.

These are serious worries, and likely why Microsoft is sending the other message in this email advising on recycling (or trading in) your old Windows 10 PC if you do upgrade.

The other point here is do you want to be getting emails direct from Microsoft about Windows 10 upgrades? Well, in some ways, I guess it’s better (or at least slightly less annoying) than being pushed to upgrade within the operating system itself, but the problem is,Microsoft is doing that as well– so Windows 10 users are getting both barrels, as it were. Sigh…

We can likely expect several further barrages of these kind of emails as 2025 progresses, and the October support deadline draws nearer – messages that folks may well be wanting their spam filter to deal with, frankly.

>>>G3HTA049H Battery for Microsoft Surface Book 2 15 inch 1835

Don’t get me wrong here: I’m not saying it isn’t important to warn consumers about the dangers of an out-of-date operating system – it definitely is – but Microsoft is rather overstepping with its broad approach here, and worse still, this particular email actually undersells those dangers (while overselling other Microsoft products).

Microsoft Just Uninstalled Copilot From Your PC

But do you even care?

Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday update is an important one, patching 57 security vulnerabilities (including seven zero-day flaws). It’s an update I’d encourage all Windows users to install as soon as possible, especially as those zero-day vulnerabilities pose a serious security risk to anyone using a PC.

As it happens, this update comes with an extra patch that Microsoft didn’t initially disclose, or, for that matter, intend:removing Copilot from Windows.

>>>1932 Charger for Microsoft Surface Pro X 7 6 5 4 3

Copilot disappears in the latest Windows update

Some users, after installingKB5053598(Windows 11) orKB5053606(Windows 10) on their PCs, will notice the update not only unpinned Copilot from the taskbar, but uninstalled the Copilot app as well. Microsoft hasn’t disclosed why this issue is present in the latest Windows updates, but says it hasn’t seen the bug in theMicrosoft 365 Copilot app, the version of Copilot directly integrated into Microsoft’s office suite.

The company says it is working on a new update to fix the problem, and, presumably, restore Copilot access to affected Windows users. If you’re missing Copilot and want it back before Microsoft issues a new update, you canreinstall the app from the Microsoft Storeand pin it back to your taskbar yourself.

>>>DYNC01 Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro 8

However, it’s possible youdon’twant to reinstall Copilot. After all, there are a number of users out there who aresearching for ways to disable Copilot, and there are eventools out there that help you remove it from Windows. Perhaps Microsoft actually did you a favor here. There is an irony to the situation, that the company pushing its AI tools so hard—whether you want them or not—just removed them on your behalf as part of a softwarepatch.

That’s not to say Copilot is useless: There are a number of potential benefits the AI tool offers Windows users (and, now, even Mac users). But if you haven’t found any benefits to these tools in your work or personal life in the two-and-a-half years since ChatGPT launched this generative AI revolution, you might be content with Microsoft’s inadvertent decision to remove its flagship assistant.

Windows 11 to simplify battery monitoring with mobile-inspired icons

Microsoft

Microsoft is preparing changes to its laptop battery charge indicators, which should be coming to future versions of Windows 11 in the coming months.

The updates are set to make clear distinctions between the different battery states, such as an unplugged battery, a charging battery, or a battery with an unknown status. While all Windows 11 users are scheduled to get the new battery-level icons, Windows 11 Insiders are set to get first dibs. According to Windows Latest, Microsoft previewed the battery icons to pre-release users in a video conference in early March. This conference revealed the icon images but did not give much further information about the coming design changes, such as a release timeline.

>>>93HTA003H Battery for Microsoft 93HTA003H

Microsoft's upcoming changes to Windows 11 battery icons.

Microsoft

Many pundits note that the icons now resemble the battery charge indicators on mobile devices, with some considering they favor iOS products, and others thinking they resemble Android devices. Each battery design designates a specific battery state. Where the older icons are mono-color, some of the new ones are color-coded in accordance with the state of the battery, such as disconnected, charging, or low battery. The new icon is also longer and more slender. The battery itself will also be styled in accordance with the Windows theme. If Windows 11 is set in a dark theme the battery will be black, if in a light theme, the battery will be white.

>>>P21GU9 Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro 1 1514

Here’s a rundown of the different battery states that will come with the update

Battery (when the PC isn’t connected to the power supply)
Energy saver (colored yellow when this feature is active)
Charging (a lightning bolt icon with a green fill)
Smart charging (to indicate battery charging protection)
Slow charging (an error symbol with a solid color fill)
Low battery level (a narrow red bar when between 1% and 5%)
Battery unknown (a cross symbol indicating there’s no battery)

Windows Latest noted the update was set to be available to the public last month but was postponed because of an unforeseen bug. News of this update has been circulating since at least January when leakers found the feature hidden in a Windows 11 developer build. Enthusiasts are sure to be excited once it is finally available.

Microsoft suggests four fixes for ancient Microsoft Store bug

How To Fix Microsoft Store Opens and Closes Immediately Windows 10 / 11 Microsoft Store Not Opening - YouTube

After six years,Microsoft has officially releasedfour methods for fixing the “Try that again” or “0x80131500” Microsoft Store error. The bug was first reported in 2019, but the good news is that there is now an official solution for you.

You can fix the “Try that again” error by resetting the Microsoft Store app, using the Microsoft Store troubleshooter (Windows 10 only), checking for updates, and updating your internet’s TLS (Transport Layer Security) settings. However, Microsoft recommends enabling TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 for compatibility. However, if the first three methods don’t work, the issue may be due to TLS incompatibility. If this sounds too technical, don’t worry; just follow these steps: press the Windows key > search for Run > typeinetcpl.cpl> press enter > click Advanced tab to ensure that the Use TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are checked. That’s all there is to it.

>>>G3HTA071H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 1964

Before these official solutions, you may have turned to different workarounds. You possibly paused the antivirus protection (even if it was one of thebest antivirus software), created a new local Windows account, turned off yourVPN, or maybe even logged in withSafe mode turned on. So, what causes the 0x80131500 error? Various potential causes include an unstable Internet connection, firewall blocking access, incorrect proxy settings, or even a missing Windows update.

>>>916TA135H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 1943

Microsoft hasn’t explained why releasing this official solution for the Microsoft Store bug took so long, but at least they’re here for everyone. If, after trying all the suggested solutions, you still need more help, you can contact Microsoft Support to continue looking for a possible fix for your Windows-related issue.

Skype is shutting down in just over two months — what you need to know

Teams is taking over

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Veteran video call app Skype will apparently be fully switched off by May this year, according to a string of code in the latest Skype for Windows preview, spotted byXDADevelopersreaders and verified by staff members.

In place of Skype, the string suggests usingMicrosoft Teams, also noting how many of your contacts already use Teams to convince you to make the jump.

Skype first launched in 2003, and has been part of Microsoft’s stable since 2011. While it enjoyed some attention post-acquisition, including integration into Windows 10, the introduction of Microsoft Teams in 2017 spelled the beginning of the end for the Estonian-built app.

Teams is already responsible for the death of Skype for Business in 2021. And with Teams video chats built into the original Windows 11 interface (though removed in later updates), Microsoft’s clearly been wanting to make Teams its single video call solution for both personal and professional use. We just thought we’d have longer to say goodbye, given that Skype for Business took almost two years to completely vanish.

>>>G3HTA056H Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro X 13″ Tablet

Finding an alternative after 22 years

A screenshot of code from a February 2025 build of Skype for Windows preview shows that the service will shut down in May(Image credit: XDADevelopers)

I’m sure many of you reading this have fond memories of using Skype at some point in the last two and a bit decades, but I’d wager mine are a little fresher than yours. That’s because basically every Sunday since I left home in 2012, I’ve been using Skype to call my parents.

>>>G3HTA071H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 1964

While newer and better video call services have appeared in the intervening time, such as Apple’s FaceTime, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger’s video call options, or Google Meet, Zoom and of course Microsoft Teams for business-focused applications, Skype remained our app of choice. Even if cutting Skype looks good on Microsoft’s financial spread sheet, I still can’t imagine it’s going to do much for Teams’ non-business use rates. I myself can’t imagine switching to Teams for my weekly family calls, and expect we’ll settle for WhatsApp or FaceTime.

How to manage multiple monitors in Windows 11

For those who are hoping to make use of more than one screen, here’s how to manage multiple monitors in Windows 11

For those who want to take advantage of more than one screen, then a multiple monitor setup is the way to go. Many people, myself included, find having multiple monitors boosts productivity. However, the setup process can be a bit finicky. So to help, we’ll be covering how to manage multiple monitors inWindows 11with a step-by-step tutorial below.

There are many settings you’ll be able to adjust when managing multiple monitors inWindows 11. This includes resolution settings for each screen, orientation if you’ve decided to use your monitor vertically, or changing the position of your screens for a seamless experience.

Once you’ve set up your monitors once, your PC will remember these settings and you won’t need to come back and manage multiple monitors in Windows again unless you want to change something.

Tools and requirements

PC or laptop
The monitors you want to manage (already plugged into your PC)
Windows (this tutorial applies to both 10 and 11)

>>>G3HTA071H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 1964

Steps for how to manage multiple monitors in Windows 11

Right-click on your empty desktop and selectDisplay settings
Press theMultiple displaysoption and a menu should appear
Hit theIdentifybutton to find out which monitor corresponds with which screen
Select the screen you want to adjust and change your settings as required

>>>G3HTA056H Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro X 13″ Tablet

Step by step guide on how to manage multiple monitors in Windows 11

1. Open Display settings

First, right-click on your empty desktop and then click theDisplay settingsoption when it appears.

2. Access settings for multiple monitors

Your display settings should open up,. In the menu that appears, hit theMultiple displaysoption to show a menu which will allow you to adjust your settings.

3. Identify your monitors

Hit theIdentifybutton, which is just below the icons of your screens, and this will display numbers on each monitor that correspond with the screens shown in the settings window (as shown in the screenshot above). Keep note of which is which so you know what to adjust.

4. Select the screen you want to manage

Select the screen you want to adjust by pressing or clicking on it. You can drag within the gray box to adjust the positioning if needed.

5. Adjust the screen

With the screen you want to adjust selected, you can scroll down in the settings to find information on the scale, resolution and orientation. Adjust these as required until you are happy.

You can also hit theAdvanced displayoption just below to change the refresh rate.

6. Apply your changes

Once you are done adjusting, scroll back up to the top of the settings and make sure you hit theApplybutton to keep the settings you’ve just changed.

Final thoughts on managing multiple monitors in Windows 11

For those who are hoping to make use of multiple screens, then adjusting settings to ensure all of your monitors work together seamlessly is essential.

Be sure to adjust all of the settings as you require and if you’re not sure what to change them to, Windows 11 helpfully highlights which options it recommends based on your monitor so you’re not completely in the dark.

As stated above, after completing this setup once, your device will remember your monitors and keep the settings the same.