Set up dual monitors on Windows (2024)

To get your PC to recognize multiple monitors:

Make sure your cables are connected properly to the new monitors, then press Windows logo key + P to select a display option.

If you need more help, here's what to do:

  1. Select Start , then openSettings .

  2. 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 , thenDetect.

  3. Use the dropdown list next to the image of your desktop to choose how your screen will project across your displays.

  4. Once you've chosen your setup, selectApply.

You can change the resolution of your displays. However,we suggest using the recommended resolution to get the most out of your displays.

Learn how to use multiple monitors in Windows
Open display settings

To get your PC to recognize multiple monitors:

Make sure your cables are connected properly to the new monitors, then press Windows logo key + P to select a display option.

If you need more help, here's what to do:

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Display. Your PC should automatically detect your monitors and show your desktop. If you don't see the monitors, select Detect.

  2. In theMultiple displayssection, select an option from the list to determine how your desktop will display across your screens.

  3. Once you've selected what you see on your displays, select Keep changes.

You can change the resolution of your displays. However,we suggest using the recommended resolution to get the most out of your displays.Set up dual monitors on Windows (1)

Learn how to use multiple monitors in Windows 10
Open Display settings

Set up dual monitors on Windows (2024)

FAQs

How do I setup dual monitors on Windows? ›

Make sure your cables are connected properly to the new monitors, then press Windows logo key + P to select a display option. If you need more help, here's what to do: Select Start > Settings > System > Display. Your PC should automatically detect your monitors and show your desktop.

Why won't my PC let me use 2 monitors? ›

Update your drivers: Windows supports multiple monitors by default, but your current setup may not be configured correctly. Making sure you're running the latest graphics drivers for your system can sometimes fix problems with no signal errors.

What is the best way to set up dual monitors for work? ›

Position the main monitor squarely in front of your body and at eye level, and make sure your secondary monitor is at a parallel height to the main display. This will help you avoid the neck and eye strain that happens when you twist or look down at the other screen.

How do I get Windows to recognize 2 monitors? ›

Detect a display

If you connected another display and it isn't showing in Settings, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Detect.

How to use 2 monitors with 1 HDMI port? ›

When connecting two monitors to a computer with just one HDMI port, using an HDMI splitter or a docking station is a great solution. An HDMI splitter is a small device that takes the video signal from your computer and duplicates it to two or more output ports.

Can any PC handle 2 monitors? ›

Virtually all modern computers' motherboards support multiple monitors, but older machines may not. While some computers may support at least one additional monitor, they may limit how many monitors you can have connected at once.

Why is only one screen working on dual monitors? ›

To troubleshoot and resolve the issue of the second monitor not displaying, it is important to check the hardware connections, verify display settings in the operating system, update graphics drivers, and ensure hardware compatibility.

Do you need two HDMI ports for dual monitors? ›

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.

How do I make my dual monitors work independently? ›

All you need to make this happen is an HDMI Matrix. Think of an HDMI Matrix as a combination of an HDMI Splitter and an HDMI Switch. A splitter allows you to make one input device show up on multiple video outputs, and a switch allows you to choose between multiple input devices and show it on one video output.

How do I setup dual monitors with HDMI Windows 10? ›

To use dual monitors on Windows 10, follow these steps:
  1. Connect your second monitor to your computer using a VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable.
  2. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
  3. Scroll down to the Multiple displays section and select Extend these displays.

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