keyboard shortcutswindowswindows 7
I have a dual monitor setup, I also like to use the Windows + D keyboard shortcut to bring the desktop into view. When I use this shortcut the windows open in both monitors minimize and the desktop is shown.
Is there any way to have only the active monitor show the desktop and have the other window keep all its windows as they were?
WinSplit Revolution can do this.
Press Windows + P - you will be prompted to choose your display mode from single, extend, etc and so can be used to disable your secondary monitor.
I see you wanted to keep your open windows; this still keeps them open, but it does bring them all to one display if you enable single monitor mode. However at least this approach will let you shut down the second glowing distraction when it is not in use.
Best Answer
It is possible for free. Swap Screen is very simple program to do that. You have to define other shortcut than win+d, but I still find it convinient enough. For example I bound alt+1 to show desktop 1, alt+2 to show desktop 2.
Additionally, this program have some other neat features. One that I find myself using daily is function to move windows to another monitor with a shortcut, then there are sticky cursor and plenty other features. Swap Screen is a part of DualMonitorTools, free set of tools for multiple monitors that can provide even more functionality.
Here is the screen: