How to Fix NieR: Automata Not Switching to Another Monitor

Introduction

NieR: Automata is widely loved for its compelling storyline and complex mechanics. However, players often encounter the issue of the game not switching to another monitor. This issue can be rather frustrating, especially for gamers who rely on multi-monitor setups for a better gaming experience or streaming. In this guide, we'll walk you through common causes and solutions for getting NieR: Automata to display properly on your chosen monitor.

Common Causes

Understanding the common causes of why NieR: Automata doesn't switch to another monitor is the first step in resolving this issue. Here are the primary culprits:

Graphics Card Configuration

One of the most common reasons involves the graphics card's settings. Display settings or driver configurations may not be optimized for multi-monitor usage, thereby hindering the game from being displayed on your desired screen.

Monitor Settings

Sometimes, the issue lies within the monitor settings itself. Incorrect configurations or a primary monitor setting might be preventing the game from popping up on the secondary screen.

Game Settings

The in-game settings can also cause issues. NieR: Automata might be set to fullscreen mode that defaults to your primary monitor, or it could lack support for multi-monitor setups in the game’s configuration.

Connecting the previous and the next section, understanding these common causes sets the stage for an effective troubleshooting process. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide that will assist you in solving this issue.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Checking and Updating Graphics Drivers

1. Update your graphics drivers: Ensure you have the latest updates for your NVIDIA or AMD graphics drivers. Visit the official website to download the latest versions.
2. For NVIDIA users: Go to the NVIDIA website, download the GeForce Experience software, and install the latest driver updates.

3. For AMD users: Head over to AMD's website, download the Auto-Detect and Install Radeon Graphics drivers utility, and follow the instructions.

4. Restart your PC to make sure the new drivers are correctly installed and applied.

Adjusting Windows Display Settings

1. Open Display Settings: Right-click on the desktop and select 'Display Settings.'
2. Identify monitors: Click on the 'Identify' button to make sure Windows correctly identifies your monitors.
3. Set your primary monitor: Choose the monitor you want as your primary display and check the box for 'Make this my main display.'
4. Extend or duplicate displays: Make sure to select 'Extend these displays' if you want to play across multiple monitors or 'Duplicate these displays' for the same output on both.

Configuring In-Game Display Options

1. Launch NieR: Automata and go to the game settings.
2. Navigate to display options: Toggle fullscreen or borderless window mode.
3. Select the correct monitor: If available, choose the specific monitor you want the game to run on.
4. Apply changes and restart the game to see if it resolves the issue.

Building on the basic troubleshooting steps, we can now move on to more advanced solutions in the next section.

Advanced Solutions

Using Third-Party Software: NVIDIA Control Panel/AMD Radeon Settings

1. NVIDIA Users:
2. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
3. Navigate to 'Set up multiple displays' under the 'Display' tab.

4. Select and drag your preferred monitor to be used as primary for gaming.

5. AMD Users:

6. Open AMD Radeon Settings.
7. Go to the 'Display' tab.
8. Under 'Arrangement,' set your preferred monitor as the primary display for games.

Editing Configuration Files

1. Locate the game’s configuration file:

2. This file can usually be found in the game's install directory or in the 'My Documents' folder under 'My Games.'

3. Open the configuration file: Use Notepad or any text editor to open the file.

4. Edit the display settings: Look for settings related to resolution and monitor preference and adjust them to your desired monitor settings.
5. Save and exit: Save the changes and launch the game to see if the adjustments worked.

Reinstalling the Game

1. Uninstall NieR: Automata: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and remove NieR: Automata.
2. Re-download and install from your preferred game platform (Steam, for example).
3. Configure display settings during the initial setup to ensure the game adheres to the desired multi-monitor settings.

Covering both basic and advanced troubleshooting steps, this guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive solution to fix the monitor switching issue.

Conclusion

Addressing the monitor switching issue in NieR: Automata involves a series of steps, from updating drivers to configuring in-game settings. Following these methods will ensure you enjoy a seamless gaming experience on the monitor of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't NieR: Automata switch to my second monitor?

The issue can be due to outdated graphics drivers, incorrect Windows display settings, or improper in-game configurations.

Can driver updates fix the monitor switching issue in NieR: Automata?

Yes, updating graphics drivers can often resolve compatibility issues and enable the game to switch monitors seamlessly.

Are there any third-party tools that can help resolve this issue?

Yes, tools like NVIDIA Control Panel and AMD Radeon Settings can be used to configure multi-monitor setups effectively.