Windows 10: Set up a second monitor - how it works
Related Videos: Setting up a multi-screen display in Windows 10 (April 2024).
If a screen for Windows 10 is not enough for you, you can also set up and use a second monitor. We show you how to connect the hardware and set it up correctly.
Windows 10: Set up a second monitor - The connections
If you want to set up a second monitor in Windows 10, you need a different cable depending on the monitor. Many laptops only have a small display port, which requires a special adapter. Otherwise, look for the respective connection of your monitor:
- HDMI: Especially newer monitors have a digital HDMI connection. Both picture and sound are transmitted simultaneously via the cable. HDMI cables are available for around 5 euros.
- DisplayPort: This connector has similar properties to HDMI. Via DisplayPort you can send picture and sound signals to your monitor at the same time. Like HDMI, the DisplayPort is able to transfer images with 4K resolution. You can get such a cable for around 8 euros.
- VGA: The analog VGA connection is still frequently used. It only transmits the image and no sound. For a second monitor, however, this is completely sufficient. You can get a VGA cable online from around 7 euros.
- DVI: Older computers and monitors in particular still have a DVI connection. Here too, only the image is transferred. A DVI cable also costs around 7 euros online at Amazon.
Use second monitor for Windows 10
Windows 10 usually detects the second monitor automatically so that it is immediately ready for use. If this is not the case for you, you must first set up the hardware:
- If you have connected the second monitor to your computer, press the [Windows] and [P] keys simultaneously. Here are some options.
- If you want to use both monitors at the same time, the "Duplicate" and "Extend" options are particularly interesting. Via the item "Duplicate" the screen content is mirrored on the second screen.
- With the "Advanced" option, Windows creates an empty desktop on the second screen. If you move the mouse to the right edge of the screen, you will see your second monitor. You can then simply move programs and windows from left to right.
- For further settings click with the right mouse button on an empty area of the desktop. Then select the "Display Settings".
- In the "advanced display settings" you can change the resolution of the two screens. This is a common problem when the second screen is not activated. At best, use the resolution specified in the product description of the monitor.
- If you have further problems, click on the "Identify" and "Recognize" buttons and then set the resolution again.
- You can also set your second monitor as the main display. To do this, select it in the graphic above and click on "Use this display as main display" in the lower area.
If you only want to work efficiently, you usually do not need a second monitor at all. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to open multiple desktops in Windows 10.