Setting up two monitors involves physically connecting them to your computer and then configuring the display settings in your operating system.
Based on the information from Microsoft Support, here are the steps to configure dual monitors on Windows:
- Select Start
- Then open Settings.
- Under System, select Display.
- Use the dropdown list next to the image of your desktop to choose how your screen will project across your displays.
- Once you've chosen your setup, select Apply.
These steps configure how Windows utilizes the connected monitors.
Understanding Display Projection Options
When using the dropdown list in the Display settings (step 4), you'll typically find several options for how Windows displays content across your monitors:
- Duplicate these displays: Shows the same content on both monitors. Useful for presentations.
- Extend these displays: Makes the two monitors act as one continuous desktop. This is the most common setup for increased workspace. You can drag windows and move your mouse pointer between the screens.
- Show only on 1: Only displays content on your primary monitor.
- Show only on 2: Only displays content on your secondary monitor.
You can also drag the monitor icons in the Display settings window to arrange them virtually to match their physical placement on your desk.
Before performing these steps, ensure your monitors are physically connected to your computer's graphics card or motherboard ports using appropriate cables (like HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA).
