Multiple monitors are a gateway to absolute productivity. Not just this, but they enthrall you with the best viewing experience, especially when you are using a laptop. Besides, why use one monitor when you can use two at the same time? It is a great way to expand the screen, enjoy more screen space and open multiple applications without hassle. Despite knowing about the functionalities, many wonder about how to connect two monitors to a laptop.

If you are one of them, then you have come to the right place. Without any further delay, let’s see how to simplify this dilemma. Before we move any further, we will browse through various display modes and a checklist for choosing the second monitor. These tips are for the ones who never used a second screen.

What are the different display modes?

Primarily, there are two modes for display.

• Mirror: this mode helps in duplicating your screen as it is on the external monitors. For example, if you are watching a film on your source monitor, which is connected to an external monitor using mirror mode. The source display is flashed as it is on the external display.
• Extend: this mode, in a way, expands your desktop onto the various external monitors. For example, if you are working on multiple applications like Skype call and reference notes. With extend mode, you can undertake Skype call on one external display, open reference notes on the other, and check mail on the third display.

These modes are a boon to boost productivity. To avail of these modes, it is imperative to have good monitors. So, the next section is all about making the best choice.

 Checklist while choosing the additional monitor

1.     Screen resolution

There are many resolutions in monitors, right from 720p to 4K. Depending on your viewing experience, choose display standards likewise. If you are looking for real-life images, 4K should be your ultimate choice. Besides, if you want a monitor with higher refresh rates and HDR, you will have to chip in some more money.

2.     Screen size

Monitors come in different sizes, among which prominent ones are 15 and 17 inches. Not just this, there are monitors with mid-size and bigger sizes, like 21, 27 inches. Before finalizing, consider pointers like screen size, the place you are planning to keep, and financial stability.

3.     Connecting ports

There was a time when VGA and DVI ports ruled the roost. However, you will find a variety of other ports like HDMI, DisplayPort™, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C®, and even Thunderbolt™ 3 display. Without these ports, connecting the display to your machine is next to impossible. Before finalizing the monitor, look for ports on your laptop and the external display. In case the ports on both machines are different, you have the option of using an adapter for seamless connectivity.    

4.     Type of a monitor

There are various types of monitors, namely LCD, LED, OLED, CRT, and Plasma. CRT is the basic version of the monitor, while other types are the latest that pledge to save electricity, exhibit flexibility, less environmental impact, and vivacious colors. Instead of investing in some high-tech monitors, opt for a LED or LCD monitor.

These were some pointers while choosing a monitor. Let’s get to the real crux of the story on how to connect two displays to a laptop.

Best way to connect two monitors to a laptop

Before connecting, determine the location of the ports. If you are attaching to a desktop computer, the display ports are situated on the rear side. On a laptop, they are typically on the sides, but some might have on the backside. Lastly, on the monitor, the ports are at the back. However, some might have them in the front, too, but it is a rare sight. Alongside this, choose the apt cable complementing the ports. However, if the ports on both devices are different, go for an adapter or a docking station.

Most importantly, ensure your laptop/desktop is equipped with a suitable graphics card, drivers, and Operating System. Above all, if you are using a modern laptop with a dearth of display ports to connect dual monitors, then it is advisable to use a display adapter or a docking station.

Actual installation for Windows

• If you have a laptop with two display ports, plug the cable of the first external monitor into the video port on your laptop, followed by plugging the second monitor into the other port. If using a display adapter or a docking station, plug them into your laptop’s video port. Connect both the monitors on the video ports of the docking station/display adapter.
• Now, on your laptop, right-click on an empty area, after which a pop-up emerges. If you are using Windows 10, click on Display Settings, and in the case of Windows 8/7, click on Screen resolution.
• Once done, you will enter into display mode and see three displays with labels 1, 2, and 3. Display 1 is your source monitor, whereas 2 and 3 are the external monitors.
• Click on the label display 2 and you will find an option Multiple Displays. Under it, you will get a drop-down menu with various options – Duplicate Desktop on 1 and 3, Duplicate Desktop on 2 and 3, Extend desktop to this display, and Disconnect this display.
• Choose the option, Extend desktop to this display, and click apply. These steps stand similar for display 3 as well.
• Click OK to finalize the settings, and your dual monitors are ready to use.

Apart from this, there is a quick method for Windows 8 and 10.

• Press Windows+P on your keyboard, and a sidebar will appear for you to choose a display mode.
• You will get four options – PC Screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only.
• Choose the mode likewise.

 Installation steps for MAC

• On the upper left corner, you will find an Apple logo; click on it.
• Furthermore, navigate to system preferences.
• Once done, select displays.
• On the main screen under Displays, click on arrangement.
• Subsequently, click on Mirror Displays if you wish to use Mirror mode. Else, uncheck the mirror displays box for using Extend Mode.
• If you are satisfied with the settings, exit the window and start using the external displays.

We hope to have solved your query – how to connect two monitors to a laptop with a docking station. Besides, if you are in a state of limbo on how to connect two monitors to a laptop without an HDMI port, then it isn’t a problem! There are several VGA, DisplayPort, or even Thunderbolt™ 3 display adapters to do the job.

How to connect two monitors to a laptop with Cadyce

Connecting dual monitors is an easy task if you have all the essentials by your side. If you are looking for a trustworthy resource, let Cadyce help you. Cadyce boasts of an array of necessities like HDMI cable, DisplayPort adapters, docking stations that help in minimizing your chaotic experience. Besides, all these products bestow quality and durability for a seamless working experience. Think no more and decode your display problems with Cadyce!