Putting your screen on another screen typically refers to connecting and configuring a second monitor or display for your computer. This allows you to extend your desktop space or duplicate your primary screen.
Connecting Your Second Screen
The first step is usually a physical connection. You'll need to connect your computer to the second monitor using the appropriate cable (like HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA). Once connected, Windows should typically detect the new display automatically.
Configuring Display Settings in Windows
After connecting the display, you'll need to tell Windows how to use it. The quickest way to do this is often using the Windows key shortcut:
- Press
Windows Key + Psimultaneously.
This shortcut opens a sidebar allowing you to quickly choose a display mode:
| Display Mode | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| PC screen only | Uses only your main primary display. | When disconnecting a second monitor. |
| Duplicate | Shows the exact same content on both screens. | Presentations, mirroring for an audience. |
| Extend | Combines both screens into one larger desktop space. | Multitasking, spreading applications across screens. |
| Second screen only | Uses only the second display; the primary laptop screen is turned off. | Using an external monitor as your main display. |
Select the option that best suits your needs.
Using Display Settings for More Control
For more detailed configuration, you can use the Windows Display Settings menu:
- Select Start
- Go to Settings
- Click on System
- Select Display
In the Display settings, you can:
- Rearrange your displays (useful for 'Extend' mode to match physical monitor positions).
- Change the resolution and scaling for each display.
- Select the display mode (Duplicate, Extend, etc.) under the "Multiple displays" section.
Adjusting Multiple Display Preferences
Once your multiple displays are set up, you can further customize their behavior using settings found within the Display section, as highlighted in the provided reference:
-
Select Start
-
Go to Settings
-
Click on System
-
Select Display
-
Scroll down and select Multiple displays to expand that section.
-
Toggle the checkboxes based on your preferences:
- Remember window locations based on monitor connection: When this is toggled on, Windows attempts to reopen application windows on the same monitor they were on when you last closed them, especially useful when connecting/disconnecting displays.
- Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected: When this is toggled on, open application windows will be minimized if the monitor they are displayed on is disconnected. This prevents windows from becoming inaccessible off-screen.
By following these steps, you can effectively connect and configure your computer to put your screen's content onto another display and manage how windows behave across those screens.
