askvity

How to Extend the Screen on Windows 11

Published in Windows Display Settings 2 mins read

To extend your screen on Windows 11, you typically need to connect a second display and configure the display settings to treat it as an extension of your primary screen, providing more desktop space.

Extending your display means that your desktop is spread across two or more monitors. This allows you to have different applications open on each screen, significantly increasing your workspace and productivity compared to duplicating your screen or using only one display.

Here are the steps based on standard Windows 11 procedures and the provided reference:

Steps to Extend Your Display

  1. Connect Your Second Display: First, ensure your second monitor is physically connected to your computer (using HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, etc.) and is powered on.
  2. Open Display Settings: Right-click anywhere on the desktop, and then click Display settings. This opens the system display configuration window.
  3. Configure Multiple Displays: Scroll down to the Multiple displays section.
  4. Select Display Option: Click the drop-down menu next to "Multiple displays" and select "Extend these displays".
    • Note: Other options include "Duplicate these displays" (shows the same content on both screens), "Show only 1" (uses only the primary display), and "Show only 2" (uses only the second display). Choosing Extend is key for gaining more desktop space.
  5. Detect Displays (If Needed): If your second display isn't automatically recognized after connecting it, click Detect within the Multiple displays section. Windows will attempt to find any connected monitors.
  6. Adjust Layout and Resolution: Once both displays are recognized and set to "Extend," you can drag and drop the monitor icons under the "Rearrange your displays" section to match their physical arrangement on your desk. You can also select each display individually to adjust its Scale, Display resolution, and Display orientation as necessary for optimal viewing.

These steps allow you to set up and customize your extended desktop environment on Windows 11.

For further information on setting up displays, you can consult resources like this document: HP Support - Using Two or More Monitors with a Computer (Windows 11, 10)

Related Articles