How to Connect Multiple Monitors on Windows 11

In a world where we are constantly inundated with information, it’s important to be able to have multiple windows open at once to multitask effectively. When you connect multiple monitors to your computer, you can view windows side by side in a seamless way. This guide shows you how to connect multiple monitors to your Windows 11 computer.

Step one: Connect the second monitor

There are different ways to connect a second monitor to your computer. The connection type you’ll need depends on the inputs and outputs available on both your computer and the second monitor.

Take the cable and connect it from the video output port on your computer to the video input port on the back of the monitor. The two snap together, and you’ll usually hear a “click” when they’re in place.

Most connections are made via an HDMI cable. This will work if both your computer and the second monitor have an HDMI input.

Oher types of connections include DVI, DisplayPort, and VGA.

Step two: Ensure that the second monitor is detected

By default, Windows will detect the second monitor as soon as you connect it. However, if your PC doesn’t notify you that a second monitor has been connected or you’re unsure, you can manually check it.

1. Open Settings and go to System > Display.

   

2. Check if the second monitor appears in the display windows. If you find two monitors on the display windows, it means your computer has detected the second monitor.

   

3. If the monitor isn’t detected, go to the Multiple displays section and select Detect.

   

4. You will see the second monitor in the list of displays. If not, ensure you’ve properly connected the monitor to your PC using the cable.

Step three: Select the main display

After connecting the second monitor, you can now select which one will be your “main” display. The main display is the one that serves as the active desktop (i.e. displays the clock and notification area on the taskbar, signs in to, and locks the device).

By default, Windows designates your primary display as the main one. If you want to use a different display as your main display, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and go to System > Display.

   

2. Select the monitor you want to use as your main display and check the Make this my main display box.

   

Step four: Choose a viewing mode

There are four viewing modes available:

• PC screen only: Only your main display will be active.
• Duplicate: Both displays will show the same thing. If you have different resolutions, then Windows will scale the display.
• Extend: Your desktop will be extended to both monitors. This is the most common option AS it allows you to have different windows open on each monitor.
• Second screen only: Only the second monitor will be active.

To choose a viewing mode, click Windows key + P on your keyboard. A pop-up window appears with different viewing mode options. Select the one you want to use.