How to set up dual monitors in Windows [Dual Monitor set Up]

January 3, 2023

In today's era where all work is done on a laptop and a desktop computer, after a while there is a need for another desktop computer.

Especially when a person is working on multiple windows at the same time as well as on the same computer, they can slowly feel suffocated and frustrated. For people who multitask, installing two monitors is a must. Any modern laptop or desktop computer can run dual displays. All it takes is a second monitor. These investments will not go to waste. This will only increase productivity and efficiency.

Before we move on to buying dual monitors, let's go through the process of setting up dual screens.

Step-by-step guide to setting up dual-screen mode (second monitor) on a laptop

There are a few things to check before setting up a dual screen on a laptop. However, most modern laptops can connect external monitors. For example, Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 easily support multiple monitors.

However, you need to check the properties of your video card to make sure it supports external monitors. If this is not the case, then you need to buy the right video card and install it on your PC or laptop.

Next, you may need to check the laptop ports. Does the laptop have a DVI, VGA, HDMI, display port? Also check for these ports on the monitor. However, if the ports are different on both devices, you can try using a display splitter, docking station, HDMI dual monitor adapter, and pluggable 4K DisplayPort.

Now that a person has made sure that the cables, ports, and graphics card specifications are ready, it's easy to set up a dual screen on a laptop. Once the cables are connected to their rightful places, you need to follow the steps below to set everything up!

1. Connect both monitors to the back of the video card (not to the motherboard).

2. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings.

3. When two monitors are connected, the display settings page should automatically detect and present both monitors by displaying two boxes labeled "1" and "2".

4. If the second monitor does not appear in this field for any reason, click the Detect button to have the computer detect both monitors.

5. Select another gray box to set up this monitor.

6. Click and drag the rectangles to reflect the table and monitor setup. If the user wants the primary monitor on the left or right, simply drag the box representing the preferred monitor to the desired side.

7. The same thing happens if the monitors are placed vertically or at an angle.

8. Once the user knows which monitor is the primary and which is the secondary, click the box representing the preferred monitor.

9. Scroll down to check the "Make this my primary display" box.

10. However, sometimes when you initially set up adding a second monitor, both screens will mirror each other. Just fix it by finding a box with multiple displays.

11. Make sure both monitors are set to "Extend these displays". Essentially, this will make the two monitors act like one big monitor, allowing the user to move the mouse cursor between them as if there is no gap between them.

12. Finally, the user can make final adjustments to the settings, such as changing the resolution, screen orientation, and text size, to complete the ideal setting.

Connection options are available to connect the monitor to a laptop.

Modern monitors come with a combination of DVI, VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort ports. In other words, there are several options for connecting a monitor to a laptop. However, an HDMI or DisplayPort cable can be purchased separately if the two corresponding ports are different.

Use an HDMI cable

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is one cable stop for HD video transmission as well as audio. Most new laptops come with at least one HDMI port. The user only needs to purchase an HDMI cable and connect one end to the laptop and the other end to the monitor.

There are three types of HDMI connectors: standard (suitable for all applications), mini (for DSLRs, camcorders, and tablets), and micro (for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices).

Although, before buying an HDMI cable, first check if your laptop has an HDMI port, as it is very similar to a DisplayPort input.

DisplayPort cable

DisplayPort can also transmit HD audio and video signals from a laptop to a monitor. This port is more common than HDMI on a monitor. This connector has 20 pins and comes in two sizes: mini-DisplayPort and DisplayPort.

One way to recognize DisplayPort is by the appearance of the port itself. DisplayPort has five sides and a beveled top right corner, unlike HDMI which has eight sides, with the left and right corners looking the same.

USB-C cable

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. Some laptops come with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C video output capability. These ports can be found in all types of devices such as the latest smartphones, high performance laptops and external hard drives. USB-C is a standard connector for transferring power and data over a single cable. USB-IF evolves the USB-C connector. USB-IF includes major companies such as HP, Apple, Samsung, Dell, Microsoft, and Intel.

DVI cable

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface and is the oldest display variant. It doesn't offer good quality. However, it can still display resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 pixels. If the user has an old monitor, then it can only have a DVI input. This is a standard connector for transferring digital video content. It can be configured to support DVI-A (analogue), DVI-D (digital), or DVI-I (digital and analog).

VGA adapters

VGA adapters are the oldest connector used to output computer video. It was introduced by IBM and could display millions of colors. Its 15-pin connector has been the standard analog monitor adapter for over two decades. However, newer computers no longer have VGA connectors.

Windows settings for duplicating and extending displays

Simultaneously working with external monitors improves productivity and allows the user to work with different applications at the same time. This is the best tool for multitasking.

Windows automatically detects when a user tries to connect to a second monitor. However, if this option is not displayed, press the Fn key and F5 key to set up laptop + external display, laptop display only, or external display only. Another option is that you can press the Windows key + P at the same time to get the same display.

How to duplicate the screen?

When the screen is detected, be sure to select "Duplicate these displays" from the "Multiple Displays" drop-down menu.

The desktop is duplicated to run demos and presentations, where each display has its own unique refresh rate and screen resolution. For example, if a user connects a projector with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels to a laptop with a screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, both will run at a lower resolution, i.e. 1024 x 768 pixels. The display will most likely have borders of black bars on both the left and right of the laptop screen.

How to expand the display?

Extending monitors means that the computer interprets a user-attached monitor as a separate device. You can see different things on each monitor, but together the monitors behave like one big screen.

To do this, either press the Windows + P keys at the same time, or right-click on the display and select Display Settings.
Go to display settings
Click on multiple displays
Open the drop-down menu and select Extend these displays.
Now go back to display settings.
In the Customize Your Display section, the user can see the local location of monitors 1 and 2.
Select Identify to check how Windows detects monitors.
Drag the display fields to match the physical order of the monitor.
Select "Apply" and save your changes.

How to split screen between two different monitors?

Split screens can be synonymous with multitasking using both monitors. Any YouTuber can be a perfect example of its use. Nowadays, artists of many video streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, etc. use OBS and similar software to make the whole streaming process easier.

They usually open a screen of content, such as any game, meeting, or any visuals they want to share with their audience, on one screen and an OBS controller on another.

Steps to Split Your Windows on Two Different Monitors

To do this, either press the Windows Key + P at the same time, or right-click on the display and select Display Settings.
Go to display settings
Click on multiple displays
Open the dropdown menu and select show only on 1
Now go back to display settings.
In the Display Setting section, the user can see a preview of both monitors on 1 and 2.
By adjusting the view on monitor 1 in the same way, you can adjust the display on monitor 2.

Is it possible to have different refresh rates on both monitors?

Yes, you can use multiple monitors at the same time with different refresh rates. However, it is better to use each monitor for a separate task and also make sure that the resolutions match. The ideal is to have two identical monitors that match not only the refresh rate but also the resolution and color settings. Although it is also possible to use inappropriate refresh rates on the computer.

Typically, the main display (144Hz monitor) is used for gaming, and the 60Hz monitor is used as a secondary monitor. But when a user connects two monitors with different refresh rates together, some complications can arise. The most common issue is stuttering on a 144Hz monitor and forced downscaling to 60Hz when something is playing on a 60Hz monitor.

The GPU typically locks both displays to match the lower refresh rate when connecting two monitors with different refresh rates. This mostly happens with Nvidia GPUs.

You can fix the refresh rate mismatch with the solutions below. These solutions are focused on PCs or laptops running on any Nvidia graphics card.

GPU scaling

Open the Nvidia control panel.
Select the "Adjust desktop size and position" option.
A screen will appear where the user needs to decide which display to edit.
Choose Both Displays
Install both for GPU scaling

Enable Nvidia G-Sync

Nvidia G-Sync is a technology that provides a smooth gaming experience by allowing the GPU and monitor to work seamlessly with each other. It's the perfect gaming display, and the variable refresh rate ensures there's no tearing during gameplay as the GPU processes every frame. However, the user needs to ensure that their display supports Nvidia G-Sync.

Connect a 60Hz monitor to the motherboard.

Let the processor handle it. Connect a 60Hz monitor directly to the motherboard. The processor must have integrated graphics. If the user has an Intel processor, it will work. This may not work for an AMD processor. The newer processors are fine with this, although older processors can be a bit stressful.

Disable hardware acceleration in the browser

Disabling hardware acceleration in the browser means that the CPU will perform all video playback tasks on the desktop. It won't be too much of a burden. If this doesn't work in Google Chrome, try Firefox.

Go to browser settings menu
Search disable hardware acceleration
It is usually listed under the System tab.
Disable it

The best monitors

No. 1. Monitor LG 32MP60G-B

The LG 32MP60G-B Monitor is a 32-inch high quality secondary monitor. It comes with a stand and can also be wall mounted. It includes an HDMI cable and has a 75Hz refresh rate. The monitor is thin and weighs about 12.8 pounds. It also has DisplayPort and D-sub.

This monitor supports AMD FreeSync technology to help eliminate any tearing during gaming. LG has added an IPS panel that offers a wide viewing angle as well as color accuracy.

This monitor has a 1ms response time. This is an inexpensive monitor with excellent value for money. It comes with a video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, so it supports Full HD movies and all other visual content.

No. 2. Acer Nitro XV272U

Acer Nitro XV272U is a 1440p gaming monitor. It has a 170Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. This monitor has a widescreen resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.

Acer has added an IPS panel and supports AMD Radeon FreeSync technology. It provides HDMI and USB cable. The display has various ports such as Display Port, HDMI and USB.

It also includes an HDMI and USB cable. It comes with dual speakers and supports 1.07 billion colors. The Acer Nitro is an affordable computer that promises smooth images with faster frame rendering and lower input lag for faster decision making.

#3. Asus TUF

Asus TUF is a 27-inch (2560x1440 pixels) IPS gaming monitor with 1ms response time, 165Hz refresh rate and G-Sync compatibility for smooth playback. The monitor features ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync technology with a 1ms response time and Adaptive-Sync technology to eliminate ghosting and tearing. It delivers sharp gaming images at high frame rates.

ASUS Eye Care technology minimizes eye fatigue and features a full-height ergonomic stand that tilts, swivels, and rotates to fit on any desk. It offers flexible connectivity with DisplayPort 1.2 and Dual HDMI. The Asus TUF has a wide dynamic range for color and brightness levels that are beyond the capabilities of conventional monitors.

No. 4. Z-end

The Z-Edge is a 27" curved monitor that covers a wider field of view and enhances depth perception. The monitor provides maximum immersion in movies and games. The built-in high-end VA panel increases the viewing angle of the monitor to a greater extent, providing a panoramic viewing angle of 178°. A contrast ratio of 3000:1 provides richer colors, allowing the user to capture more image details.

It has a 75Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time. The display significantly reduces motion blur, judder and ghosting. The fast response time ensures a stable image, providing users with an exceptional gaming experience.

Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light technology minimizes blue light to protect eyes from strain after extended monitor use. It supports multiple ports, VGA, HDMI, and is also equipped with two speakers.

No. 5. Samsung CF390

The Samsung CF390 is a 27" business desktop monitor. Its 1800R curved screen provides an immersive viewing experience for enhanced productivity while also reducing eye fatigue. It features a Full HD screen, i.e. 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution and an industry-leading 16:9 aspect ratio. The Samsung VA panel provides a wide viewing angle. It has an Eye Saver mode as well as Flicker-Free technology which helps to minimize eye strain due to long working hours.

It provides ease of connection, an HDMI input for high-speed devices, and a VGA connector for legacy applications. Slim panel with VESA mount suitable for workstations with multiple screens.

This monitor has an adjustable tilt stand that fits any desktop. The Samsung CF390 monitor is covered by a 3-year business warranty with an option to purchase an extended warranty.

№ 6. LG 24MP400-B

The LG 24MP400-B looks modern but has a rustic design. It is thin and has a bezel-less design. This monitor has a 24 inch display. You can enjoy games, movies, shows and videos in Full High Definition (FHD) at 1920 x 1080 pixels.

LG FHD monitors deliver amazingly accurate color reproduction with an IPS display, giving the user an impressive experience from virtually any viewing angle.

AMD FreeSync compatibility provides a clearer, faster and smoother gaming experience for users. LG reduces screen tearing and also minimizes stuttering. No input lag ensures smooth and fluid motion in fast-paced games. Dynamic Action Sync elevates gaming to a professional level. The LG 24MP400-B has a refresh rate of 75Hz.

Output

Whether it's the gaming industry or the general workflow that has shifted dramatically to desktops and laptops, has led to simultaneous work on different computers. It made working life easy and productive. The immersive experience and high resolution of today's monitors has completely changed the way computers used to be used.

Pairing the monitor with a laptop gave the user a wide display to work with, and it's also very easy to connect two devices with the built-in multiple ports and cables. This article has discussed all the ways to set up dual monitors as well as the best secondary monitors that are affordable and readily available in the market.