How to Connect Two Monitors to a Laptop?

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If you are running out of space on the laptop or a desktop monitor, you can solve the problem by connecting two external monitors to your laptop.

Not only this setup would provide you with more working space, but you can also stay more focused and dedicated to the same work.

If you don’t already have you can check out the list of best external monitors for laptops

Things you must check before starting with the process

There are several elements you must pay attention to before starting

Newer Laptops

When you have a new laptop, setting up multiple external monitors becomes relatively easy. You can have the Thunderbolt 3 that works on a USB-type C port.

It is the latest connector that is a standard piece and is useful for even the newest laptop to provide output.

 The Thunderbolt is useful for starters because there is no requirement for multiple cables for handling data, video, or audio.

A single cable can do all the work of transmission. It is a clutter-free interface and will be much smaller when compared to other counterparts.

Sometimes, the laptop might be a new one, but the monitors cannot handle the Thunderbolt standard. In that case, you will see that the laptop is unique, with several Thunderbolt ports, but the monitors have only a few inputs.

In that case, you have to opt for other methods, i.e., using a USB C, VGA, HDMI splitter, adapter, and so on.

There is also another single Thunderbolt port that will give you access to the docking station to set up multiple monitors with one port.

For that, you have to check the laptop’s specifications and find out the docking stations that are supportive of it. With this connectivity, you will get plenty of bandwidth for the video to support the standard display monitors.

Some special adapters work in the same manner as a small laptop dock and will support connecting to many monitors and keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Thunderbolt and USB C will provide maximum access to the setup plan.

Older Laptops

When you have an older laptop, you have to go through specific checks before achieving the objective of building a connection. The things you must check are as follows:

A graphics card that will support output on the two monitors. It favors convenience in setting up the entire system.

Then there are ports like the DVI, display port, VGA, and HDMI ports that can be found on the back of a laptop.

It would be best to look for the parallel ports on the laptop and the monitors you are connecting. In case you find that these ports aren’t matching, you will have to look for other alternatives.

There is the availability of splitter boxes that connect to two or more monitors with just a single cable. Though these alternatives are a bit more expensive than the other counterparts, it is better than graphic cards.

You can get the USB adaptor which is a cheaper option and can come in handy. The older versions of these USB adapters exist even today to fulfill the objective of building secure connections.

Then, you can have the docking station that becomes a great alternative to the adapters. The Docking stations are not for any specific laptop model and will fit on all models.

They come with a range of options, from USB to other flexible ports. If you want the laptop to remain mobile with lesser setup steps, you can consider the expansion with the help of a docking station.

Recommended steps regarding ‘how to connect two monitors to a laptop.’ 

Step 1.

When you see that everything is ready, you can start with the connection of two external monitors to a laptop.

However, for that, you will have to note that while connecting the monitor to the laptop, your laptop is turned on.

In some instances, the windows start detecting when the new monitor gets plugged in.

When you have the VGA and HDMI ports on the laptop, you can use the corresponding ports for the HDMI and VGA on the monitor. You have to follow the method:

Step 2.

Plug the cable of the first external monitor into the corresponding video port of the laptop.

You have to plug the wire of the second external monitor into another port on the laptop. As you complete these steps, you have to proceed further.

On your laptop, right-click on any empty area on your desktop:

If you’re using Windows 10, click on the settings for Display. But, in the case of Windows 8/7, you’ll have to click Screen resolution.

Then you’ll get the availability of three displays labeled 1, 2, and 3. Everything you will get is available in display mode.

Display 1 becomes the monitor for the laptop. Again, you’ll get Display 2 and 3, that work as external monitors.

Now, click Display 2

Select Extend desktop in Multiple displays

Click Apply.

Then, click Display 3

Select Extend desktop in Multiple displays

Click Apply.

Click OK, which will finish the settings.

Finally, with this step, you can connect the monitors to the laptop.

Summing it up

With these steps, you will reach the completion of the setup. Do follow and successfully use the connected setup of two monitors to a laptop.

See Also

How to connect 3 monitors to a laptop docking station