Instructions cover Windows 10, 8, and 7.
First, take a look at which ports your setup has.
Desktops always have them on the back.
Nathaniel Gardner [CC0]
Figure out what display ports you have.
Some might be familiar to you, like HDMI.
Others might be entirely alien.
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.
snag the correct cable to connect your monitor and your PC.
VGA and DVI: Older computers may haveDVIorVGAports.
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.
You may have luck converting from DVI to HDMI, though.
HDMI:HDMI is the most widely supported throw in 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 aremultiple types of HDMI cables and ports.
Laptop manufacturers may opt for smaller mini and micro HDMI connections to conserve space and build a smaller gadget.
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.
It’s also an option in recent Macbooks.
If your box only offers USB-C video output, consider a monitor that supports USB-C input.
Plug your cable into both your machine and monitor using a matching pair of ports.
Turn your monitor on.
In most cases, Windows will automatically detect and configure your second monitor without any prompting.
Windows 10
fire up the Power User Menu (Win+X) or the Start menu and selectSettings.
SelectSystemfrom the parameters window.
From theDisplaysection, chooseDetect(if you see it) to register the second monitor.
There’s also a chance that the monitor’s already there.
ChooseIdentifybelow the monitors to see which one is which.
Windows displays the monitor’s number on each screen.
It’s the main screen that will have the Start menu, taskbar, clock, etc.
you could use the diagram of the monitors to re-arrange them.
Select a monitor, and drag it into position relative to the other monitor.
Windows 8 and Windows 7
initiate the Windows start menu, and selectControl Panel.
In Control panel, open theAppearance and Personalizationoption.
Now, chooseDisplayand thenAdjust screen resolution.
SelectDetectto register the second monitor, if it isn’t already there.
PressIdentifyto see the number associated with each monitor displayed.
Select and drag a display in the picture to reposition it in relation to the other one.
From theDisplaysetting screen that you arrived at in the previous instructions, scroll down until you seeMultiple Displays.
go for the drop-down menu directly belowMultiple Displaysto show your options.
The menu expands to show your choices:
Choose one.
A new window opens asking if you want to keep your changes.
Confirm to keep the monitor layout you picked, or selectRevertto go back to the way it was.
choose the drop-down menu next toMultiple Displaysto show the available options.
Choose the option you prefer.Extend desktop to this displaywill stretch your desktop across both screens.
FAQ
Touse your iPad as a second monitor, openSystem Preferenceson your Mac and chooseSidecar.
Choose your Sidecar options and selectEnable double tap on Apple Pencil.
On theSelect Devicedropdown, select your iPad > on sidebar, selectUse as Separate Display.
Power on your TV and switch it to the correct input (usually HDMI).
When you see your rig screen on the TV, adjust the display options.
Additionally, check for hardware malfunctions, incompatible display tweaks, driver issues, and conflicting applications.
