How to Set Up Two Computer Monitors

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Determine what connection you currently use.

   Look at the back of your computer where the monitor is currently plugged in.
   
   If the monitor plug is connected vertically towards the top of the computer, and is surrounded by various other connection ports like USB, Ethernet, speakers, and others, it is connected to the motherboard.
   
   If it is connected horizontally below the motherboard inputs, it is plugged into the graphics card.
   
   Both monitors must be attached to the same graphics card.
   
   If your monitor is currently plugged into the motherboard, you will need to unplug it and plug it into the graphics card.
   
   If you don't have a graphics card, you will need to install one before setting up dual monitors.
2. 2

   Step 2: Check your available ports.

   Look at the ports available on your graphics card.
   
   These will determine the ways that you can connect your monitors, and will let you know whether or not you will need any adapters.
   
   HDMI
   - This is the new standard in display connectivity, and can be found on virtually all computers built in the last five years.
   
   It looks like an elongated USB port.
   
   HDMI can transfer image as well as sound, and results in the best picture quality.
   
   DVI-I/DVI-D
   - DVI (Digital Video Interface) has long been the standard way to connect a flat-panel monitor to a computer.
   
   DVI-I has a "+" connector on the right side, while DVI-D has a "-" connector.
   
   Both can be used to connect a DVI monitor to the computer, but only DVI-I can accept a VGA-to-DVI adapter.
   
   If a card has two DVI ports, generally only one of them will be DVI-I.VGA
   - VGA is an analog output, and was most common in the CRT-era of computer displays.
   
   It has largely been phased out of any recent hardware, but you may encounter it with older computers or CRT monitors.
   
   DisplayPort
   - This is a digital connection, similar to HDMI.
   
   DisplayPort is necessary for 4K displays, and is not as common as HDMI. , Your monitors will be easiest to configure if you power down your computer first.
   
   This isn't necessary for HDMI or DisplayPort connections. , Attach your second monitor to your graphics card.
   
   Make sure that your primary monitor is connected to the best video output.
   
   For example, if you have an HDMI monitor and a VGA monitor, you'll probably want your primary monitor to connect via HDMI.
   
   If you are using VGA or DVI, make sure to secure the cable with the built-in screws. , Power on your computer and boot up Windows.
   
   Windows will automatically detect virtually any monitor.
   
   Right-click the desktop and select Screen resolution.
   
   If you are using Windows XP, right-click the desktop, select Properties, and then click the Settings tab.
   
   Use the "Multiple displays" drop-down menu to indicate whether you want to extend your desktop, duplicate your display, or keep the desktop on a single display.
   
   Extending your desktop allows you to move windows icons, and other objects between your screens. , You can quickly cycle through the available display types by opening the Project menu.
   
   This is only available in Windows 7 and
   8.
   
   Pressing the Windows key + P opens the menu and lets you quickly select "Primary Only"
   
   "Duplicate"
   
   "Extend"
   
   and "Secondary Only".
3. 3

   Step 3: Power down your computer.

4. 4

   Step 4: Attach the second monitor.

5. 5

   Step 5: Setup the monitor in Windows.

6. 6

   Step 6: Quickly switch between screen types.

Detailed Guide

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