There are many reasons why you might want to connect additional screens to your PC. Whether it's a laptop or a desktop, you might want to keep the desktop on the first screen while viewing an application or other content on the second. Generally, the goal of connecting additional monitors is to create a larger display. Both amateur and professional gamers are the primary users of multi-monitor setups.
Here are our recommendations for connecting your monitors to your laptop
How do I connect two screens to a PC using HDMI or VGA?
Laptops are the easiest to integrate into a multi-monitor setup. The most common configuration that incorporates the laptop screen is a dual-monitor setup. All you need to do is connect a second monitor to the output port. VGA, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3, Miracast via Wi-Fi, and DisplayPort are the ports you'll encounter.
If your laptop has a dedicated 3D GPU (integrated graphics card), it likely has more than one video output. It may also have a combination of Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA. Thunderbolt 3 ports are found on most recent computers. This type of port can simultaneously output audio, video, and data. It uses a connector identical to USB Type-C. Possible scenarios:
Laptops with VGA and HDMI ports
On some laptops of any age, you'll find a VGA port and an HDMI port. In this case, it's possible to connect two monitors and use them simultaneously. Even if your computer only has a VGA port and a USB port, don't worry. There are other ways to connect an additional monitor. You simply need spare USB ports to connect an external USB-to-VGA or DVI video card. This card will allow you to connect a screen to your laptop.
Our recommendation
Laptops with HDMI and mini-displayport ports
Mini DisplayPorts are found on modern computers. Some models may also have HDMI ports. Both types of ports allow you to connect multiple monitors, each connected to one of them. If your PC only has a Mini DisplayPort, look for a DisplayPort splitter hub.
Computers with Thunderbolt 3 ports
With this type of port, you'll need a suitable adapter cable to connect your PC to an external monitor. If you have a MacBook released in 2015, a Dell, a Chromebook Pixel, or an HP Pavilion, your ports are Thunderbolt 3.
Laptop with eGPU (external graphics processing unit)
An external GPU, or graphics accelerator, is widely used for gaming. However, it can also serve as an intermediary for connecting a monitor to a laptop equipped with a USB Type-C port. This graphics accelerator also supports connecting multiple monitors using multiple HDMI and DVI ports. There are also eGPUs that lack an external video output but significantly improve graphics performance for internal displays.
If you're a DIY enthusiast and prefer to choose your own graphics card, an eGPU enclosure with a Thunderbolt 3 port is ideal. This enclosure features a ready-to-use PCIe expansion slot. Additionally, you'll find a graphics card with power supply or cooling system. Sometimes, you'll also find USB 3.0, Ethernet, and SATA ports. This type of graphics card has a width equivalent to three slots.
It may happen that your laptop has all its built-in video ports exhausted and you're considering connecting additional monitors. In this case, you have the following options:
- A DisplayPort splitter box to multiple DisplayPort outputs
This is a way to quickly multiply the output of a laptop by 2, 3, or 4. At the ends of the splitter are a DisplayPort connector on one side and four DisplayPort connectors on the other.
- External USB to VGA/HDMI/DVI Video Card
This is the simplest and cheapest way to add extra screens to your laptop. It only supports 1080p resolution. However, these USB video graphics adapters are limited by the lack of support for a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1980 pixels.
- External USB Monitor
This is a slimline, USB-powered portable LED monitor. This computer screen has its own integrated video card, allowing it to use any available USB 3.0 port. The advantage is the ability to connect multiple screens simultaneously. Furthermore, it's convenient (you can take it anywhere) and easy to set up.
In addition to all the aforementioned items, you will need monitors with VGA, HDMI, and/or DVI inputs. These will complete the setup if you have the necessary cables, ports, and adapters, and if you are looking for a monitor with a specific resolution. Also, to avoid leaving fingerprints on your desk and to protect your monitors from bumps and knocks, consider using a multi-monitor stand.
Can you connect 3 or 4 screens to your PC?
It's possible to connect three monitors to your laptop , or even four! This is provided your computer's graphics card can support that many. To find out, simply visit your graphics card manufacturer's website and check the number of monitors it supports. If your computer's graphics card cannot support multiple monitors, you'll need to purchase a compatible one.
Buy a multiport adapter instead:
In addition to this check, you should identify the type(s) of port(s) present on your PC. This is to determine the necessary cables and adapters in case the ports on your PC and monitors differ. If the ports are different, consider the following options:
- Use an HDMI to VGI adapter
- Choose in Docking Station to have several different ports
- If necessary, increase the number of HDMI ports by adding an HDMI splitter.
Which graphics card is needed for 2 screens?
Checking for a graphics card is the first step before connecting a monitor to your laptop. To find this information, consult your computer's hardware specifications. Without a recent graphics card, it's impossible to control two screens simultaneously. A graphics card should be able to support at least two screens and have the necessary connectors.
Generally, most recent desktop and laptop PCs have a graphics card. The desired display quality depends on the graphics card's power. The minimum requirement for optimal display is that the card be able to support Full HD resolution. Ideally, both monitors should display in true high definition. Furthermore, some high-performance computers have two graphics cards. In this case, the user must decide whether to connect the monitors to one card or both simultaneously.
How to set up a dual screen on windows 10?
Setting up your PC is an essential step when you want to connect additional monitors. Therefore, it's wise to first ensure that the monitor(s) are properly connected to the PC. After that, you can proceed to configure the settings in Windows 10.
Here's an instructional video on how to install a dual monitor setup on Windows 10
Why configure your PC?
Having multiple screens optimizes your performance in completing your daily tasks. You can monitor two tasks simultaneously while remaining focused on the primary one. Furthermore, the configuration allows for improved visibility. Depending on your needs, you can have several configurations, including:
- A standard-sized original screen connected to a larger diagonal screen
- A laptop screen connected to an external monitor
- Two monitors of the same size to double the display area
Finally, choosing dual display allows you to view photos and videos in full-screen mode by connecting your PC to a television. All you need is an HDMI port for good-quality display.
Here are the best stands for setting up multiple monitors for your PC
Dual screen setup: the prerequisites!
The success of a multi-display project depends on the meticulous adherence to the following instructions:
- Check that your computer's graphics card has the capability to support multiple monitors
- Check the ports on your PC. Identify the types of outputs present: HDMI, VGA, Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort. These ports are connected directly to the graphics card and are positioned horizontally. You might also find a vertically oriented port. In this case, it connects to the video card, which is a disadvantage for controlling multiple displays
- Gather all the necessary accessories and equipment. For a two- or three-screen display, you will need either two HDMI cables, one HDMI and one DVI, or one VGA cable. For a Mac, you will need a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI or VGA, DisplayPort to VGA or HDMI, or USB-C to HDMI or VGA adapter cable.
The additional screen should have the highest possible resolution and a resolution that matches the PC's video output. The cables used must also be compatible with the monitors. When the computer and monitor have identical connectors, choosing cables with the same specifications is recommended. These are less expensive and thus reduce the overall cost of setting up the multi-monitor system.
Furthermore, to make the connections, the following will be necessary:
- Locate the connectors on the monitor(s) and the PC
- Connect the ends of the cables to the computer's connectors and to the monitors' connectors
- Connect the power cable of the connected monitor(s);
- Configure the display to use both screens on a laptop with the Windowsoperating system.
Configuration procedure
To begin, click the windows logo in the bottom left corner of the screen. In the menu that appears, you'll see a gear icon in the left-hand column. Click it and go to Settings. In the Settings menu, you'll see "System" among the first items on the left; click it. If it's not there, go to Display options.
Normally, connected monitors should appear on the computer. If no monitors are displayed, click "Detect" to allow the computer to identify them. Then, scroll to the bottom of the window to reach the "Multiple Displays" section. Once in "Multiple Displays," choose the setting that best suits your needs. The "Duplicate these displays" option allows you to have the main display duplicated, meaning on two additional monitors.
This function is indicated when the PC connected to a monitor acts as the central processing unit. The "Extend these displays" option allows you to obtain a larger workspace and have different displays on each screen. It is particularly effective when two monitors are placed side-by-side, ideally with thin bezels for optimal results. Ultimately, two 17-inch screens become one 34-inch screen.
If you want to keep only one screen displayed, activate the "Show only on 1" button if that's the screen you want to keep displayed. Screen 2 will then remain black. The same applies to activating "Show only on 2". Depending on your preferences, you can set the second or first monitor as the main display (the screen where the notification area and taskbar are located).
Windows by displaying screens side-by-side, isn't smart enough to know their actual positions. It's up to you to correct this. Simply reposition them in their original order on your desktop. To do this, go to the settings window and move the screens using your mouse by dragging them.
