KeyRoutines
ConditionFreecond.monitor.count

Check how many monitors are on in a Windows 11 routine

Monitor count compares the number of monitors that are on with a number you choose. It is the quick way to tell a single-screen laptop from a multi-monitor desk without naming specific displays.

How it works

  • Choose "at least", "exactly" or "at most" and a number; the default is at least two.
  • When it matches, later steps get the count and the monitors' names, with the main monitor listed first.
  • If it doesn't match, the reason says how many monitors are on and how many you wanted.
  • Inside a Wait until it reacts to display changes instead of polling.

Routines that use it

One routine, two setups

If at least 2 monitors are on, Apply layout spreads your apps across both; otherwise Window state maximizes your editor.

Presentation check

Before a talk, Wait until at least 2 monitors are on, then Move and resize puts your slides on the projector.

Laptop-only power saving

When exactly 1 monitor is on and Plugged in or on battery says battery, Set power mode picks best power efficiency.

Questions

Can a routine behave differently with one or two monitors?
Yes. Put an If with Monitor count at the start and give each branch its own steps, such as a different window layout.
Does a turned-off monitor count?
It counts the monitors Windows currently has on. A display Windows no longer uses is not included.

Pairs well with

Condition · WindowsFree

Monitor connected

Monitor connected checks whether a particular monitor, such as your desk display or the living-room TV, is plugged in right now. Routines use it to choose between a docked setup and a laptop-only one.

Trigger · WindowsFree

Display changed

Display changed starts a routine when your monitors change: one is plugged in or unplugged, the laptop docks or undocks, or the resolution, arrangement, scaling or main monitor changes. It's the trigger for "put my windows back when I dock".

Step · WindowsFree

Apply layout

Apply layout puts several windows on their monitors in one step, and can open apps that aren't running yet. It's the step behind "one key and my whole workspace is set up".

Condition · WindowsFree

Main monitor

Main monitor checks whether a chosen monitor is the one Windows treats as the main display, where the taskbar and new windows usually go. It's useful for setups that switch between a desk monitor and a TV or projector.

Step · WindowsFree

Move and resize

Move and resize puts a window on a chosen monitor at a chosen size and position. It's the single-window version of Apply layout, perfect for snapping one app into place.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

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