Having two monitors helps your productivity immensely. From opening multiple browser windows to using complex sets of photo or video editing tools, or opening guides on a different screen to explore or play — it’s always a great way to increase your productivity.
If you’re interested in this type of setup, our guide can show you the way — and Windows 10 makes it easier than ever. If you have any problems with the setup, you can also check out our guide on common problems with multiple monitors for more information.
Step 1: Check your I/O board and GPU for connections
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Your computer has a space for all important cable connections, commonly called an I/O board. If it’s been a while since you’ve peeked in there, check it out ago buy a secondary monitor. If you have a discrete (non-integrated) GPU, there may also be a part of the GPU with its own ports for viewing. Take a quick photo of this entire section for quick reference if needed.
Now check what type of display connection you have to work with. For modern monitors and computers, two common options are HDMI and DisplayPort, and even newer models also offer USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 for A/V data. You can also have a DVI-I port to handle older digital/analog connections, and some computers may still have a VGA port (although we don’t advise using it for a second monitor).
Make sure you have at least two of these display ports for two monitors. Make a note of which spare port you will connect the new monitor to and what type of connection you need.
You can also use the monitor as a second display with a laptop, as long as that laptop has its own compatible display ports. The laptop screen itself can also be used as a second monitor with the right settings, although this is not as common.
Step 2: Make sure your monitors are compatible and connect them
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With your dock information in hand, you’re ready to choose the best new monitor for your dual-screen setup. We’ve got some suggestions to get you started and a list of cheap models that are great for saving money. Double check that the monitor includes the correct type of connector for your open connection to the computer and purchase all necessary cables. For a smooth full-screen experience, it’s a good idea to choose a monitor with a “bezel-less” or thin-bezel display.
You are now ready to place both monitors on your desk and connect them to your computer.
Step 3: Go to Display settings in Windows 10
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Fire up your computer. When you get to the home screen, right click on an empty part of the screen and select Display settings.
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The window that opens will show your connected displays, which display is your primary display, and which side the secondary is on (you can select a different side by dragging the display numbers). If you don’t see your second monitor appear, try unplugging the cables and plugging them back in. There is also a wireless option if you scroll down and select Connect to a wireless display — less common but potentially useful. If it still doesn’t work, check for Windows 10 updates, reboot and try again.
Step 4: Select a display option
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If both monitors are displayed, you must choose how they will work. Select your secondary monitor at the top, then scroll down to Display settings window and select Multiple screens list to see your options.
You have two primary choices. The first is yes Extend desktop to this screen. This will make your two monitors function as one full monitor with a pull-out desktop that you can freely move things between — an ideal choice for most dual-monitor users. Another possibility is yes Duplicate desktop on 1 and 2. This option is usually reserved for teaching and training settings where one screen will be facing the students.
Step 5: Review additional settings and adjust them
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While you’re inside Display settings, adjust the other features so that both monitors are positioned as you need. You can change the orientation and resolution of any monitor by clicking on it and then selecting one of the choices below. For example, if you’re a photographer who edits photos, you might want to buy a 4K secondary monitor and set it to a higher resolution for photography while keeping the editing tools and menus on the primary display. Note that resolution limits will also be limited by GPU and video output standards.
You can also change the scale, adjust the brightness, enable Night Light mode to work in darker conditions, and more.
Adjust the individual settings for each monitor as needed, then exit the settings menu and start experimenting. Try dragging and dropping apps and browser tabs between your monitors to make sure you have exactly what you want. Move any shortcuts and icons you need too. Now, every time you start your computer, your dual monitor system will be ready and waiting for you.
If you continue to have problems with your dual monitor performance, we suggest you take a closer look at your GPU and what it can support, as well as other hardware limitations on your computer. Our troubleshooting guide can help you find more specific causes of multi-monitor issues. As with many dual monitor issues and problems, turning everything off and back on can solve many problems.
Setup via your GPU software
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If you’re using a more advanced GPU, you also have the option of setting up dual monitors there or in line with Windows’ own approach. The GPU software provides more options for adjusting settings with multiple monitors, which can be an ideal option for streamers, gamers and visual professionals.
For Nvidia cards, here is Nvidia’s guide and related topics for setting up dual monitors. If you have an AMD chip, here is a complete AMD guide for the same.
Once you’ve got your monitors set up, why not make sure they look their best with our list of the best wallpapers for two monitors? Or if you’ve decided that the dual-monitor approach isn’t for you, you should check out our top picks for ultrawide monitors.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn