Using two PC monitors can be a great way to increase the amount of space available on your desktop. Whether you’re looking to multitask more efficiently, or just want to add a second display to your computer setup, connecting two PC monitors is a fairly straightforward process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your two monitors up and running.
1. Determine Your Video Connection Options
The first step in connecting two PC monitors is determining what video connection options are available to you. Different computer systems will have different video connection options available. Generally speaking, modern systems will offer DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA connections. However, if your computer is older, it may only have VGA and DVI available.
Depending on the types of monitors you have, you may need to purchase an adapter to bridge the gap between your computer’s available video connection type and the type of connection that your monitor requires. For example, if your computer has a DisplayPort connection and your monitor requires an HDMI connection, you’ll need to purchase a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.
2. Connect Your Monitors to Your Computer
Once you’ve determined the type of video connection you need, the next step is to physically connect your monitors to your computer. Most monitors come with the necessary cables needed for connecting to a computer, so you should be able to find the one you need in the box. If not, you’ll need to purchase the correct cable separately.
After you’ve found the necessary cable, plug one end into the back of the monitor and the other end into your computer’s video connection. Depending on your computer’s setup, you may need to plug the monitor’s cable into the dedicated video card or the motherboard. If you’re not sure which one to use, consult your computer’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
3. Configure Your Monitors And Video Card
Once you’ve connected your monitors to your computer, the next step is to configure your monitors and video card. To do this, you’ll need to open the Display Settings panel on your computer. On Windows, you can do this by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting Display Settings from the context menu. On Mac, you can go to System Preferences > Displays.
In the Display Settings panel, you should be able to see both of your connected monitors. From here, you can configure the resolution, orientation, and other display settings for each monitor. You can also move windows from one monitor to the other by dragging and dropping them. This is a great way to organize your workspace and make the most of your two monitors.
4. Install The Video Card Drivers
Depending on the type of video card you have, you may need to install additional drivers to get the most out of your two monitors. If your video card requires drivers, you can usually find them on the manufacturer’s website. Once you have downloaded the drivers, simply follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
Once the drivers have been installed, you should be able to take full advantage of the features your video card has to offer. This includes advanced display settings, multi-monitor configurations, and more.
5. Test Your Monitors
Once you’ve configured your monitors and installed the necessary video card drivers, the next step is to test them. To do this, open up a few applications or windows and move them between your two monitors. This will give you a good idea of how well your two monitors are working together.
If you notice any issues with the way your monitors are displaying, you may need to change some of the settings or install additional drivers. If this doesn’t work, you may need to contact the manufacturer or take your computer to a professional for help.
Conclusion
Connecting two PC monitors is a fairly straightforward process. All you need to do is determine what video connection options are available to you, physically connect your monitors to your computer, configure your monitors and video card, and install any necessary drivers. Once you’ve done all this, you should be able to take full advantage of your two monitors.