---
title: "Fences and Multi-Monitor with Docking Stations"
canonical: "https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1261666307/Fences%20and%20Multi-Monitor%20with%20Docking%20Stations"
format: markdown
---
## Problem

With some multi-monitor setups, with various connection types and the inclusion of docking stations, Fences can have some issues rendering Fences and icons on the expected monitors. 

## Possible Solutions

- Restart Windows Explorer  
You can use this batch file to do that easily:  
[https://sd.stardock.com/Support/Utilities/restartExp.zip](https://sd.stardock.com/Support/Utilities/restartExp.zip)
- Disable 3rd party apps
  - DisplayFusion
  - Actual Multiple Monitors
  - Nvidia nView Desktop Manager
- In versions of Fences before Fences 5, try turning on the setting *“Store my Fences' positions on a per-screen-resolution”* under *"Layout and snapping"*.

![image](media://b314f320-ef49-4299-829d-86dd04fe86af)


In Fences 5, this option will be noted as *“Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuration basis,” *located under *“Backups”*.   

As of 5/22/2024, new installations of Fences 5.53’s UI will appear as below, and have this option enabled by default.  Existing installs will need to select it manually.

![image-20240530-174107.png](media://f21149c4-2f54-4374-9151-1dba3bde69ac)

## Fences Backup/Snapshots

To mitigate the efforts needed to get your desktop the way you want it in different monitor environments, it would be prudent to backup your layout with a snapshot based on your circumstances (docking station with multiple monitors vs without).

In versions of Fences predating Fences 5, this feature is notated under the “Layout & Snapping” setting.  In Fences 5, this is found under “Backups”.

### Creating a Snapshot (Pre Fences 5)

![image-20240530-192213.png](media://5eab93f4-d1f2-4806-88fa-3ddd23b16fc0)

### Creating a Backup (in Fences 5)

![image-20240530-175528.png](media://35984643-d8ec-4580-b8ca-f5b710193f76)

### To restore a Backup/Snapshot

- Right-click on the desktop and select "Configure Fences..."
- Click on *Layout and snapping* (or *Backups* in Fences 5) on the left-hand side of the configuration window that appears.
- Select a snapshot you wish to revert to. A preview window will appear showing you what the desktop will look like.
- Click Restore Snapshot to revert the desktop to this preview.

## Winkey + P

Using Windows Key + P provided a menu to select what monitors are active at any given time.

![image](media://55409a6a-3c43-4e70-8ced-a1637131d48b)

If you have an issue on boot, where Fences \ icons are on the wrong monitor.

- Set Fences ‘Layout auto-adjustments’ to: ‘Store my Fences positions on a per-screen-resolution basis’
  In Fences 5:
- Winkey + P and select ‘PC screen only’
- All Fences & icons should migrate to the Windows ‘Primary’ monitor.
- Once complete, set it back to ‘Extend’ and see if your Fences are properly placed.

## Fences Rules

You can set up a bucket Fence that exists on any monitor you like.  With that, any icons you want to go to a specific monitor will do so based on the rule and where the Fences exists.