If you've never considered using two monitors, you should know that it can revolutionize the way you work on your computer. Using two monitors can have a positive effect on your comfort and productivity. In this article, we'll share everything you need to know about using this configuration - from listing new options to selecting monitors to installing them.
Using two monitors is good for almost anything you can do on your computer. It is definitely not a privilege of programmers, graphic designers or film editors, although these groups are undoubtedly among its pioneers. Almost everyone who works on a computer will make good use of two monitors. A second screen gives accountants more space for complex spreadsheets, while teachers can video chat with students on one monitor and work with their materials on the other. Similarly, IT specialists, graphic designers, managers and administrative staff of all kinds can make their job easier with two screens.
The main advantage of using two monitors is the large amount of virtual desktop that they provide you with. If you work in multiple windows at once, you don't have to switch between them; you can stack them nicely next to each other so that you can always see them. This is useful when not only working in both windows at the same time (for example, when translating text), but also switching between them frequently. The fact that you don't need to open the program repeatedly from the toolbar will speed up your work immensely.
It doesn't matter which two monitors you decide to use. If they have the right connectors, there will be no compatibility issue. They don't need to share the same resolution or diagonal and each monitor can also be connected in a different way - e.g. if you have two video connectors, each of them different. However, there are several reasons to opt for identical monitors.
Although it may be convenient to own two monitors of the same model and we strongly recommend this option to busy professionals, there are easier ways to expand your desktop. You will benefit even from two monitors that are completely different - this also applies if one of them is a built-in laptop screen, although you will have to accommodate to the big difference in their diagonals.
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Want to know more about choosing the right monitor? Read our guide How to Choose a Monitor.
Installing two monitors differs significantly depending on whether you connect them to a desktop computer or a laptop. It also depends on the computer model and the type of operating system. We will talk about how to set up two monitors in the next section, now let's have look at connecting them to a computer:
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Connecting multiple monitors to a desktop computer is very simple, as such a computer usually comes equipped with a larger number of video connectors. These can be found always on the back - they are the outputs of the motherboard or graphics card. There are usually HDMI, VGA or DVI (typically vertical connectors) on the motherboard. The outputs of a graphics card (horizontally oriented connectors) can then be any of the video connectors described above, but modern cards are most often equipped with HDMI and DisplayPort, or DVI.
Finding two video connectors on the back of your computer shouldn't be a problem. Once you find them, all you have to do is connect the appropriate cables to them, the other ends of which will lead to the monitors.
Connecting two monitors to a laptop is usually more complicated, as laptops usually feature only one video connector. This means you can only connect one external monitor without additional equipment - although you can still use the built-in screen as your second one. To connect two monitors to one laptop, you need to use one of the following options:
When buying a docking station, you should pay attention to certain things, especially to avoid compatibility issues or complete malfunctions. What exactly is it about?
If you know you want to connect 4K monitors to the docking station, make sure you buy a docking station with the Thunderbolt 3 interface, which is hidden in the USB-C connector in your laptop. The fact that a laptop has USB-C does not necessarily mean that it also features Thunderbolt 3 - this must be stated in its specifications, or you can check whether the USB-C connector is marked with a lightning symbol. For modern laptops, it is a relatively common part of the equipment, e. g. about a half of the laptops offered on Alza come equipped with Thunderbolt.
If you want to use only monitors with Full HD resolution, you can do without Thunderbolt 3. USB-C can function as a video output connector without it. It is always better to thoroughly research what the docking station can do - its product description will usually tell you everything you need to know.
Your laptop can also be charged using the docking station. However, you need to make sure that the docking station has sufficient charging power that matches the power consumption of your laptop.
Think about everything you want to connect to the docking station - two monitors, a mouse, a keyboard, an external drive, a webcam… Anything else? The station should be adequately equipped for your needs, but remember that you will still be able to use any free laptop connectors.
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Video Connector Bandwidth
Whether you're connecting monitors directly to your computer, via a docking station, or using a daisy chain, keep in mind that different types of monitors have different connection requirements and not all connections are equal. They differ in the so-called bandwidth. When choosing a monitor, it is therefore good to know which connectors are available. That way you will know whether you can choose 4K or whether you have to settle for a lower resolution - e. g. Full HD.
Bandwidth requirements are formed by the resolution (number of pixels) and the refresh rate of the monitor (the number of frames displayed per second). We always want the refresh rate to be at least 60Hz, which is standard for most screens. If the transmission interface does not provide sufficient bandwidth, the refresh rate may stop at 30Hz - such an image does not work very smoothly - or you may experience a reduced resolution or complete malfunction.
The following table shows which monitors can be connected using different interfaces:
Interface | Maximum quality at 60Hz: |
---|---|
DisplayPort 1.2 | Full HD, QHD |
DisplayPort 1.4 | Full HD, QHD, 4K |
DisplayPort 2.0 | Full HD, QHD, 4K |
HDMI 1.4 | Full HD, QHD |
HDMI 2.0 | Full HD, QHD, 4K |
HDMI 2.1 | Full HD, QHD, 4K |
Thunderbolt 3 | Full HD, QHD, 4K (up to 2×) |
Thunderbolt 4 | Full HD, QHD, 4K (up to 2×) |
DVI-D (single link) | Full HD |
DVI-D (dual link) | Full HD, QHD |
VGA | Full HD |
After you physically connect your two monitors to your computer, turn them both on and something should appear. If not, there probably is a wrong input connector set on the monitor. In this case, find the physical controls of the monitors (buttons/joystick) and using those, locate the item for changing the input connector. Then select the connector you used for connecting the monitor. If you are unsure, try more inputs until you hit the correct one.
The goal is for both monitors to be detected by Windows. This must be set correctly.
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How to play on one monitor and chat, surf or watch videos on the other?
If you want to play games on one monitor and use the other in a different way at the same time, make sure that you have the game running in the so-called borderless fullscreen mode (full screen in the window). This allows you to switch between monitors more easily and quickly than with the classic fullscreen mode.
If you set the resolution of both monitors correctly, but your text is not sharp, you may need to reset the ClearType feature. It is part of Windows and normally improves text legibility. To find it, press the Windows key, start typing "Clear," and click on "Edit ClearType" in the search results. A clear wizard window will pop up - follow its steps to solve the issue. If your monitors differ significantly, be sure to set ClearType for both (the wizard will allow this option).
When connecting two monitors to a laptop, the most important thing is to know which connectors you have, which strongly depends on the maximum resolution that your monitors have. If you still haven't found all the answers, feel free to check out our other articles on monitors - e.g. our comprehensive guide.