A dual monitor setup system is useful if you want to improve your multitasking productivity while working with multiple windows or applications. It also seems less cramped. However, you need to configure or set it up correctly to make it more convenient.
Regardless of whether you are a player, a content creator, or a data analyst, this guide will show you how to configure two monitors under the Windows operating system.
Configure and Setup Dual Screens and Monitors in Windows 10
- Connect with cables
- Use a docking station.
- Use a watering device.
Windows 10 has multiple features and settings that support multiple monitors without the need to use third-party apps and familiar commands like Windows 7 (if you are still using it).
If you want to configure and setup dual monitor on your Desktop or workstation or an external monitor on your laptop, follow the steps below to configure it.
Connect with Cables to Setup Dual Monitor
Before configuring settings for two monitors, make sure you have all the cables you need to connect your PC and monitor.
Look at the types of connectors you have on your computer, on the sides, or on the back, depending on your PC. This includes the video signal via HDMI, VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort as well as the connection of power cables.
Do the same for your monitor. If you are not sure, check the maker and model if you want to know how to connect the screen. You will find the connections on the back or bottom of the monitor.
Note: The video connection of your PC must match that of your monitor. If your PC only has a DVI connection and your monitor does not have one, you can use a converter cable or a special adapter.
The most popular and widely used dual monitor setup, and compatible screen connection type is HDMI. You can find it on almost all televisions and most computer monitors that have at least one such connector. Therefore, finding an HDMI cable shouldn’t be difficult.
There are also different types of HDMI connections, including mini and micro HDMI for small devices or the standard HDMI connection.
But, older computers may have VGA or DVI connectors based on metal pins on their cables for connection to your PC. New monitors don’t support this type of connection, but you can try converting DVI to HDMI. Check out the price of HDMI.
DisplayPort isn’t for dual monitor setup as common as HDMI, but high-end laptops, relatively new computer screens, and dedicated graphics cards can have this type of connection. There’s also a USB-C connection on new Android smartphones and new MacBooks, and you will be able to use this type with any monitor that would support the input of a USB-C. Or, you can get a cable with USB-C to HDMI / DisplayPort connections.
Connect the cable that matches your PC and monitor, plug the power cord into an electrical outlet, and turn on the monitor.
Configure The Display
The next step is to configure your display presentation. To do this, duplicate or expand the desktop screen with your second monitor so that Windows can recognize and use the monitor.
In most cases, Windows will automatically recognize and configure the monitor without your input. However, follow the steps below to configure it.
- Go to your PC desktop and right-click on an empty space.
- Select display settings.
- Scroll to multiple screens display and click Detect.
- For a wireless monitor, under Multiple displays, click Connect to a wireless display.
With a wireless monitor, your PC or Miracast-compatible mobile device can display the image on your monitor on our monitor via a Direct WiFi interface. You can duplicate your wireless Desktop or expand it to the monitor and connect your mobile device via Dual Cast via WiFi (depending on your devices).
You may also choose the order of the monitor by clicking Identify. Windows show numbers 1 and 2 on each screen, so you know which one is which.
If you want your PC to be your main screen, return to the Multiple Displays section and select the Set as main screen checkbox or use this device as the main monitor.
Note: The main screen contains your start menu, your clock, your taskbar, and other applications. However, you can view them on both screens by right-clicking the Windows taskbar> Properties> Show the taskbar on all screens.
- Adjust the screen orientation and resolution accordingly and save the new screen settings by selecting Keep changes.
Adjust the Display order of your Monitor
Once the second monitor is connected, and the screen is connected, you can improve and customize it. You can do several things here, including:
- Only display the start screen on your PC and not on the second monitor.
- Make settings for the taskbar (right-click on the taskbar> Settings> Settings for the taskbar).
- Personalize your background image (right-click on Desktop> Personalize and select images, themes, or colors).
Note: Windows 10 has a new panorama theme that allows you to insert a panorama image on the monitors. To do this, you need to click on Start and click Settings, and Personalization.
- Click Browse to choose a panoramic image. Click Select Parameters> Range, and everything is done.
Use of two Monitors in Windows 8 and 7
You can configure two monitors if you are using Windows 8 or 7 (if you can’t let it go). The steps may differ slightly from Windows 10, but in the end, you can configure two monitors.
- Make sure the PC and monitor are connected, then press the Windows + P key on your keyboard.
- Choose from four options: Computer only, Duplicate, Extend, Projector only.
- Right-click on your Desktop and select Screen Resolution.
- Click Multiple Screens/display, then click Duplicate or Extend to display the same image on the two screens or to spread your Desktop across the two devices. If you don’t see your monitor, click Detect.
- If the displays are not of the same brand and model, customize them by right-clicking on your Desktop and choosing Display Settings. Go to Select and Rearrange screen and try adjusting the orientation of the monitors on your Desktop. You can do this by clicking and dragging the rectangles until they are properly aligned.
Setup Dual Monitors Using a Docking Station
A docking station offers an easy way to connect multiple devices such as a mouse, keyboard, external hard drives, printers, and external monitors to your PC. It’s more of a port replicator because it offers more ports than your PC won’t easily offer due to its limited connectivity ports.
Most docking stations can connect multiple monitors because they have more video connections. Once connected to your PC, you can turn off the screen and use your monitor.
Setup Dual Monitors Using a Casting Device
You can also duplicate your PC screen on a second monitor or display with a streaming device like Google Chromecast.
With Google Chromecast, you can do many cool things, including streaming to two monitors from a video player, music or podcasts, from your entire Desktop, or even from browser tabs.
- To broadcast your entire Desktop, click the Chromecast icon in the top right of your browser. We use Google Chrome for this guide. Therefore, go to the “Settings” menu (three dots) and click on “Send” or cast.
- Click on the Sources option just below the displays.
- Click on the Cast Desktop option and then on the desired screen. Since there are two screens, you need to choose which one you want to stream and whether you want to stream audio too.
- Select your preferred options and click Share. The screen is streamed to your monitor via Chromecast and shows items like the taskbar and more. However, this does not mean that you can move open programs, windows, or applications between the two screens.
Double Your Screen Space
Setting up two monitors is a simple process in Windows. In addition to the standard method on your PC, there are several ways to do this. Were you able to configure two monitors using the steps and methods listed above? Let us know by leaving a comment below.