Managing how your computer uses its screen(s) or switching the source displayed on a monitor can be done in a few ways. The specific method depends on whether you want to change the computer's display output settings or the physical input source on the monitor itself.
Changing the "input" on your computer screen typically refers to either adjusting how your computer displays content across one or multiple monitors or selecting which device's signal a specific monitor is currently showing.
Managing Display Configurations from Your Computer
If you have multiple monitors connected to your PC, or you want to quickly switch how your single screen is used (e.g., for presentations), Windows provides several ways to manage these configurations.
One less commonly known shortcut for quickly switching configurations is mentioned in the provided reference:
- Windows Key + Ctrl + F4: This keyboard shortcut is designed to help you switch between different display configurations, especially useful when you have multiple monitors. As the reference states, This will switch between display configurations. For example, if you have two monitors connected to your PC and you are using both of them, this keyboard shortcut will allow you to switch between using just one of the monitors or using both of them. This provides a quick toggle for certain multi-monitor arrangements.
More standard methods for managing your display output include:
- Using the Project Shortcut (Windows + P): This is the most common way to quickly change display modes on Windows. Pressing
Windows Key + Popens a sidebar or menu allowing you to choose how your screen(s) are used:- PC screen only: Displays only on your primary monitor.
- Duplicate: Shows the same content on all monitors.
- Extend: Combines all monitors into one large desktop area.
- Second screen only: Displays only on your secondary monitor(s).
- Using Display Settings: For more detailed control, you can right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings" (or navigate via
Settings > System > Display). Here, you can:- Rearrange your displays.
- Change resolution and scaling.
- Set your primary display.
- Choose display modes (Duplicate, Extend, Show only on 1, Show only on 2, etc.).
Quick Reference for Display Management Shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
Windows Key + P |
Opens the Project menu to change display modes (Duplicate, Extend, etc.) |
Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 |
Switches between configured display setups (e.g., all monitors vs. one) |
Changing the Input Source on the Monitor Itself
Often, "changing the input" refers to switching which device the monitor is displaying (e.g., switching from your desktop PC connected via HDMI to a laptop connected via DisplayPort). This is done using the physical buttons on the monitor itself.
- Locate Monitor Buttons: Most monitors have buttons on the front, side, or back.
- Find the Input/Source Button: Look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or an icon resembling an arrow entering a box or screen.
- Press the Button: Press this button to cycle through the available input sources (like HDMI 1, HDMI 2, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, etc.). Stop when the desired source is displayed.
- Use the Monitor's On-Screen Menu (OSD): Some monitors require you to press a Menu button first, then navigate an on-screen display to find the "Input" or "Source" option and select from a list. Consult your monitor's manual if you're unsure.
Understanding the distinction between managing the computer's display output and selecting the input on the monitor is key to changing what you see on your screen effectively.
