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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.
This setup would not only provide you with more working space but also allow you to 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. Thunderbolt 3, which uses a USB-C port, is a modern connector that supports video, audio, and data output on newer laptops.
The Thunderbolt is useful for beginners because multiple cables are not required to handle data, video, or audio.
A single cable can do all the transmission work. This interface is clutter-free and much smaller than itsunterparts.
Sometimes, the laptop might support Thunderbolt 3, but the monitors only support older connection standards like HDMI or VGA. In that case, you will see that the laptop is unique, with several Thunderbolt ports, but the monitors have only a few inputs.
If so, you will need to use other methods, such as a USB C, VGA, HDMI splitter, adapter, and so on.
There is also another single Thunderbolt port, which gives you access to the docking station, allowing you to set up multiple monitors with one port.
To do this, you need to check the laptop’s specifications and find the docking stations that support it. With this connectivity, you will have plenty of bandwidth for the video to support the standard display monitors.
Some special adapters work like a small laptop dock and support connecting to many monitors, keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Thunderbolt and USB C 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.
Older laptops may have ports like DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, and HDMI for connecting external monitors.
It would be best to look for the parallel ports on the laptop and the monitors you are connecting. If you find that these ports don’t match, you will have to look for other alternatives.
Splitter boxes are available to connect two or more monitors to a single port. However, they often duplicate the display rather than extend it.
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. Docking stations are often compatible with multiple laptop models, but compatibility depends on the connection type and laptop specifications.
They come with a range of options, from USB to other flexible ports. If you want the laptop to remain mobile with fewer 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 by connecting 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 ‘Display settings.’ For Windows 8/7, click ‘Screen resolution.
You will see three displays labeled 1, 2, and 3 in the settings. These represent your laptop screen and the two external monitors.
Display 1 represents the laptop’s built-in monitor, while Displays 2 and 3 represent the 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 complete the setup. Follow the instructions and successfully use the connected setup of two monitors on a laptop.
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