Turn Off One Monitor With NirCmd: Easy Steps & Tips

gptAI

10 min read

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11-15- 2024

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If you're looking for a simple and effective way to manage your multiple monitors, especially if you're dealing with workspaces that can get cluttered, then turning off a specific monitor can be quite handy. One of the most popular and lightweight tools to achieve this is NirCmd. In this article, we will go through easy steps and tips on how to turn off one monitor using NirCmd, making it a breeze for you to manage your display settings. 🎉

What is NirCmd?

NirCmd is a small command-line utility that allows you to perform various useful tasks without displaying any user interface. With NirCmd, you can manipulate the system in many ways, including managing sound settings, controlling network connections, and, importantly for this article, managing display settings.

Why Use NirCmd for Monitor Management?

There are several reasons why NirCmd is an excellent choice for turning off one monitor:

1. Lightweight: The tool is small and does not require a complex installation process.
2. Efficiency: You can turn off monitors quickly without navigating through multiple settings.
3. Versatility: It can perform many other tasks beyond monitor management.
4. Accessibility: You can easily create shortcuts to execute tasks, making it user-friendly even for non-tech-savvy individuals.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Windows Operating System: NirCmd is designed for Windows.
• Administrator Privileges: Some features may require admin access.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turn Off One Monitor Using NirCmd

Step 1: Download NirCmd

1. Visit the NirSoft website: Look for NirCmd in the utility section.
2. Download the zip file: The file will be lightweight and will not take long to download.
3. Extract the files: Once downloaded, right-click on the zip file and select 'Extract All' to unzip the contents.

Step 2: Place NirCmd in a Convenient Location

For ease of access, it’s advisable to place the NirCmd executable in a folder that’s easy to navigate, like your Desktop or C:\Program Files\NirCmd.

Step 3: Open Command Prompt

1. Search for Command Prompt: Click on the Start menu and type cmd.
2. Run as Administrator: Right-click on Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'. This step is crucial for permissions.

Step 4: Identify Your Monitors

To turn off a specific monitor, you first need to identify which monitor you want to switch off. Use the following command:

nircmd.exe monitor list

This command will display a list of connected monitors along with their IDs. Note the ID of the monitor you wish to turn off.

Step 5: Turn Off the Desired Monitor

Now that you have the ID, use the following command to turn off that specific monitor:

nircmd.exe monitor off 

Replace <Monitor ID> with the actual ID from the previous command. For example, if you want to turn off monitor 2, the command would look like this:

nircmd.exe monitor off 2

Step 6: Creating Shortcuts for Quick Access

To make it even easier, you can create a shortcut on your Desktop for the command you just executed.

1. Right-click on the Desktop: Select 'New' and then 'Shortcut'.
2. Enter the command: In the location field, type the path to NirCmd followed by the command to turn off the monitor, like this:

C:\Path\To\NirCmd\nircmd.exe monitor off 2

3. Name your shortcut: Give it a name like "Turn Off Monitor 2" and finish the setup.

Now, with just a double-click on the shortcut, you can turn off the specific monitor anytime! 🚀

Additional Tips for Managing Multiple Monitors

1. Turning On the Monitor: To turn the monitor back on, you can use the command:

   nircmd.exe monitor on 
   

2. Adjust Brightness: If turning off the monitor is not desired, consider adjusting the brightness using:

   nircmd.exe setdisplay brightness  
   

3. Create a Batch File: If you frequently switch between monitor states, consider creating a batch file that includes commands for turning off or adjusting multiple monitors simultaneously.

4. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts: If you want to take it a step further, consider using tools like AutoHotKey to bind the commands to specific keyboard shortcuts for seamless multitasking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While using NirCmd is generally straightforward, you may encounter a few issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure NirCmd is Properly Installed: Make sure the .exe file is correctly placed in the folder you are trying to run it from.

• Permissions: Always run the Command Prompt as an administrator to avoid permission issues.

• Compatibility: Double-check that you are using a compatible version of Windows.

Advantages of Managing Monitors with NirCmd

Using NirCmd to manage your monitors offers several advantages:

Important Notes

Always backup your data before making any system changes. It’s a good habit to ensure your files are safe.

NirCmd is a powerful tool, so use it responsibly and be aware of the commands you're executing.

Final Thoughts

Managing multiple monitors doesn't have to be a complicated task. With NirCmd, you can easily turn off one monitor with simple commands, providing you with more control over your workspace. Whether you're focused on a project or just want to minimize distractions, this lightweight utility offers a quick and efficient solution. Embrace the power of command-line utilities and streamline your multitasking experience! Enjoy your newfound monitor management skills! 🎈