Connection Considerations
The first step in using a second monitor is getting it physically connected to the computer.
Detect the Monitor in Windows
Now that your monitor is physically connected to your computer, it’s time to configure your Windows operating system to recognize and use the monitor. VGA and DVI: Older computers may have DVI or VGA ports. These connectors rely on a series of metal pins, which are usually on the cable. The ports, then, have a series of holes to accommodate the pins. VGA is a lower resolution standard definition connection. DVI is capable of basic HD. If you have a newer monitor, you may have difficulty connecting because support for DVI and VGA has been dropped by most. You may have luck converting from DVI to HDMI, though. HDMI: HDMI is the most widely supported type of display connection. Almost all TVs rely on HDMI, and most computer monitors have at least one HDMI port. There are multiple types of HDMI cables and ports. Laptop manufacturers may opt for smaller mini and micro HDMI connections to conserve space and build a smaller device. In those cases, you’re still working with HDMI, and you can easily find cables with a micro or mini connector on one end and a standard HDMI connection on the other. DisplayPort and USB-C: Things get a little more complicated with DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, and USB-C connections. You won’t find these as commonly, but dedicated graphics cards and higher-end laptops may have DisplayPort connections. Relatively recent computer monitors also support DisplayPort. As with HDMI, Mini DisplayPort connections save space on mobile devices, and you can find cables with Mini DisplayPort on one end and standard DisplayPort on the other. You probably know USB-C as the connection on current Android smartphones, but it’s a fast enough connection to support a monitor. It’s also an option in recent Macbooks. If your computer only offers USB-C video output, consider a monitor that supports USB-C input. Otherwise, purchase a cable with a USB-C connection on one end and either HDMI or DisplayPort on the other.
Windows 10
Each version of Windows has a slightly different process to enable and configure your second monitor. Follow the process for the version of Windows that’s running on your PC. Here’s how to do it on Windows 10.
Windows 8 and Windows 7
Change How Your Computer Handles the Second Monitor
Windows gives you a few options for how it will handle the second monitor connected to your computer. You can extend your desktop across both monitors, mirror them, or choose to use one and not the other.
Windows 10
Windows 8.1 and Windows 7
Duplicate these displays: Show the same desktop on both monitors.Extend these displays: Stretch the desktop across both monitors, using both and increasing your overall screen size.Show only on 1: Only use monitor 1.Show only on 2: Only use monitor 2.
Choose one.
