Historically, many users of Microsoft Windows desktop devices have encountered the frustrating issue of letting their device go to sleep and then returning later to find some or all of their apps rearranged. Now, Microsoft seeks to mitigate this annoying glitch.

The company has moved to fix this problem once enough users complained of needing to re-arrange their application windows into the correct location on their monitor, which can take away time from productivity. Microsoft has termed this issue as Rapid Hot Plug Detect (Rapid HPD). This detect feature affects DisplayPort multi-monitor setups, leading to undesired desktop arrangements.

According to Microsoft, the desktop and laptop devices have this re-arrangement tendency, because they often view deep sleep mode as being unplugged from a power source.

Microsoft has announced that users can now help avoid this issue by usinbg the Windows Insider Program in order to access build 21287 and higher. Once you tap into the supported build, this feature will function automatically. Users can see if they are eligible for this help feature by first checking their Windows build number by navigating to the Settings app > System > “About” tab > The build number will be located under “Windows specifications” > “OS build”.

Apart from a build of 21287 or above, this feature also requires a device to be connected to multiple monitors. For desktops, a minimum of two connected devices are needed and for laptops, at least one external monitor should be present. Luckily, this feature is not limited by monitor cable brand, connector type, hardware specs or manufacturer.

Moreover, users can also submit feedback about this feature via the Feedback Hub app by carrying out the following steps: Reproduce the issue at hand, open the Feedback Hub app and select “Report a problem” or “Suggest a feature”, make sure to include “Rapid in the summary as well as a description of the problem face to help the Microsoft team resolve the issue, select “Display and Graphics” for Category and then “Multiple Displays” for Subcategory, finish up and Submit.

So far, Microsoft plans to make this help feature readily available to all users by October of 2021. Unlike other various workarounds for this bug that have existed for a number of years, the company is rolling out this formal fix with the next Windows 10 update. However, in the meantime, all interested Windows device users can follow the steps above to implement the feature right now.