Controlling multiple monitors can be a daunting task, especially when you're working with multiple screens and need to switch between them seamlessly. NirCmd, a popular command-line tool, offers a simple solution to control multiple monitors. In this article, we'll explore how to use NirCmd to turn off one monitor easily.
NirCmd, developed by NirSoft, is a free command-line utility that allows you to automate various tasks on your Windows computer. One of its features is the ability to control multiple monitors. With NirCmd, you can turn on or off a specific monitor, adjust its resolution, and even change its display settings.
Using NirCmd to Control Multiple Monitors
To get started, you'll need to download and install NirCmd on your computer. Once installed, open the Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator. Navigate to the directory where NirCmd is installed, and type the following command to turn off a specific monitor:
nircmd monitor off monitor_number
Replace monitor_number with the actual number of the monitor you want to turn off. You can find the monitor number by typing:
nircmd monitor getinfo
This command will display information about all connected monitors, including their numbers and current states.
Example: Turning Off the Second Monitor
Let's say you have two monitors connected to your computer, and you want to turn off the second monitor. The command would be:
nircmd monitor off 2
This will turn off the second monitor. To turn it back on, simply type:
nircmd monitor on 2
| Monitor Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Primary monitor |
| 2 | Secondary monitor |
Key Points
- NirCmd is a free command-line utility that allows you to control multiple monitors.
- You can turn on or off a specific monitor using the nircmd monitor off or nircmd monitor on commands.
- To find the monitor number, type nircmd monitor getinfo.
- NirCmd can also adjust monitor resolution and display settings.
- The tool is particularly useful for power users and those working with multiple screens.
Advanced Usage: Creating a Batch File
To make it even easier to control your monitors, you can create a batch file that runs the NirCmd commands. This way, you can simply double-click the batch file to turn off or on a specific monitor.
Here's an example of a batch file that turns off the second monitor:
@echo off
nircmd monitor off 2
Save this file with a .bat extension and double-click it to run the command.
Tips and Variations
You can customize the batch file to perform multiple actions, such as turning off multiple monitors or adjusting display settings.
For example, to turn off both monitors, you can add the following commands:
nircmd monitor off 1
nircmd monitor off 2
NirCmd offers a range of possibilities for automating monitor control. Experiment with different commands and batch files to find the perfect solution for your workflow.
What is NirCmd, and how does it work?
+NirCmd is a free command-line utility developed by NirSoft. It allows you to automate various tasks on your Windows computer, including controlling multiple monitors.
How do I find the monitor number using NirCmd?
+Type nircmd monitor getinfo in the Command Prompt or PowerShell to display information about all connected monitors, including their numbers and current states.
Can I create a batch file to control multiple monitors?
+Yes, you can create a batch file that runs NirCmd commands to control multiple monitors. This allows you to automate complex tasks and streamline your workflow.
In conclusion, NirCmd offers a simple and effective solution for controlling multiple monitors. With its command-line interface and batch file capabilities, you can automate tasks and streamline your workflow. Whether you’re a power user or simply looking for a way to manage multiple screens, NirCmd is definitely worth exploring.