Fences and Multi-Monitor with Docking Stations

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
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".

If this does not initially help, try the 'Reset saved settings for other screen resolutions' option.

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.

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)

Creating a Backup (in Fences 5)

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.

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.