Games Stop Responding When Video Is Switched to Second Screen Only Mode

Summary: The following article provides information about a gaming problem that is seen when changing the video output on Alienware x15 R2 and x17 R2 laptops.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Second screen only video mode causes the game to stop responding

 

Alienware x15 R2 and x17 R2 laptop owners report there are three games that are unavailable or stop responding. This happens when the video output is changed to second screen only mode while the game is running.

The games that are identified are:

  • League of Legends
  • Guild Wars 2
  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Video Output Screen

Note: This is a cross-platform issue.

 

Cause

After the display mode is changed successfully, the game returns, but it takes around five to ten minutes to refresh by itself. This is expected behavior because it takes time to refresh the display setting changes for an online game.

Resolution

Your laptop is working as designed. However, you can avoid this by waiting to launch the game until after you have switched to the different display output mode.


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Affected Products

Alienware x15 R2, Alienware x17 R2
Article Properties
Article Number: 000195335
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 22 Apr 2025
Version:  4
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