How to Setup Dual Monitors
Many PC and laptop users can benefit from the extra screen space provided by dual monitors. With a dual setup, there's no need to constantly switch between tabs or programs.
Having everything visible at once makes referencing and transferring information between applications quicker and more efficient.
However, setting up dual monitors may seem daunting due to unfamiliar technical terms and hardware. There may also be some initial troubleshooting.
Despite this, anyone can set up dual monitors with the right equipment and a basic understanding of how monitors connect to and communicate with a computer.
What You Need to Get Started
Setting up dual monitors is easier than you might think! For most users, all you need are:
Choosing the Right
Display Cables
One technical aspect of dual monitor setup is selecting the correct display cables. The type of cable depends on the display ports available on your computer. Here’s what you should consider:
Check your display ports
Your computer may have HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C ports, or older ports like VGA and DVI.
Not enough ports?
If your computer doesn’t have enough ports for the monitors you want to use, you can use a display splitter to increase your connectivity options.
Checking Compatibility
Display ports connect your monitor to your computer. There are several types of display ports, each with a unique look, making it easy to identify by sight.
Common Display Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
Legacy Ports (used in older devices): VGA, DVI
How to Identify Your Display Ports
Visual check
Inspect the back of your PC or laptop to identify your ports.
User manual or online specs
Refer to your computer’s manual or search for your device’s specifications online if you’re unsure.
Additional display ports
If you have more monitors than ports, you’ll need a way to connect multiple monitors such as using a display port splitter.
Step-by-Step Setup:
Connecting and Configuring
Physically Connecting the Monitors
Step 1
Plug in the Display Cables
Connect one end of your display cable to the monitor and the other to your PC or laptop. Display ports are typically on the back of a PC, the side of a laptop, and the back or underside of the monitor.
Step 2
Ensure a Firm Connection
Make sure the cables are securely plugged in to prevent disconnection if you move your monitors. Don’t forget to plug in the monitor’s power cable. Repeat the process for all monitors.
Configuring Settings on Your Computer
Step 1
Turn on Your Devices
Power up your computer and monitors. Your computer should automatically detect the new displays. If the monitors don’t turn on, double-check that both the power and display cables are connected properly.
Step 2
Open Display Setting
For both Windows and macOS, open the Settings menu and navigate to Display Settings. From there, you can configure the display.
Step 3
Extend or Duplicate Display
Choose between extending or duplicating your display. Extend is the preferred option for dual monitors, allowing you to work across both screens. Duplicating shows the same image on both monitors.
Quick Win: Extend Your Desktop
Once your dual monitors are connected, extend your desktop to maximise productivity. This feature allows you to switch easily between tasks, conduct meetings on one screen while referencing notes on the other, or compare documents side by side.
Customising and Personalising Your Setup
Choosing the Display Mode
When setting up your dual monitors, you can choose:
- Extend Display: Spreads your desktop across both monitors, giving you more workspace.
- Duplicate Display: Shows the same image on both monitors, which is less practical for most dual monitor setups.
For most users, extending the display is ideal, offering more flexibility and improving workflow.
Align Displays for Comfort
Ensure both monitors are at a comfortable height and distance to help reduce eye strain and maximise the ergonomic aspect of your set up.
Single Monitor
Ergonomic Display Positioning
For single monitors, you may find that placing the screen directly in front of you, slightly below eye level, and an arm’s length away is the most comfortable.
Dual Monitors
Side-by-Side Setup
If you use both monitors equally, place them side by side, angled slightly inwards so that both screens are the same distance from your eyes.
Dual Monitors
Primary and Secondary Display
If you use one monitor as your primary display, center it directly in front of you. Place the second monitor at a slight angle to the side to minimise head movement and improve comfort.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Troubleshooting Display Issues
Sometimes, your computer may not automatically recognise a new monitor when you plug it in. This may occur due to:
Step 1
Reconnect the Monitor
Unplug the monitor and plug it back in.
Step 2
Update Your System
Make sure your operating system, drivers, and graphics card software are fully updated.
Step 3
Check Cables
Double-check that all cables are securely plugged in.
Graphics Card Port Configuration
If your computer has a graphics card, it may need to connect to your monitor via a specific port. Here's what you should know:
Fixing Low Display Resolution
If your display looks blurry or the resolution seems too low, it may be due to incorrect settings. Here’s how you might be able to resolve it:
Step 1
Check Display Settings
Go to your monitor’s display settings and ensure the refresh rate and resolution are correct.
Step 2
Adjust for Multiple Monitors
If you already have another monitor plugged in, your system may automatically select incorrect settings for the new display. Adjust the settings manually.
Conclusion
Start Making the Most of Your Setup
Switching to a dual display setup can have a positive impact on your productivity. With multitasking made more efficient, users may find it easier to focus on their tasks, and some may even find that issues like eye strain and fatigue are reduced when they work with dual monitors.
One of the best parts of using multiple monitors is how flexible the setup can be. Once you try dual displays, you could consider other options like wall mounting, stacking monitors using display mounts, or using different display orientations. Understanding the basics means you’ll now be able to set up a unique PC-monitor layout tailored to your needs.
