How To Set Up Dual Monitors On Windows

While working on your Windows computer, have you ever felt the need to set up another monitor? With a two-monitor setup, you can multitask anddo many things in less time.

For instance, you can have multiple browser windows on one monitor, while compiling your research on the other. For creative professionals, two monitors can help organize all the apps and tools necessary to create a masterpiece. Similarly,gamers or streamers can benefit from a dual monitor setupas they can use the extra screen to manage their audience, reply to comments, and more. All-in-all, two monitors can help you handle multiple workflows simultaneously, maximizing your productivity.

HDMI and VGA port on a monitor

However, as enticing as a dual-monitor workstation sounds, it could be tedious to set up, especially if you are a first-time user. you may’t just buy the latest monitor on the market and plug it right into your computer. To set up dual monitors withyour Windows PC, it’s best to check whether your PC has additional output ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort.

If you’re using a laptop, some models come with a Thunderbolt that allows audio/video data transfer. Once you figure out which port is free, look for a compatible monitor that will work with the port. Note that different manufacturers provide different features on different models — get the one that suits you the most in terms of features and size. For reference, here is alist of the 10 excellent PC monitorsto get you started.

Windows dual monitors setup menu

Connecting the secondary monitor

Assuming that you’ve got the right monitor for your configuration, let’s move ahead and discuss the steps involved in connecting and initializing the dual-monitor setup. Connect the second monitor to your Windows PC using the cable in the box. Now, follow the instructions given below.

Change secondary display’s settings

Now that you’ve successfully connected the second monitor to your Windows PC, let’s configure the dual-monitor setup. Open the Display settings menu mentioned above and click “Identify” to determine the first and thesecond display. Now, follow the instructions below.

Check advanced display settings

Upon completing the setup, try using the dual-monitor setup with your Windows PC. Select a window on one desktop and drag it across to the other to get the hang of it. Now, try and open different apps on different monitors and learn how to use the mouse and keyboard with it. To shift a window from one monitor to the other, press and hold the Windows + Shift keys, along with the left or right arrow.

you may set individual settings for each display you connect to yourWindows PC. If you’re a video editor or agamer who works with high refresh rate content, you might want to set your secondary display’s refresh rate. First, ensure that you get a monitor that supports a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz.

Advanced display settings menu on Windows