How to Add a Second Monitor in Windows

This article explains how to add a second monitor to your Windows laptop or desktop computer. Instructions cover Windows 10, 8, and 7.

Connection Considerations

The first step in using a second monitor is getting it physically connected to the computer.

1. First, take a look at which ports your computer has. On laptops, they're usually along the sides, but sometimes, you can find them on the back. Desktops always have them on the back.

2. Figure out what display ports you have. Some might be familiar to you, like HDMI. Others might be entirely alien.

3. Next, take a look at your monitor. Which ports does it have? The ports are usually on the back of the monitor. They're also commonly on the underside of monitors too.

4. Select the correct cable to connect your monitor and your PC.

   VGA and DVI: Older computers may have DVI or VGA ports. These connectors rely on a series of metal pins, which are usually on the cable. The ports, then, have a series of holes to accommodate the pins. VGA is a lower resolution standard definition connection. DVI is capable of basic HD. If you have a newer monitor, you may have difficulty connecting because support for DVI and VGA has been dropped by most. You may have luck converting from DVI to HDMI, though.

   HDMI: HDMI is the most widely supported type of display connection. Almost all TVs rely on HDMI, and most computer monitors have at least one HDMI port.

   HDMI might be the ideal option. It's widely used, and you shouldn't have a hard time finding a cable.

   There are multiple types of HDMI cables and ports. Laptop manufacturers may opt for smaller mini and micro HDMI connections to conserve space and build a smaller device. In those cases, you're still working with HDMI, and you can easily find cables with a micro or mini connector on one end and a standard HDMI connection on the other.

   DisplayPort and USB-C: Things get a little more complicated with DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, and USB-C connections. You won't find these as commonly, but dedicated graphics cards and higher-end laptops may have DisplayPort connections. Relatively recent computer monitors also support DisplayPort. As with HDMI, Mini DisplayPort connections save space on mobile devices, and you can find cables with Mini DisplayPort on one end and standard DisplayPort on the other.

   You probably know USB-C as the connection on current Android smartphones, but it's a fast enough connection to support a monitor. It's also an option in recent Macbooks. If your computer only offers USB-C video output, consider a monitor that supports USB-C input. Otherwise, purchase a cable with a USB-C connection on one end and either HDMI or DisplayPort on the other.

5. Plug your cable into both your computer and monitor using a matching pair of ports.

6. Turn your monitor on.

Detect the Monitor in Windows

Now that your monitor is physically connected to your computer, it's time to configure your Windows operating system to recognize and use the monitor.

Windows 10

Each version of Windows has a slightly different process to enable and configure your second monitor. Follow the process for the version of Windows that's running on your PC. Here's how to do it on Windows 10.

1. Open the Power User Menu (Win+X) or the Start menu and select Settings.

2. Select System from the Settings window.

3. From the Display section, choose Detect (if you see it) to register the second monitor. There's also a chance that the monitor's already there.

4. Choose Identify below the monitors to see which one is which. Windows displays the monitor's number on each screen.

   The option Make this my main display, This is my main monitor, or Use this device as the primary monitor lets you swap which screen should be considered the main screen. It's the main screen that will have the Start menu, taskbar, clock, etc. However, in some Windows versions, if you right-click or tap-and-hold on the Windows taskbar at the bottom of the screen, you can go into the Properties menu to choose Show taskbar on all displays to get the Start menu clock, etc. on both screens.

5. You can use the diagram of the monitors to re-arrange them. Select a monitor, and drag it into position relative to the other monitor.

   If the two screens are using two different resolutions, one will appear larger than the other in the preview window. You can either adjust the resolutions to be the same or drag the monitors up or down on the screen to match up on the bottom.

Windows 8 and Windows 7

1. Open the Windows start menu, and select Control Panel.

2. In Control panel, open the Appearance and Personalization option. This is only seen if you're viewing the applets in the default "Category" view (not the "Classic" or icon view).

3. Now, choose Display and then Adjust screen resolution.

4. Select Detect to register the second monitor, if it isn't already there.

5. Press Identify to see the number associated with each monitor displayed.

6. Select and drag a display in the picture to reposition it in relation to the other one.

Change How Your Computer Handles the Second Monitor

Windows gives you a few options for how it will handle the second monitor connected to your computer. You can extend your desktop across both monitors, mirror them, or choose to use one and not the other.

Windows 10

1. From the Display setting screen that you arrived at in the previous instructions, scroll down until you see Multiple Displays.

2. Select the drop-down menu directly below Multiple Displays to show your options.

3. The menu expands to show your choices:

   • Duplicate these displays: Show the same desktop on both monitors.
   • Extend these displays: Stretch the desktop across both monitors, using both and increasing your overall screen size.
   • Show only on 1: Only use monitor 1.
   • Show only on 2: Only use monitor 2.

   Choose one.

   To extend your desktop in Windows Vista, choose to Extend the desktop onto this monitor instead, or In Windows XP, choose the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor option.

4. A new window opens asking if you want to keep your changes. Confirm to keep the monitor layout you picked, or select Revert to go back to the way it was.

Windows 8.1 and Windows 7

1. From the Screen Resolution page that you access the prior instructions, find the Multiple Displays option.

2. Select the drop-down menu next to Multiple Displays to show the available options.

3. Choose the option you prefer. Extend desktop to this display will stretch your desktop across both screens.