# KMSCON 10.1 adds per-monitor configuration for multi-display Linux terminals

> **Key takeaway:** KMSCON 10.1 enables individual resolution, refresh rate, and rotation settings per monitor in multi-display setups, moving beyond global-only configuration.

**Published:** 2026-10-26T19:17:21+00:00 
**Source:** Phoronix Benchmarks & Drivers 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/kmscon-101-adds-per-monitor-configuration-for-multi-display-.html 

## Summary
KMSCON, the user-space terminal emulator that targets Linux DRM/KMS interfaces as a replacement for the legacy in-kernel VT, has released version 10.1 with per-monitor configuration support. This allows users to set distinct resolution, refresh rate, and rotation values for each connected display rather than applying a single global mode across all outputs.

The release addresses longstanding user requests for per-output display configuration and preferred output selection. KMSCON has gained traction as a default component in Fedora 45, GNOME OS, and KDE Linux, positioning this release as relevant for distributions moving away from the in-kernel virtual terminal. Version 10.1 also includes unspecified bug fixes and minor enhancements.

## What changes in KMSCON 10.1
- **Per-monitor configuration:** The `mode` setting in the KMSCON configuration file can now be specified multiple times, allowing independent display parameters per monitor.
- **Display parameter control:** Users can override native panel modes by setting individual resolution, refresh rate, and rotation values for each output.
- **Preferred output selection:** The release enables designating a preferred output among multiple connected displays, addressing a previously unsupported workflow.
- **Configuration file syntax:** Multiple `mode` entries in the existing configuration format provide the new functionality without requiring a separate configuration mechanism.
- **Bug fixes and minor enhancements:** The release includes additional unspecified stability improvements beyond the headline display configuration feature.

## Why it matters
As Fedora 45, GNOME OS, and KDE Linux have adopted KMSCON as their default terminal emulator, this release directly affects a growing segment of Linux users who need flexible multi-monitor workstation and laptop setups. The per-output configuration capability removes a significant friction point for users migrating from the in-kernel VT, potentially accelerating KMSCON adoption among additional distributions evaluating VT alternatives.