Full Screen Windows on Selected External Monitors Only

Discussion in 'Windows Virtual Machine' started by SametA2, Nov 25, 2025 at 11:49 PM.

  1. SametA2

    SametA2 Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    Hello Parallels Team,

    I would like to request a feature that many multi-monitor users have been asking for over the years, but still does not exist in Parallels Desktop: the ability to use full-screen Windows mode only on selected monitors, instead of applying it to all connected displays.

    Current Problem
    When we enable "Use all displays in full screen", Parallels extends Windows across every available screen, including the built-in MacBook display. This creates two major issues:
    Not everyone wants Windows on their MacBook screen.
    Some of us prefer keeping macOS visible on the MacBook display while using Windows exclusively on external monitors.
    The alternative (windowed mode) is not a real solution.
    Expanding the Windows VM across multiple monitors in windowed mode is not equivalent to proper full-screen.
    It lacks the smooth transitions, gestures, Mission Control integration, dedicated Spaces handling, and overall consistency that fullscreen mode provides.

    Requested Feature
    A new option such as:
    "Use selected displays in full screen"
    Where the user can check the monitors on which Windows should appear full-screen.
    For example:
    Monitor 1 (External) → Windows full-screen
    Monitor 2 (External) → Windows full-screen
    Monitor 3 (MacBook built-in display) → Remains macOS
    This configuration is currently impossible. Parallels forces us to choose between:
    Full-screen Windows on all monitors, or
    Full-screen Windows on only one monitor, with no middle ground.

    Why This Matters
    This feature benefits users who:
    Use macOS apps on the MacBook screen (email, messaging, browser, IDE, etc.)
    Want two or more external monitors fully dedicated to Windows workflows
    Require a clean, uninterrupted full-screen Windows setup on external displays
    Prefer keeping macOS visible -- especially on laptops used as a "third" screen
    This is a very common professional setup, especially for software developers, engineers, analysts, designers, traders, and remote desktop users.

    Additional Notes
    Other virtualization and remote desktop solutions already offer per-monitor full-screen selection.
    Parallels implementing this feature would significantly improve productivity for multi-monitor MacBook users.
    If technically possible, this could be added as:
    A checkbox list in the VM's "Full Screen" or "Graphics" settings, or
    A prompt when entering full screen, allowing users to select desired displays.

    Summary
    I kindly request the Parallels team to consider adding an option to run Windows in full-screen mode only on selected external monitors, while keeping macOS visible on the built-in MacBook display.
    This single feature would dramatically enhance the multi-monitor experience for many professionals.
    Thank you for your time and consideration.
     

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