Using two screens simultaneously on a PC brings a lot of convenience, especially for designers and streamers. We tell you how to connect two monitors to a PC or an additional display to a laptop.
What kind of connection connectors are there?
Modern monitors come with different types of connectors, so consider compatibility with the sockets on your PC. Today, there are four main types of ports:
- VGA – transmits an analog signal and can be subject to image distortion due to external electromagnetic influences, although such interference is extremely rare in home conditions. Typically used on older PCs;
- DVI – transmits a digital signal, but its main drawback is the lack of support for 4K resolution;
- HDMI is one of the most popular and widely used connectors. It can be found on almost every modern TV or monitor. HDMI 2.0 can output images in 4K;
- DisplayPort – allows you to connect up to five monitors and supports 4K resolution. In fact, it is an ideal solution for people who need to work with several screens at the same time.
- Thunderbolt – provides a direct connection of devices to the computer using a compact connector similar to Mini DisplayPort (MDP). Combines two technologies: PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort (DP), allowing the transmission of data and power signals simultaneously over a single cable, which simplifies the connection and reduces the number of cables required.
Important : adapters may be required if the video card and monitor have different types of connectors, for example, the video card has a DVI connector, and the monitor only has VGA or HDMI, or there is no possibility of connecting equipment to the same connectors.
etting up Dual Monitors in Windows
The monitor can be connected either via a video card or via a motherboard. Everything depends on the specific hardware model and the availability of the necessary ports. In this case, detection of another display on a Windows PC most often occurs automatically. If the system does not detect the second monitor, or you want to change the operating mode of the two displays, you will need to dig a little into the settings.
Via Screen Options
- Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select “Screen settings” from the context menu;
- In the Display window that opens, click the Detect button if the system has not detected the second monitor on its own.
- In the same menu, you can configure the operating mode of two displays. For each monitor, you can configure individual parameters, for example:
- Text size;
- Orientation;
- Display type;
- Will the monitor be primary or secondary?
Alternative method
In addition, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Win + P” to quickly select the display mode. If the system cannot detect the second display, although it is working and connected correctly, it may be disabled in the driver settings. In this case, you will need to check the driver settings in the device manager.
Dual Screen Modes
Modern versions of the OS provide for several screen operating modes, each of which is fundamentally different from each other.
- Extend screens . This means that the desktop will be spread across both monitors, and you will be able to drag and drop items between the two screens. This method is the default setting for desktop computers and is the most popular among users. To move a window to a new screen, simply grab the title bar (top) of the window with your mouse and drag it to the new screen;
- Duplicate screens . This means that the same desktop will be displayed on both monitors. This setting is the default for laptops and is useful for giving presentations when the laptop is connected to a projector or large monitor;
- Show desktop on one monitor only . Often used in conjunction with a laptop if you want the laptop screen to remain blank after connecting it to a larger desktop monitor.
Using two monitors can dramatically change the way you use your computer. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find new ways to organize your workspace by positioning application windows and keeping important information visible on both screens at all times. This will help you be more productive when multitasking.