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Before considering troubleshooting options, make sure your device is up to date. If you need help setting up your external monitors, see How to use multiple monitors in Windows If the Extend option is selected, try the following troubleshooting tips. Disconnect all accessories from your PC. Connected docks, dongles, adapters and other hardware can cause conflicts. Try changing the cable connecting the external monitor.

If the new one works, you know the previous cable was faulty. Try using the external monitor with a different system. This can help to isolate whether the issue is with the monitor or the primary system. If your system has more than one video output port, try plugging your external monitor into one of the other video output ports.

For example, on some systems, you can right click your desktop and select the software associated with your additional display adapter. Steps to change the default display adapter vary by device, so contact the manufacturer for more information.

First, to confirm that one external monitor does work with your system, see the above info about using only one. For information on how many monitors your display adapter can support, contact its manufacturer. Note: If you are trying to use a display splitter extend your display to more than one external monitor, you won’t be able to.

The splitter is duplicating the same signal instead of creating two independent signals. If your device only has one video output port, then by default, you can only support a single external monitor. You’ll need one of the following to support more than one external monitor:. Docking station — To find out if there are docking stations available for your PC, contact the manufacturer of your PC. If this does not work, see if restarting helps. Then, turn your device back on. If you are experiencing issues after an update, returning, or rolling back, to a previous version of your display driver may solve the issue.

To roll back the driver:. Select Device Manager from the list to open it. Then, select the arrow to expand the Display adapters section. Right-click your display adapter and select Properties and the Driver tab, and then select Roll Back Driver. If you don’t see a roll back option, reinstall your display driver. Right click your display adapter, and then select Uninstall device and delete the driver software for this device , then select Uninstall.

You may be asked to restart your computer. Make sure to write down the remaining instructions before you restart.

Open Device Manager again and expand the Display adapters section. Right click your display adapter and select Update driver. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the remaining installation instructions. If you’ve tried the steps in this article or don’t see a solution to the problem, use Windows Feedback Hub to file a bug. Include details about what you were doing or specific steps you were taking when the issue occurred. Log in to the Feedback Hub and follow the instructions to summarize and describe your problem.

Next, select your category and then add enough additional info to recreate the problem. Your information helps Microsoft determine the root cause of this issue. Open the Feedback Hub. Tips to improve PC performance. Set up dual monitors on Windows How to use multiple monitors in Windows Show, hide, or resize desktop icons.

Windows 10 More Make sure the cable connecting your PC to your external monitor is secure. To roll back the driver: In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager. If none of the previous steps work, reinstall your display driver. How do I determine the manufacturer of my display adapter graphics card? In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager. Need more help? Join the discussion. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Thank you! Any more feedback? The more you tell us the more we can help.

Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. Clear instructions. Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn’t match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical. Not enough information. Not enough pictures. Any additional feedback? Submit feedback. Thank you for your feedback!

 
 

 

Set up dual monitors on Windows – Microsoft Support.

 

Before configuring multiple monitors on your device, make sure that all the necessary cables are connected to the monitors and the computer. If you’re not sure, confirm the make and model of the monitor usually from a sticker in the back , and search online for the manufacturer manual to get a better idea on how to connect the display. While you can connect a monitor to any available video ports on the graphics card, when setting up a dual-monitor or triple-monitor setup, it’s easy to plug them in the wrong order.

Although they will still work, you may run into issues using the mouse and running applications until you rearrange them correctly. Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will save the physical layout, and you’ll be able to work across each display and run apps without issues. If you’re not sure which monitor you’re selecting, click the Identify button to figure out.

If one of the monitors isn’t showing up, make sure it’s receiving power and connected correctly, and click the Detect button. In the case that you’re still having problems, reset their connections or restart the computer , and try the Detect button again. When connecting one or multiple displays to a computer, Windows 10 does a pretty good job detecting and configuring the most optimal settings.

However, depending on your requirements, you may need to adjust scaling, resolution, and orientation for each monitor. Windows 10 includes settings to adjust the scaling, which are useful when setting up various monitors of different sizes and screen resolutions to make text, apps, and other items look the same size across the displays. Or, if you have a 4K display, for example, adjusting the scale settings can help to make items bigger and more readable.

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. While you can adjust the scaling settings on a per-monitor basis, when possible, it’s always best to use the same make and model of the monitors with the same configuration.

Otherwise, you may run into issues, and Windows 10 may have problems scaling elements. If you’re in the market for a second monitor to expand your laptop or desktop canvas, we recommend the Dell UltraSharp UD because of its accurate color reproduction, size, slim vessel design, VESA mount compatibility, and value.

Our pick. Dell builds great quality monitors, and the UD is a good example. After you complete the steps, sign out of your account and sign back in to test the new settings. If the new scaling configuration doesn’t look right, use the same steps again and try a different value until you find a comfortable setting. If you want to switch to the predefined scale settings, you must first turn off custom scaling and sign out.

Otherwise, the option will be grayed out. Usually, after connecting a monitor, Windows 10 will set the recommended pixel resolution automatically, but you can also change the resolution manually with these steps:. Once you complete the steps, repeat steps No. If you’re looking to make text and other items bigger on the screen, you should be changing the scaling settings, not the display resolution.

Windows 10 also allows you to rotate the screen horizontally or vertically, which is particularly useful when you have monitors with stands that rotate, and you want to use them with a different orientation for reading or coding.

Using the available settings, you can also choose the viewing mode for your displays. For example, if you’re using a second monitor, you can expand the main screen to the new display, or you can mirror both monitors, which is an ideal option when showing a presentation.

If you’re using a laptop with an external monitor, you can even disable the main display, and only use the second monitor as your primary.

Also, note that using these settings, you can make any of the monitors as your primary display. Once you invoke the shortcut, a flyout will open from the right side with four options, including:. Typically, when using a multi-monitor setup on a desktop or laptop, you want to use the “Extend” option. This allows you to use the primary monitor normally and the secondary monitors at their native resolution creating a single large canvas.

Duplicate is a good option when using a second monitor or projector to show a presentation. In contrast, the Second screen only option is great when you want to close the lid on a laptop and work only with the external monitor.

Although it’s not always recommended to modify your advanced display settings, because not all monitors are created equal, sometimes, you may need to make a few adjustments to improve color accuracy and remove screen flickering. Important: We only recommend adjusting the advanced settings if you have a rough idea of what to do. Typically, you should be fine with the default display settings. If your monitors aren’t rendering the colors accurately, you can use a custom color profile to improve color accuracy using these steps:.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. When configuring a custom color profile, you should use those created by your display manufacturer or from a trusted source. If you’re not sure, you can use these steps to download the correct color profile for your monitors.

Usually, a refresh rate frames per second of 59Hz or 60Hz is more than enough to operate a computer, though you’ll definitely want to look at the best monitors for Xbox Series X and Series S if you plan to game at higher framerates. However, if you’re noticing screen flickering, or if you have monitors that support a higher refresh rate, bumping the settings can provide a better and smoother viewing experience — especially for gamers.

On a multi-monitor setup, the taskbar by default will appear only in the main display, but you can change the settings to show it across all the displays using these steps:. If you want to control in which taskbar the buttons for running apps should appear, then use the Show taskbar button on the drop-down menu and select one of the available options:.

Also, you can use this guide to optimize the space on the taskbar to pin even more apps or to keep it as minimal as possible. Windows 10 made it bit easy to use multiple screens! I also use DispayFusion software that allows easily move the windows one to another monitor.

Also it has ton of other settings especially different wallpapers on each monitor. Every now and then all the apps switch monitors but the stretched wallpaper remains correct. The Xubuntu box on the third KVM channel stays stable. Otherwise setting the monitors up was a breeze. It used to reboot sporadically overnight until probably about two months ago. It’s a lot more stable now. A really well designed app I use on my multi-monitor setup is DisplayFusion.

I like being able to fill both monitors with one single image. Really helps tie the monitors together quite well with tons of features. The dev is great at support and bringing fast fixes and new features.

It great isn’t it, just don’t leave it running in the background or at start up, it chews a fair bit of resources. I usually just set my wallpapers and make sure its closed properly. It doesn’t need to run always. Both monitors run at x native resolution and the SP4 runs at its native resolution of x Everything looks great.

The only problem I have started cropping up a few weeks ago. Whenever the system goes to sleep, the Dells don’t wake up from mouse or keyboard action, only the SP4. I have to pull the plug out of the SP4 and plug it back in. When I do so, the Dells fire back up and re-scale themselves. Of course, all my open programs are now consolidated onto my main monitor, which is the Dell on my left, so I have to rearrange everything how I like it.

Any chance the Anniversary Update affected this? Does anyone know if it is possible in Windows 10 to have an app launch in whatever Monitor that you click on its icon on? I have 2 monitors each with a taskbar and when I click on the icon in a different taskbar, I want it to open in that monitor. I looked for the feature. Thank you. From what I understand apps and programs always launch to the last screen they were on.

I’m using two screens at the moment and everything will always open in the last place it was. That being said it does get annoying if you move stuff around quite often and it opens in different positions. I want to connect my projector, desktop display and another display. I don’t know which one to USE and what it exactly. Shall I go for it or is any other possible ways for it. And I can’t bear huge amounts too.

I used a SP3 at work with 3 screens connected. I used the 2 ports on the Surface Dock and connected the third to the minidisplay port. The same should work for the newer devices. I’ve used been stuck with the Surface Dock for a couple years now. It’s gotten better but it’s never been great. There was a time when one monitor would just stop working. More recently, plugging in the Surface Connect connector to my Surface gives me a, say, 10 percent chance that the monitors’ signals are flipped.

Really dumb, basic stuff. Also, it will often drop the USB signal. I have to wait for another few seconds – upwards of 30 seconds – for all the USB peripherals to light up again so I can start working again. A real pain. Where is the advanced settings under display? I cannot help but cringe at the “gap” between the monitors.

Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. Clear instructions. Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn’t match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical. After you’ve connected your Windows 11 PC to external displays, you can adjust the settings for each one. Before changing settings for your external displays, make sure everything is connected properly. Here’s what you can do:. Check for Windows updates. To check for updates, select Start , then enter settings.

You’ll see this option when Windows detects more than one display. Each display will be numbered to help you identify them more easily. To see which number corresponds to a display, select Start , then type settings.

A number appears on the screen of the display it’s assigned to. If you have multiple displays, you can change how they’re arranged. This is helpful if you want your displays to match how they’re set up in your home or office. In Display settings, select and drag the display to where you want. Do this with all the displays you want to move. When you’re happy with the layout, select Apply.

 
 

How to use multiple monitors in Windows – Microsoft Support – Rearrange your displays

 
 

For example, if you’re using a second monitor, you can expand the main screen to the new display, or you can mirror both monitors, which is an ideal option when showing a presentation. If you’re using a laptop with an external monitor, you can even disable the main display, and only use the second monitor as your primary. Also, note that using these settings, you can make any of the monitors as your primary display.

Once you invoke the shortcut, a flyout will open from the right side with four options, including:. Typically, when using a multi-monitor setup on a desktop or laptop, you want to use the “Extend” option.

This allows you to use the primary monitor normally and the secondary monitors at their native resolution creating a single large canvas. Duplicate is a good option when using a second monitor or projector to show a presentation. In contrast, the Second screen only option is great when you want to close the lid on a laptop and work only with the external monitor.

Although it’s not always recommended to modify your advanced display settings, because not all monitors are created equal, sometimes, you may need to make a few adjustments to improve color accuracy and remove screen flickering.

Important: We only recommend adjusting the advanced settings if you have a rough idea of what to do. Typically, you should be fine with the default display settings.

If your monitors aren’t rendering the colors accurately, you can use a custom color profile to improve color accuracy using these steps:. Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. When configuring a custom color profile, you should use those created by your display manufacturer or from a trusted source. If you’re not sure, you can use these steps to download the correct color profile for your monitors. Usually, a refresh rate frames per second of 59Hz or 60Hz is more than enough to operate a computer, though you’ll definitely want to look at the best monitors for Xbox Series X and Series S if you plan to game at higher framerates.

However, if you’re noticing screen flickering, or if you have monitors that support a higher refresh rate, bumping the settings can provide a better and smoother viewing experience — especially for gamers. On a multi-monitor setup, the taskbar by default will appear only in the main display, but you can change the settings to show it across all the displays using these steps:.

If you want to control in which taskbar the buttons for running apps should appear, then use the Show taskbar button on the drop-down menu and select one of the available options:. Also, you can use this guide to optimize the space on the taskbar to pin even more apps or to keep it as minimal as possible. Windows 10 offers a lot of settings to adjust the look and feel of the desktop , but when using multiple monitors, setting up different background images on each display is one the most significant customization that you can make to personalize your experience.

Once you complete the steps, the images will rotate on the desktop background using the rotation frequency that you selected. In addition to the instructions outlined above, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when setting up a computer with multiple monitors.

For example, unless it’s a laptop, you shouldn’t try to adjust the brightness or color using Windows 10 or another application.

Instead, you should use the controls built into the monitor. In the case that the second monitor isn’t getting detected, check its connections, and use the Detect button in the Settings app.

If you’re still having issues, you can use this guide to troubleshoot and fix common problems. Finally, when using one or multiple monitors, you may come across a black screen, which it’s typically a video driver related problem. If you’re not sure how to fix this issue, you can follow these steps to resolve the problem. Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies.

US Edition. Dell UltraSharp UD. A new monitor with everything you need Dell builds great quality monitors, and the UD is a good example. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors. Mauro Huculak. Topics Windows 10 Help. See all comments I currently use 4. I have a displaylink I bought from Amazon which has been great pluggable and the Surface Book dock.

Adding multi monitors is easy in Windows Shouldn’t we be able to adjust that through scaling? I use 2 P monitors and the Book 2’s 4K screen every day at work. It sounds like you’re encountering a settings or program specific issue. Used to cause me all sorts of problems with a second monitor on a Surface Pro 4, in the end I just bought a 4K monitor so the resolution was close to the Surface, now the issues are barely noticeable.

Not all applications suffer from this but if you use the ones that do, then it’s a real pain. I have three monitors one of them is actually a TV using with DisplayLink. Windows 10 made it bit easy to use multiple screens! I also use DispayFusion software that allows easily move the windows one to another monitor. Also it has ton of other settings especially different wallpapers on each monitor. Every now and then all the apps switch monitors but the stretched wallpaper remains correct.

The Xubuntu box on the third KVM channel stays stable. Otherwise setting the monitors up was a breeze. It used to reboot sporadically overnight until probably about two months ago. It’s a lot more stable now. A really well designed app I use on my multi-monitor setup is DisplayFusion. I like being able to fill both monitors with one single image.

Really helps tie the monitors together quite well with tons of features. The dev is great at support and bringing fast fixes and new features. It great isn’t it, just don’t leave it running in the background or at start up, it chews a fair bit of resources. I usually just set my wallpapers and make sure its closed properly.

It doesn’t need to run always. Both monitors run at x native resolution and the SP4 runs at its native resolution of x After you’re connected to your external displays, you can change settings like your resolution, screen layout, and more. Windows will recommend an orientation for your screen. If you change the orientation of a monitor, you’ll also need to physically rotate the screen. For example, you’d rotate your external display to use it in portrait instead of landscape.

Here’s what you can choose. See your desktop across multiple screens. When you have displays extended, you can move items between the two screens. Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows. Troubleshoot connecting Surface to a second screen. Connect Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector. Simply Windows on Youtube – These videos are only available in English.

After you’ve connected your Windows 10 PC to external displays, you can adjust the settings for each one. To change it in Display settings, go to Scale and Layout , then choose your preferred Display orientation. Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows Windows 11 Windows 10 More Before you start Before changing settings for your external displays, make sure everything is connected properly.

Here’s what you can do: Make sure your cables are properly connected to your PC or dock. Video: Connecting a monitor Here’s a video on the basics of connecting to an external monitor. Any more feedback?

The more you tell us the more we can help. Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. Clear instructions. Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn’t match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical. Not enough information.