Have you ever wondered about how to set up multiple displays on Windows 11? Are you having trouble with the changes from Windows 10 to 11? In this post we will go over how to set up, arrange and manage multiple displays.
Display Connection
Cables and Ports
Most commonly with newer hardware you will use either DPI (Display Port,) Mini display port (as shown on the right), or HDMI cables.
If you have an older PC or monitor it may support DVI or VGA. These two inputs are outdated and will rarely be found on modern devices.
The image below shows where the inputs are, as well as what each type of cable looks like. Keep in mind the back of the PC pictured does not have DVI or VGA as it is a newer PC. You can also buy all sorts of adapters, such as DPI to HDMI, DVI to HDMI etc. in case your monitor and your computer do not use the same adapter.
D-Kuru, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/at/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons
Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Monitor Input
There are two spots on a PC you can plug monitors into. One is the GPU, which stands for “Graphics Processing Unit,” the other is the Motherboard.
It must be understood that all computers and hardware are different. Some systems will ONLY have a motherboard, which means no GPU.
If your computer does have a GPU:
The slots you will plug into will likely be underneath all of your motherboard inputs. The GPU ALWAYS has priority over the motherboard. In order for a GPU to display graphics, the inputs NEED to be plugged into it otherwise it will not work. View the image above to see an example of input locations.
If your system only has a Motherboard:
You need to make sure that there are enough inputs on the back of the computer to support two monitors. If so you will plug into one of those.
You can also set up a wireless connection with a compatible wireless monitor and avoid these cables. We will show the location of this setting towards the end of the post.
Display Settings
Once you have your monitors plugged in and your PC turned on you will right click on your desktop to enter your display settings.
You can also type the word Display into the task bar search bar and select the settings there.
Once in these settings your screen will look like this. Select the multiple displays section.
If the monitor is already plugged in this section will automatically show you the options for managing the multiple displays once this section is entered. It usually defaults to the duplicate displays option when plugging in a monitor new to the computer.
Monitor Identification
If you are unsure which monitor is which, hit the “Identify button” under the picture of the displays with numbers on them. It will display the numbers directly onto the monitors themselves, as in the image below.
Use this information to click and drag your #2 display to the correct position. If your monitor is on the left like in these images, the #2 monitor will be on the left of the #1 monitor. If it is on the right move your #2 monitor to the right of the #1 monitor.
This is important because it determines where your mouse pointer hits a boundary, and where it moves onto the second monitor. When extending the display to use two screens at once.
Duplicating the Displays
If you are using a laptop and looking to just duplicate that screen it will look like the image below.
This means it will display everything that would be displayed on the laptop screen. If you want to turn off the laptop screen you will choose the “show only 1” or “show only 2” option. in the menu where “duplicate these dislpays” is selected.
If you are looking to close the laptop while the external monitor is in use, you must go to the power options and set the laptop to “do nothing” when the lid is closed.
Extending the Displays
If you want to use two monitors side you need to choose the “extend these displays” option.
Use the numbered rectangles to match the orientation of them on your desk. This is what lets Windows decide where your mouse will pass through th the second monitor.
Windows should automatically put the external monitor on a matching resolution. If you want to change it you can go into the main display settings area and do it there.
You can also choose to set the monitors to landscape or portrait depending on their physical orientation.
Once complete there will also be a list of other minor settings available. You can also connect a wireless display for use here.
For more in depth information or or if you still need references to Windows 10, check out the Microsoft Support Page (this offers tabs for help with both operating systems) or our blog post, How to Set Up Multiple Displays on Windows 10.
Additionally, If you would like help with this process, just call or email and we’ll be happy to assist you! If you have specific questions, or if our terminology isn’t clear, please use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!