How to put windows back when you plug in a monitor
What the system does
- Windows 11: Settings ▸ System ▸ Display ▸ Multiple displays ▸ Remember window locations based on monitor connection. It moves windows back when the same monitor comes back, but you can't choose where a window goes.
- macOS: there is no setting. Windows on an unplugged monitor move to the laptop screen, and they may or may not return when you plug the monitor back in.
Remember positions with Stagemark
- Put a window where you want it with the current monitors connected.
- Press ⌃⌥⌘S (Windows: Ctrl+Alt+Win+S) to remember the front window's position for this monitor setup.
- Repeat with the laptop alone, or with another monitor. Each setup keeps its own positions.
- Press ⌃⌥⌘L (Windows: Ctrl+Alt+Win+R) to put every window back in place. Turn on Put windows back automatically (at launch and when monitors change) in the Window positions menu to have it happen by itself.
Stagemark matches windows by app and title, so mail and chat windows whose titles change still go back when the app has one window.
Arrange as you go
The same app arranges windows with Magnet's keys, such as ⌃⌥← for the left half and ⌃⌥↩ to maximize, or by swiping two fingers on a window's title bar. Remember the result with ⌃⌥⌘S.
FAQ
Does this need any permission on Mac?
Yes, Accessibility, because Stagemark moves other apps' windows. macOS asks the first time you use it.
Why use R on Windows instead of L?
Win+L locks the screen in Windows, so Stagemark uses Ctrl+Alt+Win+R to put windows back.
Can I forget a saved position?
Yes. Open Window positions in the menu and click a saved window to forget it.