How to set up two monitors in Windows 10

They say that two heads are better than one, and likewise, those who use two monitors work better. From having multiple browser windows open to using complex sets of editing tools for photos or videos, you’ll have plenty of reasons to take advantage of two screens. Want to give it a try? Here we’ll explain in detail how to set up two monitors in Windows 10.

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Step 1: Check I/O and GPU panel connections

Your computer has an area for all the important cable connections, usually called the input/output (I/O) panel. If it’s been a while since you’ve peeked in there, take a look before you buy a secondary monitor.

If you have a discrete (non-integrated) GPU, then there may also be a GPU section with ports of its own for balancing. Take a picture of this whole part for quick reference if necessary.

Now check what kind of display connections you have to work with. For modern monitors and computers, the two common choices are HDMI and DisplayPort, with newer models also offering USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 for A/V data.

You may also have a DVI-I port to manage older digital/analog connections, and some computers still have a VGA port (although we don’t recommend using it for a second monitor).

Make sure you have at least two of these display ports for two monitors. Check which port is available to connect the new monitor and what type of connection you will need to avoid an unnecessary purchase.

Also, you can use a monitor as a second display with a laptop, as long as it has two compatible ports of its own. The laptop display itself can be used as a second monitor with the right configuration, although that is not as common.

Step 2: Make sure your monitors are compatible and connect them.

With the port information in hand, you should be ready to choose the best new monitor for your dual display setup.

Double check that the monitor includes the correct port type for your computer connection and purchase the necessary cables as well. If you want a smooth full-screen experience, it’s a good idea to choose a monitor with a “bezel-less” or thin-bezel display.

Now, you are ready to place both monitors on your desktop and connect them to your computer.

Step 3: Go to Display Settings in Windows 10

Turn on your computer. When you are in startup, right click on an empty part of the desktop and select Display Settings.

The window that appears will show the connected displays, which is the primary display and which side the secondary display is located on (you can choose a different side by dragging the display numbers).

If you don’t see your second monitor appear, unplug the cables and plug them back in. There is also a wireless option if you scroll down and choose Connect to a wireless display, less common but potentially useful.

If even with these actions it still doesn’t work, check for Windows 10 updates, reboot and try again.

Step 4: Choose your display option

If both monitors appear, you must choose how they will work. Select your secondary monitor at the top, then scroll down in the Display Settings window and select the Multiple Displays list to see your options.

You have two main options. The first is to extend the desktop to this display. This will make your two monitors function as a single monitor complete with an extended desktop that you can move things between freely, the ideal option for most dual monitor users.

The other option is to Duplicate the desktop into 1 and 2. This configuration is generally reserved for teaching and training purposes where one screen will be facing the students.

Step 5: Review the additional settings and adjust them.

While you are in Display Settings, adjust other features so that both monitors are set up the way you need them to be. You can change the orientation and resolution of either monitor by clicking on it and then selecting one of the options below.

For example, if you are a photographer editing a photo, you may want to purchase a secondary 4K monitor and set it to a higher resolution, while keeping your editing tools and menus on the main display.

Keep in mind that resolution limits will also be limited by video output standards and GPUs. You can change the scaling, adjust brightness, enable Night Light mode for working in darker conditions and more.

Set individual settings for each monitor as you need them, then jump out of the menu and start experimenting. Try dragging and dropping applications and browser tabs between your monitors to make sure you have the settings you want.

Also change the shortcuts and icons you need. 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 guide can help you find more specific causes of multi-monitor problems.

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