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A variety of monitor set ups exist today to suit various visual and auditory needs. While it is convenient to have these options, it can get confusing when configuring cables and dual monitors.  Here are a couple of quick pointers to get you on your way to multitasking with multiple monitors.

Initial Connection Set Up

First, make sure your computer has the necessary cable type and number of ports needed to connect to monitors. If the necessary ports are not available you can invest in a Docking Station that adds more ports to your computer therefore allowing for more peripherals

 

  • If the monitor automatically does not recognize the video cable connected to it, you will need to manually select which input to set
  • Select your sound output. This can be a laptop or external speaker depending on your preference.
    • Navigate to Settings > Sound > Select which device will output sound
  • To adjust screen display, open Display Settings (for Windows 10)
    • Change screen brightness
    • Adjust for Night Light preference
    • Change text and application size
    • Adjust display resolution and orientation

Multiple Monitors Settings

 

  • Adding another monitor or using a laptop and its screen as a second monitor
    • Within Display Settings open, the screens available will appear with a number attached to each screen
    • Here a user can adjust:
      • Screen placement
      • Set monitors to duplicate the screens available
      • Extend the screen view to have one cohesive view allowing users to scroll from each monitor as a continuation
      • Edit screen settings for each individual monitor

 

  • For Laptops you may keep the lid open as another monitor OR close the lid and only use the external monitors in which case you may need a docking station
    • You will need to adjust the power and sleep settings on the laptop so that it does not turn off once the lid is closed
      • Access this by navigating to the Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does
        • From here you can set the laptop to “Do Nothing” while on battery power and/or when plugged in to keep the laptop on and continue displaying on the external monitors

Having trouble setting up multiple monitors? Drop us a line at solutions@thetek.com