A second monitor can increase your desktop area and make working with multiple applications more convenient. Connecting a second monitor to your computer is a simple process that requires little effort. However, it is important to remember that not all computers support multiple displays. If you’re thinking about connecting a second monitor to your laptop or desktop, you should first check your computer’s specifications and determine what ports it supports.
Display Settings on PC
If your computer is a Windows or Mac computer, you’ll need to adjust the settings on both displays so that they work as one contiguous screen. These settings vary slightly from operating system to operating system, but they’re generally quite easy to adjust and are available in the Display Settings panel on a PC or the System Preferences panel on a Mac.
The best way to program your dual monitors is to start with the Settings tab on a PC and select either Screen resolution (Windows 7 or 8) or Display settings (Windows 10 or 11). Next, you’ll need to specify how each display will work, including its arrangement. The choices are Duplicate to have two separate displays doing the same thing, or Extend to make your displays act as one contiguous screen.
Daisy Chaining via DisplayPort
If you’re working with a Mac or a computer running Linux Ubuntu, you can use daisy chaining to connect several monitors together using a single video output port. A daisy chain works by allowing several monitors to share a single video output, which reduces clutter and simplifies cable management.
To daisy chain, you need several monitors that are compatible with the DisplayPort 1.2 protocol. You also need a high-quality USB-C cable to transmit video signals from the first and last monitors on the daisy chain.
You’ll need a power source, too. You can use a wall outlet or a portable power strip that can be plugged into an available electrical socket.
Positioning Your Monitors
Once your monitors are plugged in, you’ll need to position them so that they are facing each other, ideally with their backs against the same wall. Then, plug their power cords into the power strip and turn them on.
Setting up a Dual Monitor on a Laptop
If your laptop has a graphics card, you’ll need to install an adapter to allow you to connect a second monitor to your computer. These adapters come in different shapes and sizes, so check the adapter’s specifications to ensure that it has the right connector type for your laptop.
You may need to buy a separate power cord or an extension cable if your laptop’s port doesn’t have enough power outlets for both monitors. You can find them at most computer and electronics stores in a variety of lengths.
You can also daisy chain your monitors by using a USB-C to HDMI cable. This can be a more convenient solution for many people, but it may require an additional device such as a USB-C to DisplayPort converter or a USB-C to HDMI adapter.