How to Setup Multiple Monitors on PC?

Many of us find multiple tabs, files, applications, and programs running simultaneously.

It can easily get overwhelming and cluttered as you might struggle to navigate through them all efficiently.

Whether you are a programmer, content creator, gamer, or someone who prefers to flexibly switch to various screens, setting up multiple monitors on your PC can significantly boost your productivity.

Adding a second monitor will also be much cheaper compared to spending money on a faster processor or larger hard disk.

There are various benefits of using multiple monitors as they are simple to use, improve multitasking and collaboration, and even work well with laptops or tablets.

However, multiple monitors should only be desirable as long as you configure it correctly.

Without the need for any third-party software, the settings and features of Windows 10 can easily support one, two, three, or more monitors that you can add to your workstation.

Check if your system is compatible

Before setting up multiple monitors on your PC, you will need to determine the compatibility of the type of video connection.

There are three main types of video output connections:

Video Graphics Array (VGA) –

This port is typically blue with 15 holes and two parallel screws to securely attach the cable to a monitor or motherboard.

VGA is the oldest form of video connection handling analog video but cannot carry audio.

Digital Video Interface (DVI) 

Typically rectangular and yellow with numerous small squares in it. Depending on the signals it supports, DVI connectors may be of one of three types: DVI-D (digital only), DVI-A (analog only) or DVI-I (both analog and digital).

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 

The most common video output used by computers and TVs. It is thin and hexagonal and serves the purpose of both digital audio and video. Most computers use the standard Type-A port but can also find mini-HDMI cables being commonly used.

Once you have identified the compatible video connection, make sure both (or more) of the monitors are connected to a power source.

Then follow the instructions on your PC home screen.

Step 1: Open the Display settings on your PC by going to Start > Setting > System > Display. As you will see, your PC should automatically detect your monitor(s).

Step 2: Staying on the Display settings page, you will have to manage the arrangement of your monitor.

After connecting a second monitor, you will be able to see screen 1 and 2.

If your second monitor is placed on the left of your main monitor, click and drag screen 2 to the left so you can extend the screen to your preferred side. You can also adjust your second monitor to be at the top, bottom, or even diagonally.

You might face a problem in which your monitor duplicates the primary monitor’s screen. Press the Windows key + P and change to the Extend option. This can also be done in the Display setting by going to the Multiple displays drop-down menu.

In case after connecting the monitor to the designated video output, the message “Didn’t detect another display” appears, you can use the guide by The Windows Club to troubleshoot and fix it.

Adjusting display layout and scale

After you have successfully configured the display settings of your second monitor, your PC would automatically configure the most optimal settings.

Differences in the model of your monitor or the video connections might compel you to adjust the scaling, resolution, or orientation.

Scaling

In the Display settings, select the change the size of text, apps, and other items drop-down menu and select the appropriate scale option depending on your desired choice.

To enter a custom scale, click the Advanced scaling settings option. Under the Custom scaling option, you can specify the scaling size between 100 and 500 percent.

Resolution

After connecting a monitor, your PC will automatically set the recommended pixel resolution.

You can change this manually on the resolution drop-down menu.

Note that you will have to individually change the resolution for each monitor as one setting will not apply to all.

Orientation

If you want to use your second monitor for coding or reading, you can rotate the screen horizontally or vertically, especially if you have a stand that rotates.

Under the Orientation drop-down menu, you can select the Landscape, Portrait, Landscape (flipped) or Portrait (flipped) option.

In addition to the steps outlined above, an added tip would be to restrain from adjusting the brightness or color of your monitor unless it is a laptop.

Knowing how to set up multiple monitors for your PC can boost your efficiency and save money.

As more people start working from home and students attend online classes, considering to invest and set up multiple monitors is your best bet.