- Windows 11 is getting a missing piece of multi-monitor functionality
- This allows interaction with the taskbar’s system tray on a secondary monitor
- The feature is in preview right now and will be in October’s update
Those on Windows 11 who use multiple monitors with their PC are at long last getting a feature that may be basic, but was certainly much-wanted.
As Windows Central noticed, Windows 11 users are soon to be graced with a fully working taskbar on a secondary monitor attached to the PC.
In case you weren’t aware, with a multi-monitor setup in Windows 11, only the primary display lets you interact with the system tray area on the far-right side of the bar.
This is the section with the date and time, and the calendar and notification center flyout panels when you click the date (and other options besides). While all this works as normal on the primary monitor in a multi-screen setup, up until now, this part of the interface has just been for show with a secondary display.
There’s no ability to interact with any element of the system tray on the secondary monitor, all you can do is look at the clock (or other icons) – but all that’s changed with the latest Windows 11 update.
As of the optional update for September, Microsoft tells us: “Notification Center functionality is now available on secondary monitors. To open it, select the date and time in the system tray on the taskbar.”
While I wouldn’t advise you to install a preview (optional) update – as it’s still in testing, albeit the very final phase – this work will be finalized and part of the next monthly update due on October 14. Well, barring any last-minute problems being found in testing, that is.
Also in this patch, multi-monitor setups should now have better performance when gaming with the Game Bar active, as Microsoft makes clear: “This update might especially help users with multiple monitors that have different refresh rates.”
Analysis: Windows 11 as a work in progress – yet another mind-boggling wait
When Windows 11 first turned up, there were some unpopular regressions with the operating system compared to Windows 10. One of my biggest complaints was that ‘never combine’ apps disappeared as a taskbar option (so instances of the same app running were always combined under a single entry) – and the removal of this system tray functionality was another head-scratcher for multiple monitor setups.
Yes, Windows 10 offers fully-fledged access to the notification center (and other trimmings) on both primary and secondary monitors, so its removal wasn’t well received by those with multi-monitor setups.
At least it’s now reinstated, or it will be in just over a week, but remember that Windows 11 debuted four years ago. So, the fact that it’s taken so long to return this seemingly simple ability is rather mind-boggling – even if multiple monitors are admittedly something of a niche setup. It’s not that uncommon, though, as it’s a handy use for an old outgoing display when you buy a new monitor, and certainly those who work at their PC (freelance, or working from home) are quite likely to have more than one monitor.
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