Open windows shifting position or shrinking in size after your Windows 11 PC wakes from sleep can disrupt workflows and waste time. This issue often surfaces after major system updates, when using DisplayPort connections, or if Windows retains outdated monitor configurations. The following methods address the most reliable solutions for keeping your window layouts consistent after sleep or monitor wake events.

Method 1: Clear Outdated Display Cache Entries from the Registry

Windows stores monitor configurations and display data in the registry. Over time, especially after connecting or disconnecting different monitors, these entries can accumulate and cause Windows to misidentify your active display setup after waking from sleep. Removing outdated registry keys forces Windows to rebuild the display cache with current hardware information, which often resolves window movement and resizing problems.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow changes.

Step 2: Navigate to the following registry paths one at a time:


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\Configuration
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\Connectivity
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\ScaleFactors

Step 3: Right-click each folder under these paths and select Delete. This removes stored configurations for monitors that are no longer connected.

Step 4: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. Windows will rebuild the necessary entries based on your current monitor setup.

After rebooting, open and arrange your windows as desired. The system should now consistently remember window positions and sizes after sleep.

Method 2: Remove Old Monitors from Device Manager

Windows may keep records of previously attached monitors, which can interfere with window placement after waking from sleep. Clearing these unused monitor entries helps Windows recognize only the monitors currently in use.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

Step 2: In Device Manager, click the View menu and select Show hidden devices.

Step 3: Expand the Monitors section. Right-click any grayed-out (disconnected) monitor entries and choose Uninstall device. Repeat for all inactive monitors.

Step 4: Restart your computer to apply the changes. This ensures only active monitor profiles remain, reducing the chance of window misplacement after sleep.

Method 3: Adjust Windows 11 Display and Multitasking Settings

Windows 11 includes settings that can help the operating system remember window locations, especially in multi-monitor setups. Adjusting these options can reduce unwanted window movement and resizing.

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Win + I. Navigate to System > Display > Multiple displays.

Step 2: Enable Remember window locations based on monitor connection. This prompts Windows to restore windows to their original monitor after sleep or disconnect events.

Step 3: In Settings > System > Multitasking, you can also try toggling Snap windows off if windows continue to reposition themselves automatically.

Note: Some users report that these settings do not fully resolve the issue, especially after major updates or on certain hardware configurations. However, enabling these options can improve window retention for many setups.

Method 4: Update Display Drivers and Monitor Firmware

Outdated or incompatible display drivers can cause Windows to misinterpret connected monitors during sleep and wake cycles. Ensuring you have the latest drivers and firmware can fix persistent window movement issues.

Step 1: Identify your graphics card manufacturer (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and visit their official website to download the latest drivers for your hardware.

Step 2: Install the updated drivers and restart your PC. If your monitor manufacturer offers firmware updates, apply those as well.

Step 3: After updating, test your system by arranging windows and letting your computer sleep, then waking it up to check if window positions are preserved.

Method 5: Change DisplayPort or Cable Settings

Monitors connected via DisplayPort are more likely to be detected as disconnected during sleep, which can trigger window repositioning. Adjusting monitor settings or switching cables can sometimes resolve this issue.

  • Switch from DisplayPort to HDMI or DVI if your monitor and graphics card support it. HDMI and DVI connections are less likely to trigger disconnect events during sleep.
  • On some monitors, enabling or disabling settings like DDC/CI or Auto Source can influence how the monitor reports its status to Windows. Experiment with these options in your monitor’s on-screen display menu.
Note: The effectiveness of these changes depends on your specific monitor model and hardware configuration.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Utilities to Restore Window Positions

If built-in solutions fail, dedicated utilities can help restore window layouts after display changes or sleep events. These tools store window positions and restore them automatically or on demand.

  • MonitorKeeper – Open source tool that saves and restores window positions based on the number of active monitors.
  • PersistentWindows – Keeps track of window layouts and restores them after sleep or monitor disconnects.
  • DisplayFusion – Offers advanced window management, including triggers to save and restore window positions when the desktop is locked or unlocked.

These tools can be especially valuable for complex multi-monitor setups or when Windows 11’s built-in features do not provide consistent results.

Window movement and resizing after sleep in Windows 11 can be solved by clearing outdated display configurations, adjusting system and monitor settings, updating drivers, or using specialized utilities. Try these solutions in order to restore a consistent and reliable desktop experience.