connecting two lcd monitors one pc quotation
Set the Primary and Secondary MonitorRight-click on your desktop and select "Display". At the top of the resulting dialogue box, your available monitors appear as blue, numbered boxes. Each box represents a monitor (e.g. box "1" corresponds with the left monitor and box "2" corresponds with the right monitor).
Set the Monitor ResolutionRight-click on your desktop and select "Display". At the top of the resulting dialogue box, your available monitors appear as blue, numbered boxes. Each box represents a monitor (e.g. box "1" corresponds with the left monitor and box "2" corresponds with the right monitor).
Set the Monitor Display StyleRight-click on your desktop and select "Display". At the top of the resulting dialogue box, your available monitors appear as blue, numbered boxes. Each box represents a monitor (e.g. box "1" corresponds with the left monitor and box "2" corresponds with the right monitor).
Set the Monitor PositionRight-click on your desktop and select "Display". At the top of the resulting dialogue box, your available monitors appear as blue, numbered boxes. Each box represents a monitor.
To change the monitors" position, click, drag, and place the blue, numbered boxes to your preferred position. If you are unsure which monitor is "1" or "2," click the "Identify" link. The assigned monitor number will then appear on each monitor"s screen.
Under System , select Display . Your PC should automatically detect your monitors and show your desktop. If you don"t see the monitors, select Multiple displays , then Detect.
Even a generous 24-inch monitor can feel cramped when you’ve got multiple windows open on your desktop (and who doesn’t?). It’s much worse if you’re confined to a laptop screen. Fortunately, it’s simple enough to add a second monitor to your PC setup and spread out.
Note: While the monitors we discuss below are 1080p, our article about 1080p vs. 4K monitors can help you determine what approach to take for your own dual-monitor setup; you should also check out our comparison of ultrawide monitors vs. a dual-monitor setup to learn the pros and cons of each. Learn why now is the right time to upgrade your monitor. And if you are in the market for a second display, check out our recent review of the Monoprice 24-inch CrystalPro. This 1080p IPS monitor is priced right, at around $150. It’s also got a thin, discreet bezel that’s ideal for a dual-display setup.
Any modern desktop or laptop PC has the graphics capability to run dual displays. All that’s required is a second monitor. Prices for displays have gone up the past few years, but good deals can still be found. See, for example, PCWorld’s review of the Acer K24HYL 24-inch ISP display—it focuses on the features you should care about to hit $150.
If you’re determined to get the price even lower, HP’s V20 HD+ Monitor comes in at slightly less, with a 19.5-inch diagonal screen using TN technology, which offers faster response times but less clarity off-axis. Another good option is Dell’s SE2222H, which steps you up to a 22-inch screen that features slim bezels, nice for minimizing the disruption between your two screens. If you want an even bigger screen (although the same 1920×1080 resolution), Dell’s S2721HN 27-inch IPS panel is a fine option at $190.
Today’s monitors typically come with some combination of VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort ports. In other words, you’ll have a couple options for how to connect the monitor to your PC. While its common for VGA and DVI cables to come included with the display, you may have to purchase your HDMI or DisplayPort cable separately if you go that route. Those can be easily purchased on Amazon.
In the resulting dialog box you can specify the displays’ arrangement. The Multiple Displays pull-down menu allows you to control how the two screens work together. Choosing Extend these displayswill prompt Windows to treat your displays as one contiguous screen.
The Make this my main displayoption controls which monitor gets the taskbar and Start button. If you don’t see that option, the currently selected monitor is already the main one.
VGA: VGA ports are usually blue and rectangular with 15 holes. They usually have screw holes on the side used to secure the VGA cable. VGA is used on old computers. Most newer monitors do not support a VGA connection. However, you can connect a VGA to a newer monitor using an HDMI-to-VGA adapter.
DVI: DVI ports are usually white with 24 holes. They also have a slot with 4 additional holes to the right. Like VGA ports, they often have screw holes on the sides to secure the DVI cable. DVI is another legacy video connection that is mostly used on older computers and monitors. It supports a higher resolution than VGA, but it does not support modern HD or 4K displays. Like VGA, most newer monitors do not support DVI, but you can connect a DVI connection to a newer monitor using a DVI-to-HDMI adapter.
DisplayPort: DisplayPort output ports are thin and rectangular-shaped with the bottom-right corner cut. Some laptops may use a mini-DisplayPort connection, which is the same shape as a DisplayPort, but smaller. DisplayPort is a newer display connection mostly used with computer monitors rather than televisions. DisplayPort supports AMD"s FreeSync and Nvidia"s G-Sync. DisplayPort 1.2 can support 4K at 60 frames-per-second. DisplayPort 1.3 can support 4K at 120 frames-per-second. DisplayPort 1.4 can support 8K at 60 frames-per-second and HDR. DisplayPort 2.0 supports up to 16K at 60 frames-per-second. A DisplayPort connection has the ability to support multiple monitors connected together from a single DisplayPort connection.
In an office, it"s common to see people using multiple monitors at the same computer. It"s a great way to expand your workspace and use lots of different apps at once.
Luckily, dual monitors aren"t just for professionals. You can set up dual monitors on your PC and Mac easily. You just need the monitors and cables to connect them.Important: You can set up dual monitors on a laptop, too. The laptop"s screen will just count as one of the monitors.
William Antonelli/InsiderQuick tip: You can also get to your Display settingson Windows by going to Settings > Ease of access > Display, and then click on the Additional display settingslink in the Related settingssection.
3.Scroll down to the Multiple Displays section, open the drop-down menu, and choose how you want the dual monitors to work. Here are your options:Extend these displays: You can set your screens up so that they display different things and your mouse cursor can move between them.
6.Click on the second display in the left sidebar, and set the Use asdropdown to one of the following options:Extended display: This will allow you to display different things on the screens. That means you can, for example, have Finder open on one screen while browsing Google Chrome on the other.
Stefan Ionescu/InsiderNote: If you want to use an iPad as a second monitor for your Mac, you"ll have to use the Sidecar feature. Check out our article on the feature for tips on setting it up.
The short answer is yes – an HDMI splitter will work in a dual monitor setup. However, it"s important to note that the device will only split the signal between the added monitors. That means both monitors will mirror what is being displayed on your computer"s screen.William Antonelli
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month.
For example, you can connect a monitor that only has a DVI port to a computer that only has an HDMI port. In this case, the cable has one end with a DVI connection and the other end with an HDMI port.
Sometimes you have only one HDMI port on your computer (typically on a laptop), but need two ports so that you can connect 2 external monitors. In this case:
Extend the display: with that option, you can spread your applications windows on the two different screens. Typically, Document Control professionals use that option,
If you have a desktop computer, it is likely that you will have different display ports on the computer (for example either several HDMI ports, or one HDMI port and one VGA port). If your monitor
Check the ports available on the computer as well as on the monitor (see above) and source the appropriate cables. You will need two cables: one to connect the first monitor to port no. 1 on your
Extend the display: with that option, you can spread your applications windows on the two different screens. Typically, Document Control professionals use that option,
Check the graphics card properties on the manufacturer’s website, find your graphics card and check the specifications to see if it supports adding two external monitors.
Check the ports available on the computer as well as on the monitors (see above) and source the appropriate cables. You will need two cables: one to connect the first monitor to port no. 1 on
Extend the display: with that option, you can spread your applications windows on the two different screens. Typically, Document Control professionals use that option,
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Whether in the office, home office, or for gaming – two screens are better than one. However, setting up dual monitors depends somewhat on available connections and cables. Read on to find out how to connect a second screen to a laptop or PC.
If you only want to view videos or pictures on a larger screen, you don"t need to install an extra monitor. With Windows Miracast, for example, you can easily connect your PC to a TV.
The majority of modern laptops and PCs support connecting a second monitor by default. All you need to consider are the ports on your end device and which monitor you’d like to connect. Before you head out to purchase one, be sure to check the type and number of ports on the laptop or PC.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is one of the most common connection types of modern monitors and many TV users will already be familiar with it. The connection type is compact and transmits video and audio signals. A modern HDMI connection is suitable for 4K resolutions and a frame rate of 60 Hz. If your monitor and laptop or PC have one or two HDMI ports, you just need a single HDMI cable. If you want to connect two monitors but only have one HDMI port, use an HDMI splitter. Be sure that the splitter has the same refresh rate as the HDMI cable.
USB-C is a USB port format that’s often found on new, slim laptop models. The advantage of USB-C is that it can be used for charging while also supporting the transmission of audio and DisplayPort signals with Alternate Mode. DisplayPort refers to monitor interfaces for image and sound signals and high transfer rates. The USB-C downstream and DisplayPort Alternate Mode can be used to link several monitors. If you only have a few USB-C ports, use a USB-C dongle. Ideally, a USB-C donglehas at least two HDMI interfaces for monitors. Alternatively, a dongle can be paired with a HDMI splitter.
DisplayPort is similar to HDMI and transmits audio and image signals at high frame rates. Thus, the connection is particularly suitable for 4K. Laptops often have a DisplayPort or miniDisplayPort and can be connected to monitors that have a DisplayPort port. For monitors without DisplayPort, a corresponding adapter is required. Thanks to multi-stream transport, multiple monitors can be connected via DisplayPort and coupled to a laptop via a splitter or adapter.
DVI and VGA are analog, older connection standards that only transmit image signals. If the monitor and end device have DVI or VGA ports, they can be connected via the corresponding DVI or VGA cable. With the appropriate DVI-HDMI or VGA-HDMI adapter, older monitors can be connected to laptops and PCs to transmit HDMI signals. Modern connection standards are preferable in any case, as they offer better resolution, refresh rates, and color values.
Even if your laptop only has a single HDMI or USB-C port, you can connect dual monitors. Using a suitable HDMI splitter, a USB-C dongle, or a USB-C dongle with HDMI interface, you can easily connect two or more monitors to your laptop.
Once you connect one or more monitors to your laptop, you can set up two or more monitors in Windows and specify which monitor you wish to use as the main one. Windows usually detects display devices connected to the laptop or PC automatically and assigns numbers to them. The main monitor is designated number 1. All others are numbered in ascending order.
Step 2: Under “Display” and “Multiple displays” you will see display devices detected by Windows, e.g. one or more additional monitors. Click “Detect” if none are visible.
Step 3: Go to “Advanced display settings” to make changes to the arrangement and order of the connected monitors. Adjust further settings such as the screen resolution, for example.
Step 4: The easiest way to change the use mode of the connected monitors is to use the shortcut [Windows] + [P]. Settings such as “Duplicate” let you mirror desktop content. With “PC screen only” or “Second screen only” you determine whether you only use one of the connected screens. Use “Extend” to create a connected desktop from connected monitors. These options can be found in the “Display” menu under “Multiple Screens”.
Another problem could be that Windows displays a second monitor as the main monitor. If you want to keep the PC or laptop as your main monitor, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Display Device” and select the “Rearrange Display Devices” option. Then click on “Identify”. You should be able to see the assigned digit on each screen. If you wish to change the order, go to “Advanced display settings”.
Nowadays, many households own multiple computers for work-related and personal tasks. Although having a dedicated PC for what you need is necessary, separate monitors and other peripherals take up space. Luckily, options are available for multi-tasking your computers and reducing additional hardware by managing your computers using a single monitor.
Your monitor has multiple input ports, just like your smart TV. Most modern monitors have two HDMI or DisplayPort sockets, and depending on the model, some may have a combination of HDMI, VGA, and DVI ports.
However, an individual keyboard and mouse are required to control each computer. You could switch your keyboard and mouse between computers when necessary. If you are only using one computer occasionally, this method could work.
Working with a KVM switch is space-friendly and pretty straightforward to use. Depending on your usage and requirements, you could pick up a basic, two-device switch at an affordable price or a high-end one to support multiple 4k connections.
If the above options are not suitable for your requirements, another option is to use a remote desktop client (RDC) and server application. A remote desktop is a client app that allows a computer (client) to connect to another computer from another location. Thus, the client enables access and control to your other computers from one computer.
However, this method depends on a good network connection. When controlling another computer over a lousy connection, there may be a delay in your keystrokes and mouse movements. You can prevent these potential lags if your other computer is on your local network.
When needing to use multiple computers, a few options are available to facilitate connections from one computer. If your computers are close to each other, you can simply connect both to the monitor using the monitor cable. Or you can plug all your hardware into a KVM switch device to switch between your computers. However, those two options require your peripherals to be close to each other.
An excellent option for when your computers are physically far apart is to use a remote desktop connection. When the computer you’re trying to access is switched on, and you’re accessing it over a good network connection, you can work from your other computer as if you were sitting in front of it.
If any of these use cases apply to you, you’ll get a whole lot out of a dual monitor setup. And fortunately, there’s no real wrong way to add a little extra screen real estate to your workspace. But since the sheer number of monitor and accessory options out there can be overwhelming, we’ve assembled some pointers and products (including the monitors we’ve tested extensively) that will help you create the dual display setup of your dreams.
So whether you’re looking to boost your productivity or just want to be able to check email during boring Zoom calls (we won’t tell anyone), here’s everything you need to know about building a good dual monitor setup.
A dual monitor setup is exactly what it sounds like — by plugging in two displays to your desktop or laptop (typically via HDMI or DisplayPort connections) you can significantly expand the amount of screen real estate you have for work or play. There’s no real wrong way to put a dual monitor setup together, whether you want to mix and match screens or have two identical displays mounted together for a seamless ultrawide experience.
I personally use a basic, asymmetrical setup consisting of a Dell S2417DG as my main display and an Acer KG221Q as my secondary screen. The Dell monitor has a crisp 24-inch, 2560 x 1440 display that lets me get immersed in my favorite PC games or hammer away at Google Docs with minimal eye strain, while my smaller 1080p Acer monitor allows me to keep an eye on emails or monitor my chat when I stream on Twitch. My particular Acer monitor is hard to find these days, but this $93 model (Acer SB220Q) makes for a good alternative if you’re looking for a dependable and cheap second display.
If you want a more organized two-monitor setup, there are plenty of displays that are optimized to sit side by side with each other. The Lenovo L24q-30, our pick for the best computer monitor overall, is perfect for a dual display setup, thanks to thin bezels that can create a nearly seamless viewing experience when you place two of them side by side. The L24q-30 also supports VESA mounting, meaning you can mount several of them together on walls or various types of stands (more on those later).
It’s also worth considering monitors that can be positioned vertically when putting together a dual monitor setup. Vertically oriented monitors are especially ideal for programmers, thanks to their ability to show multiple lines of code, and also simply save desk space — something not everyone has a ton of in their home office. The $124 HP VH240a is a popular and inexpensive option that supports vertical orientation as well as VESA mounting if you want a more elaborate two-screen setup. And yes, you can switch between vertical and horizontal on the fly.
You can simplify your dual monitor setup a bit by daisy chaining, which essentially means combining your various display outputs into a single wire that goes into your computer. To boil it all down, one monitor connects to a second monitor, with that display sending both signals to your PC with only one cable to worry about. It’s a nice feature that’ll make your setup a little cleaner, though not all monitors support it.
It’s easy enough to plop two monitors onto your desk, but what if you want to clean things up a bit? That’s where stands and wall mounts come in. By mounting your monitors, you can save yourself precious desk space and gain even more freedom for adjusting your displays and finding that perfect viewing angle.
For those looking to connect multiple monitors to their laptop (or just simplify their mess of cables), a USB-C hub is worth looking into for your dual monitor setup. And if you’re a true power user, a KVM switch, which can connect peripherals to two computers at once, will allow you to use your dual displays across multiple machines with ease. Here are some accessories worth checking out to make the most of your dual monitor setup.
The Vivo Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount Stand is one of the most popular stands on the web, allowing you to mount two monitors ranging from 13 to 27 inches and up to 22 pounds each. Each arm of this stand is highly flexible and allows you to swivel your displays up to 180 degrees or rotate them 360 degrees for when you need some portrait mode action. The stand’s clamp is built to fit securely on any desk up to 4 inches thick, and it includes detachable cable clips for keeping all of your wires organized.
If you’d rather mount your monitors to a wall, Wali’s dual display mount is a popular and relatively affordable way to do so. This wall bracket fits any monitor up to 27 inches with a 75-by-75-millimeter or 100-by-100-millimeter VESA mount, with a ton of articulation points, including a 90-degree swivel and 360-degree rotation for positioning your monitors vertically. Wali’s Dual LCD Monitor mount also sports an adjustable gas spring, which allows the mount to offer increased or decreased tensions based on how heavy your monitor is.
Many modern laptops are slim on port options, meaning you might have trouble connecting to multiple displays right out of the box. That’s where a USB-C hub like the Totu 9-in-1 Triple Display adapter comes in. One of our picks for the best USB-C hubs you can buy, this affordable gadget can power up to three displays thanks to its dual HDMI ports as well as its single VGA connection. There’s enough power here to run two displays side by side at 4K, or have a total of three monitors running at 1080p. We also love this hub for its sheer amount of ports for the price, with lots of handy connections that include three USB 3.0 slots, SD and microSD card readers, and a USB-C port that supports fast charging for your laptop.
For power users or Twitch streamers who are using multiple computers with their dual monitor setups, a KVM switch is well worth looking into. These switches give you a single connection point for your monitors as well as your mouse and keyboard, allowing you to go from controlling one computer to another at the touch of a button. This well-rated Steetek switch supports both full HD and 4K monitors, and packs an extra two USB ports for sharing accessories such as printers or external drives across multiple PCs.
Ultrawide monitors have a few benefits over dual monitor setups. For one, these monitors involve less setup and can potentially save you money, as you’ll only need to purchase and set up a single display for your work area. You also get the benefit of a truly seamless screen that can take advantage of games, movies and shows that have been optimized to fit a 21:9 aspect ratio. And many ultrawide monitors are curved, allowing for greater immersion while preventing your eyes from having to strain too much when moving from side to side.
However, dual monitor setups give you a level of versatility that’s hard to top. The freedom to mix and match displays means you can invest in a high-end 4K monitor as your main screen while picking up a cheaper 1080p model for web browsing and work calls. And you’ll quite literally have greater flexibility when it comes to positioning, whether you want to have one screen sit vertically or adjust the height and angle of both of your monitors independently on a wall mount.
Of course, if money and space aren’t issues, you could enjoy the best of both worlds and pick up multiple ultrawide displays. But for most people, an ultrawide monitor gives you simplicity and immersion, while a dual screen setup allows for more flexibility.
It’s worth considering a stand or wall mount if you want a cleaner, more flexible setup, as well as an ultrawide monitor as a simpler alternative to getting two displays. But no matter how you go about it, increasing the amount of screen space on your desk will boost your productivity — and help you have more fun — in a big way.