Managing Chrome on Dual Monitor and Multi-Display Setups
To use Chrome across two monitors, first set your computer to extend the desktop across both screens, then drag Chrome windows, or tabs pulled out into new windows, to the screen you want. The steps for each operating system are below. For tabs, full screen and DevTools on a second screen, see our multiple monitors guide.
How to Manage Chrome Windows Across Monitors
Windows
- Right-click the desktop and select Display settings.
- Under Multiple displays, choose Extend these displays.
- Drag the Chrome window to the other monitor, or press Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow. Microsoft’s keyboard shortcuts list says this moves the active window to the monitor on that side.
Mac
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Displays.
- Click Arrange and drag the display icons to match where your monitors sit. Apple says this option appears only when an external display is connected. See Apple’s Displays settings guide.
- Drag the Chrome window to the other screen.
Linux
- Open Settings > Displays (in GNOME; other desktops are similar).
- Select Join Displays and arrange the monitors.
- Drag the Chrome window to the monitor you want.
Moving Tabs Between Screens Efficiently
- Drag a tab out of its window to open it in a new window, then drag that window to the other screen.
- Or right-click a tab and select Move tab to another window, then pick a window that’s already on the other screen. Google’s tabs help says both windows must use the same profile.
Pro Tip: Closed a tab by mistake while moving things around? Press Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows, Linux) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac) to reopen it.
Full-Screen and Split-Screen Tips
Full-Screen Mode
- Move the window to the screen you want, then press F11 (Windows, Linux) or Cmd + Ctrl + F (Mac). Press the same keys to leave full screen.
Side-by-Side Windows
- On Windows, drag a Chrome window to the side of a screen until it snaps into place, or press Windows key + Left/Right arrow.
- On a Mac, hold the pointer over the green button at the top left of the window and choose a tiling option.
For more ways to arrange windows, see our window management guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Chrome on multiple monitors on Linux?
Yes. How you arrange the displays depends on your distribution and desktop.
How do I update Chrome to the latest version?
Go to chrome://settings/help, or select More > Help > About Google Chrome. See our update Chrome guide.
How can I quickly move Chrome windows between monitors?
On Windows, press Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow. On a Mac and on Linux, drag the window.