How it works
- Choose which changes start it: monitors connecting or disconnecting (the default), only connecting, only disconnecting, settings changes, or any change.
- In the advanced settings you can limit it to changes that involve one particular monitor.
- Docking sends a burst of signals, so KeyRoutines waits about a second and a half for things to settle and fires once for the real change.
- The routine gets a summary such as which monitor connected, the monitors added, removed and changed, and the full list of monitors now on.
Routines that use it
Re-apply the desk layout
When a monitor connects, Apply layout "Desk" moves your editor, browser and chat back onto their screens.
Undock cleanly
When a monitor disconnects, Show desktop minimizes the clutter and Set default audio device returns to the laptop speakers.
TV mode
When the living-room TV connects, Set default audio device sends sound to it and Dark or light mode switches to dark.
Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| On | Which changes start the routine. |
| Monitoradvanced | Only when this monitor is involved (by its name or saved id). |
Questions
- How do I restore my window layout after docking on Windows 11?
- Make a routine with Display changed set to "connected" and an Apply layout or Restore layout step. Every time you dock, your windows go back where they belong.
- Does it fire for resolution or scaling changes?
- Yes, if you choose "settings" or "any change". The default only fires when monitors are connected or disconnected.