Connecting a second monitor: more workspace

Do you regularly work with several programs at once? Then a second monitor is a lifesaver. With two screens you have more room to work, you can put documents side by side and you need to switch between windows less often. In this article we explain how to easily connect a second monitor to your computer or laptop.

Why a second monitor?

A second screen offers many benefits, both for work and for personal use.

Benefits of two screens

  • More workspace: Spread your work across two screens
  • Multitasking: Watch a video while you work, or keep your email open next to your document
  • Comparing: Put two documents or websites side by side
  • Productivity: Research shows that two screens increase productivity
  • Comfort: Less clicking and switching between windows

Who is a second monitor useful for?

  • Remote workers who use multiple applications
  • People who work a lot with spreadsheets and documents
  • Hobbyists who edit photos or videos
  • Anyone who likes to watch a movie while doing something else

Which connection do you need?

Before you buy or connect a second monitor, it's important to know which connections your computer and monitor have.

Common connections

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

  • Most common connection on modern devices
  • Carries both video and audio
  • Recognizable by its flat connector with angled corners

DisplayPort

  • Often found on newer computers and monitors
  • Very well suited for high resolutions and refresh rates
  • Has an angular shape with one cut-off corner

USB-C / Thunderbolt

  • Modern connection on laptops and thin computers
  • Can carry video, audio, data and power at the same time
  • Small, oval connector

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

  • Older connection with 15 pins
  • Still found on older computers and monitors
  • Carries video only, no audio

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

  • White connector with many pins
  • Comes in several variants (DVI-I, DVI-D)
  • Mainly found on somewhat older equipment

Checking the connections on your computer

On a desktop computer: Look at the back of the computer case. That's where you'll find the video outputs. Note: use the ports on the graphics card (usually at the bottom), not the ones on the motherboard (at the top).

On a laptop: Look at the sides and back of your laptop. Modern laptops often have HDMI, USB-C or Mini DisplayPort.

Adapters and cables

Does your computer have a different connection than your monitor? No problem. Adapters are available for almost every combination:

  • HDMI to VGA
  • USB-C to HDMI
  • DisplayPort to HDMI
  • Mini DisplayPort to HDMI or VGA

Preferably buy a cable with the right connectors on both ends. This is more reliable than separate adapters.

Step by step: connecting a second monitor

Now that you know which connections you need, it's time to connect the monitor.

Step 1: Position the monitor

Place the second monitor next to your existing screen. Make sure both screens are at a comfortable height. The top of the screen should be roughly at eye level.

Step 2: Connect the cables

  1. Plug the monitor's power cable into a wall outlet
  2. Connect the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) to the monitor
  3. Connect the other end to your computer
  4. Turn on the monitor

Step 3: Your computer detects the monitor

In most cases your computer recognizes the new monitor automatically. You'll see an image on the second screen right away. Sometimes the screen is a copy of the first screen, sometimes it's an extension. You can change this.

Setting up the monitor in Windows

After connecting the monitor, you can adjust the settings to your liking.

Opening Display settings

  1. Right-click an empty spot on your desktop
  2. Select Display settings
  3. You'll now see an overview of your screens, numbered 1 and 2

Identifying the screens

Not sure which screen has which number?

  1. Click Identify
  2. A large number briefly appears on each screen

Setting the position of the screens

In the overview you can drag the screens to the right position:

  • Drag screen 2 to the left if the second monitor is to the left of the first
  • Drag screen 2 to the right if the second monitor is on the right
  • You can also place the screens above or below each other

Click Apply to save the changes.

Choosing a display mode

Scroll down to Multiple displays and choose how you want to use the screens:

Extend these displays

  • Your desktop is extended across both screens
  • You can drag windows from one screen to the other
  • This is the most commonly used setting

Duplicate these displays

  • Both screens show exactly the same image
  • Handy for presentations

Show only on 1 or Show only on 2

  • Uses only one of the screens
  • The other monitor is turned off

Keyboard shortcut for the display mode

Press Windows key + P to quickly switch between display modes:

  • PC screen only: Only the main screen
  • Duplicate: Same image on both screens
  • Extend: Screens as an extension of each other
  • Second screen only: Only the external monitor

Adjusting resolution and scale

Each monitor can have its own resolution and scale:

  1. In Display settings, click the screen you want to adjust
  2. Scroll to Display resolution and choose the recommended resolution
  3. Under Scale and layout you can make text and icons larger or smaller

Setting the main display

The main display is where the taskbar and new windows appear by default:

  1. Click the screen you want as your main display
  2. Scroll down
  3. Check Make this my main display

Setting up the monitor on a Mac

Connecting a second monitor is easy on a Mac too.

Opening Display settings

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top left
  2. Go to System Settings
  3. Click Displays

Arranging the screens

  1. Click Arrange or the Arrangement tab
  2. You'll see both screens as rectangles
  3. Drag the screens to the position you want
  4. The white bar at the top shows which screen is the main display
  5. Drag the white bar to the other screen to change this

Mirroring the displays

To make both screens show the same thing:

  1. Go to Display settings
  2. Check Mirror Displays

A second monitor on a laptop

A laptop with an extra monitor is a popular setup for working from home.

Laptop as main or secondary screen

You can choose whether the laptop screen or the external monitor is your main display. Many people use the large external monitor as the main display and the laptop screen for side tasks such as email or chat.

Closing the laptop lid with an external monitor

Want to use only the external monitor and close the laptop?

On Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
  2. On the left, click Choose what closing the lid does
  3. Set When I close the lid to Do nothing

On Mac:

  1. Connect an external keyboard and mouse
  2. Connect the external monitor
  3. Close the laptop
  4. The Mac automatically switches to the external monitor

Troubleshooting

The second monitor isn't recognized

  • Check that all cables are connected properly
  • Try a different cable or port
  • Press Windows key + P and choose Extend
  • Go to Display settings and click Detect
  • Restart your computer with the monitor connected

The image is blurry or of poor quality

  • Check that the resolution is set correctly (use the recommended resolution)
  • Use a digital cable (HDMI or DisplayPort) instead of VGA
  • Check that the monitor isn't set to the wrong input source

Colors look different on the two screens

  • Adjust brightness and contrast with the buttons on the monitor
  • Calibrate the monitors via your operating system's display settings
  • Keep in mind that different monitor brands can always show small color differences

Windows open on the wrong screen

  • Drag the window to the screen you want
  • Set the right screen as your main display
  • Close programs on the screen where you want them to open; they often remember their last position

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect more than two monitors?

Yes, many computers support three or more monitors. This depends on your graphics card and the number of available outputs. Desktop computers with a dedicated graphics card often support multiple screens. With laptops you're usually limited to one or two external monitors, unless you use a docking station.

Does my second monitor have to be the same brand as the first?

No, you can combine monitors of different brands and sizes. It does help if they're about the same height, so you don't have to keep looking up or down. Different resolutions aren't a problem either; Windows and macOS adjust for this automatically.

Does a second monitor slow down my computer?

A second monitor asks a little more of your graphics card, but during normal tasks such as word processing, browsing and email you won't notice it. With heavy graphics tasks such as gaming or video editing it can have an impact, especially on older computers or laptops with integrated graphics.

Can I use a TV as a second monitor?

Yes, a TV with an HDMI input works fine as a monitor. Do watch out for the delay (input lag) if you need precise mouse movements. TVs often have more delay than computer monitors. For watching videos or as a secondary screen, a TV is perfectly suitable.

Conclusion

Connecting a second monitor is easier than many people think. With the right cable it's just a matter of plugging in and setting up. The extra workspace you get is a huge improvement for your productivity and comfort. Whether you work from home, study or simply want more room, two screens make working at the computer a lot more pleasant. Give it a try and you'll never want to go back to a single screen.

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