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How To Connect Two Monitors To One Computer

5,159,094 views October 26, 2013 1:34

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ChannelHowcast

In brief

You’ll set up a second monitor on your PC or Mac to double your screen space. The process involves checking ports, plugging in the monitor, and configuring display settings—no extra hardware needed if your computer already has free ports.

Key steps

  1. Check your computer’s back panel for an open VGA or DVI port.
  2. Connect the second monitor’s cable to the port and power it on.
  3. Restart your computer to ensure the new monitor is detected.
  4. Right-click the desktop (Windows) and go to Display settings (Mac: System Preferences > Displays).
  5. Select Extend desktop (Windows) or drag icons to match monitor layout (Mac).

Questions & answers

Can I connect monitors without DVI ports?

Yes—use a DVI-to-VGA adapter if neither monitor has a DVI port.

Description from the creator

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Watch more How to Understand Computers videos:

Much like two heads, two monitors are better than one. Expand your workspace with a minimum of fuss.

Step 1: Find an open port
Look at the back of your computer and locate an available VGA or DVI port. The VGA or DVI cord from the second monitor will fit the port.

Tip
Purchase and install an AGP or PCI video card if your computer does not have an available port.

Step 2: Attach second monitor
Plug in the second monitor and turn it on. Connect the best monitor to the DVI port to optimize your hardware. Restart your computer.

Tip
If neither monitor comes with a DVI port, use a DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect the monitor.

Step 3: Setup on Windows
Set up the second monitor on a PC by right-clicking the Desktop and then clicking Properties. On the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab.

Step 4: Activate Dualview
Click the Display drop-down list, and select External Monitor. Check the box Extend my Windows Desktop onto this Monitor, and then click Identify.

Step 5: Arrange
Match the physical arrangement of the monitors by dragging the monitor icons. Then click OK.

Step 6: Use System Preferences
Arrange the displays on a Mac by clicking System Preferences, and then selecting the Displays pane. Click Arrangement and drag the icons to match the arrangement of your monitors.

Did You Know?
CRT computer monitors contain between 4 and 8 pounds of lead.

About this tutorial

Howcast published this 1:34 video tutorial on October 26, 2013. It has been watched 5,159,094 times on YouTube.

Channel
Howcast
Duration
1:34
Published
October 26, 2013
Views
5,159,094
Likes
16,083

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Further reading

  • How to set up two monitors on your Windows PC | PCWorld pcworld.com

    Today’s monitors typically come with some combination of VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort ports. In other words, you’ll have a couple options for how to connect the monitor to your PC.

  • How to Connect Two Monitors (with Pictures) - wikiHow wikihow.com

    If you don't have a cable which can connect your computer to your monitor (e.g., an HDMI cable), you'll need to buy one. If your computer and your monitor both have a common port (e.g., HDMI), it's easier (and cheaper)…

  • How to Set Up Dual Monitors (with Pictures) - wikiHow wikihow.com

    Check your computer's video output ports. Most computers have at least two ports for video output, meaning that you'll usually be able to connect a second monitor; however, if the two (or more) ports aren't level with e…

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