Window Display Bug in Windows Server 2019: Right Side of Window Outside Screen Area
Periodically, an issue occurs where the right side of application windows extends beyond the visible screen area, making it impossible to drag the window or interact with interface elements. This is particularly problematic in standard dialog boxes such as “Open File” or “Save File”, where action buttons remain inaccessible.
The problem occurs randomly and cannot be resolved by restarting Windows Explorer. The only temporary solution is a complete system reboot.
Has anyone encountered this issue, and are there known methods to resolve it?
Window Display Bug in Windows Server 2019: Right Side of Dialogs Off-Screen
A bug with window display in Windows Server 2019, where the right part of dialog windows is displayed outside the screen, is a known issue related to display settings, screen resolution, or display cache. This problem most often occurs when using Remote Desktop Connection or when working with application dialog windows, and can be resolved by several methods of adjusting display settings or restoring window positions.
Contents
- Main causes of the problem
- Solution methods
- Specific cases for Remote Desktop
- Preventive measures
- Additional settings and optimization
Main causes of the problem
The window display problem, where the right part ends up outside the screen, can occur for several reasons:
Scaling and resolution settings
Mismatch between the set screen resolution and the recommended monitor resolution often leads to display problems. According to research by technical specialists, incorrect scaling settings can cause interface shifts outside the visible area.
Display cache and temporary files
Sometimes the problem lies in corrupted cache files or temporary data related to window display. This explains why a simple Explorer restart doesn’t solve the problem, but a full system restart is required.
Graphics driver conflicts
Outdated or conflicting graphics card drivers can cause anomalies in window positioning. As noted by Dell in their recommendations, updating drivers often solves similar screen offset problems.
Solution methods
Adjusting screen resolution
- Press
Win + Ito open the Settings app - Go to “System” → “Display”
- Ensure that the recommended resolution for your monitor is set
- Check scaling settings (usually 100% for optimal display)
Important: As experts point out, changing scaling and resolution often solves the problem of windows being placed off-screen.
Restoring window positions
When windows are displayed outside the visible area, you can use the following methods:
Using the keyboard
- Activate the problematic window (press
Alt + Tabto switch) - Press
Alt + Spaceto open the window’s system menu - Use the arrow keys to move the window to the visible area of the screen
- Press
Enterto confirm the new position
Through the taskbar context menu
- Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar
- Select “Cascade windows” or “Show windows stacked”
- This will automatically rearrange all visible windows within the available screen area
Resetting display settings
- Open “Settings” → “System” → “Display”
- Click “Advanced display settings”
- Reset settings to default values
- Restart the system to apply changes
Specific cases for Remote Desktop
When using Remote Desktop Connection, the problem can be exacerbated due to resolution differences between the local and remote computers.
Remote Desktop settings
- Open Remote Desktop Connection
- Go to the “Display” tab
- Ensure that “Full screen” mode or appropriate resolution is selected
- As noted by Microsoft, changing the display mode often solves the problem of inaccessible windows.
Temporary solution through resolution change
- Connect to the server in full-screen mode
- Change the remote session resolution to a standard value (e.g., 1920x1080)
- Restart the application where the problem occurred
- After solving the problem, restore the original resolution settings
Preventive measures
Regular driver updates
Install the latest graphics card drivers through:
- Device Manager
- Hardware manufacturer’s website
- Windows Update
Display settings optimization
- Regularly check if the recommended and current resolutions match
- Avoid using non-standard scaling values
- Disable features that might affect display (e.g., “Overscan” for TVs)
System monitoring
Monitor system status and timely update Windows Server to prevent known display issues.
Additional settings and optimization
Graphics settings in the registry
For some cases, registry changes may be required:
- Open the registry editor (
regedit) - Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop - Change the
WindowArrangementDefaultparameter to the desired value - Restart the system
Using third-party utilities
There are special programs for window recovery, for example:
- AutoMove
- DisplayFusion
- Actual Multiple Monitors
These utilities allow you to automatically adjust window positions and prevent them from shifting off-screen.
Conclusion
The window display problem in Windows Server 2019, where the right part of dialog windows appears off-screen, is solvable and usually related to display settings or drivers. The main solutions are adjusting screen resolution, restoring window positions through system menus, and updating drivers. For remote sessions, it’s recommended to use full-screen mode and appropriate Remote Desktop settings. Regular system maintenance and preventive measures will help prevent this problem from recurring in the future.
Sources
- Dell - Troubleshoot Windows Desktop Offset Screen Not Aligned or Shifted
- Super User - How can I move windows from off-screen on a RDP session?
- Microsoft Learn - Can’t maximize RDC session window to full-screen
- Eleven Forum - One drive dialog box way off to the right side
- MakeUseOf - 6 Ways to Recover an Off-Screen Window in Windows 10 and 11
- Microsoft Q&A - Window inaccessible off-screen in Remote App