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Default Windows to “Extend” on Docking Stations - Not “Duplicate”

Stephen 0 Reputation points
2025-08-26T02:29:32.9266667+00:00

Every time I connect my laptop to a docking station, Windows defaults to “Duplicate” mode even though I, like most, always use “Extend” mode. This happens across multiple docks, locations, and setups. It’s not just inefficient, it breaks productivity.

I’m an IT consultant working across multiple sites most of the time. In Australia, laptops have fully replaced desktops, even for developers. Everyone uses external monitors via docks. Duplication is rarely used anymore. Since COVID, Teams has replaced physical presentations, so the only time “Duplicate” is relevant is in rare projector use cases.

Extend should be the default. Duplication should be opt-in!!

Windows should persist display layouts per dock ID, or at least let users set a global default. The current behaviour is a legacy assumption that no longer fits how professionals work.

I’ve already submitted this via Feedback Hub, but I’m posting here to surface the issue and invite others to upvote and echo it. This affects millions of users daily.

Related threads that show how widespread and long-standing this issue is:

If you’re experiencing the same behaviour, please reply or upvote.

I also raised it on the Feedback Hub here so commenting or upvoting there too would be great.

Microsoft needs to fix this logic.

Windows for business | Windows 365 Enterprise
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  1. Brian Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-26T07:50:22.0933333+00:00

    Hello there,

    I totally get how this can impact productivity, especially when working in environments that heavily rely on extended monitors. Here's a couple of things you can try to find a workaround until Microsoft addresses this behavior:

    1. Check Display Settings: After connecting your laptop to the docking station, go to the Display Settings (Right-click on the desktop > Display settings) and manually set your monitors to "Extend" mode.
    2. Registry Setting (Advanced): adjust registry settings to tweak the default behavior of display settings, but this can be quite technical. If you're comfortable, you might want to look into this option. Be sure to back up your registry before making changes!
    3. Using Third-Party Software: Some users have reported success using third-party utilities that help manage multi-monitor setups more effectively and may allow you to save profiles for different docking stations.

    Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

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