Guide on how to configure multiple monitors in Windows 10 and how to switch between them
Let’s see how to change the main screen in Windows 10 through our guide on how to set up multiple monitors and switch between them easily. And it is that there are many occasions in which two or more monitors are essential for a better performance in the computer, either for professional work (thus gaining more space) or simply for leisure. Therefore, we will first explain how to connect the monitors and then go on to detail how to switch between them from the Windows 10 settings . Do not miss how to change the main screen of Windows 10 .
How to change the home screen in Windows 10
Index of contents
- How to connect two monitors to the computer
- How to switch between screens
- How to configure and customize the two screens
How to connect two monitors to the computer
The first step is to check the connections of both your monitors and the computer, with the cables correctly installed, whether they are HDMI , DVI, VGA or DisplayPort, depending on the necessary cable in each case. In the case of having a computer tower (the most common), the screens will have (usually two) to be connected to the graphics card or PCI through their corresponding slots.
When connecting the second display to the computer, Windows 10 will automatically detect it by playing the typical new device connection sound; Once connected, you will see a second Windows 10 desktop on the other monitor. By default, it will be configured as a monitor located next to the other, so to access it you will only have to move the mouse towards the adjacent end of one monitor to jump to the other, as if they were a single screen .
Of course, you must bear in mind that by joining the two desktops as one, Windows 10 will respect the resolutions of each one . Thus, if one of the monitors is 4K and the other is Full HD (1080p), you will have as a result a desktop of 4,480×1,440 pixels, but it will only reach 1080p on the secondary monitor.
How to switch between screens
Once both monitors are connected, you can press the Windows + P key combination to access the display mode selector. This selector will appear in a pop-up column located in the lower right corner of your main screen and will offer four options to configure the monitors :
- Expand| Each monitor shows a separate desktop and you can use them at the same time, moving things from one to the other; It is the default mode.
- PC screen only| To disconnect the second monitor and use only the main monitor; the second monitor will remain connected and can be activated at any time if you wish.
- Only second screen| To disconnect the primary monitor and use only the secondary monitor; the first monitor will remain connected and can be activated at any time if you wish.
- Duplicate| The secondary monitor shows the same image as the main monitor as a mirror.
Just select the option you need at any time through the Windows + P key combination , switching between them at any time and without any problem.
How to configure and customize the two screens
Finally, you can always access Windows 10 Settings to finish configuring your computer’s monitors; To do this, click on the gear icon in the Windows 10 menu and select the System option . Now click on the option Screen , located in the first place; Here you can configure the settings for each screen.
Thus, in Select and rearrange screens you can configure each monitor as main and secondary, alternating between them at any time, so that you do not have to physically move them and can do it through the Windows 10 configuration. To do this, simply drag a monitor that to the side you want and click on Apply .
On the other hand, in the Advanced screen configuration section you will be able to see the characteristics of each connected screen, both its resolution and its frequency, as well as its color format or the manufacturer and model.
Returning to Windows 10 Settings , you can customize each monitor through the main Personalization option . Here you can configure various aspects such as the Background , extending the desktop background image between both monitors through the Extend option . In Taskbar , on the other hand, you can configure the taskbar of each monitor through the option Multiple screens – Show taskbar buttons . Choose the option you prefer:
- All taskbars| The taskbar appears duplicated for each monitor.
- Taskbar and main taskbar where the window opens| Each taskbar on each monitor will show only the icons of the programs and applications open on it. If you open a program on the main screen and drag it to the secondary screen, the icon will appear on the screen where you opened it and on the screen where it is.
- Taskbar where the window opens| In the task bar of each screen, only the icons of the programs and applications that are open on that screen will appear.
