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How to Connect a Second Monitor to a Windows 10 Laptop
The Windows 10 laptop can handle two monitors at the same time i. e the laptop monitor and an external monitor.
The external monitors can help you to get along with random tasks like making presentations or working as a projector.
Now there may be times when you would find yourself stuck with the question- how to connect a second monitor to a laptop Windows 10?
So, if you have been through this situation earlier without any concrete solution, the following steps can certainly help you in the same context.
Recommended methods regarding ‘How to connect a second monitor to a laptop Windows 10’
Using the HDMI port exclusively
HDMI port is available for transmitting both video and audio streams. When you have a laptop with an HDMI port, you can connect to the external monitor as well as TV or video projectors.
Step 1.
All you have to do is to check whether or not the external monitor has the HDMI port on it.
Then, according to the Windows 10 laptop and monitor configuration, you can start with the connection on the external monitor you are connecting.
Step 2.
You will have to look for the physical button labeled as the source. If you find that, you have to push it repeatedly until the monitors start showing HDMI as the input source.
In case you don’t find it, you have to open the on-screen display of the monitor and then move to the menus for detecting the input source.
Step 3.
When you finally find it, select HDMI.
Step 4.
Now configure Windows 10 to let both the function of the display work according to your preferences.
You can achieve this objective by using Windows 10 project feature. You can also press the Windows + P key on the keyboard.
The alternative is to open the action center menu > expand the quick actions > and click the project button.
Check through the availability of at least one free video port
For the attainment of the objective, the laptop must have at least one free video output port for the second monitor.
Step 1.
You must be sure that the laptop has the capability of supporting the monitor. The settings of Windows 10 allow multiple displays. But, still, not all graphic cards support more than one monitor simultaneously.
Talking about the desktop, you will get the free video output port on the back of the desktop tower.
You can use a second monitor port once you see that another port is already in use. For the laptop, you will get the video output port that can support the second monitor.
Step 2.
You now need to check for the required connection for the second monitor. Modern computers make use of the HDMI or DisplayPort cable. In case you have an older computer or monitor, you’ll find the VGA connector.
Again, if you find a free video output connection that will match the connection with the second monitor, you can use it with the help of a cable.
When the computer uses a different connection than what you have, you have to purchase a separate adapter cable.
Step 3.
Now you have to connect the monitor to the laptop. For that, you have to plug one end of the video cable into the video output slot of your laptop. Then, connect the other end of the cable into the monitor’s video inputs slot.
Step 4.
You are now required to turn on the monitor. For that, press the power button on the monitor.
Step 5.
Now open the start button>>> click on Windows on the bottom left corner of the laptop screen.
Step 6.
Click on the gear shift icon that is available on the lower left side of the Start Window.
Then, you have to click on the system. It will appear as the laptop-shaped icon in the settings window.
Now, move to display on the upper left side of the display page
Click on the drop-down list for multiple displays. You will find it at the bottom of the page.
Step 7.
You now need to select the display option. In most cases, you have to click on the icon to extend these displays by using the second monitor as the extension of your laptop’s main display.
Depending on your choice and the compatibility with your monitor, you can also access the other options.
Step 8.
You can now save the changes and use the second monitor at per your convenience and preference.
Summing it up
We have mentioned the essential methods by which you can set up a second monitor with your laptop.
Do follow the steps and keep checking this space for some more updates and the latest news on your favorite smart devices.
See Also
How to set up 3 monitors on a laptop