How to Setup Multiple Monitors in Windows Vista

Table of Contents:

1. Various Connector Types
2. Setting up Second Monitor
3. Setting Display Styles for Multiple Monitor

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This article provides information on how to set up multiple monitors in Windows Vista.

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To set up dual monitors in other operation systems, visit Windows 10 , Windows 8.1 and  8, Windows 7

1: Various Connector Types

Connect the monitor cord(s) from the monitor(s) to the laptop or desktop.

Table 1: Video Connections

 

DisplayPort	DisplayPort is a new digital standard for connecting monitors to computers and has the capability to provide a scalable digital display interface with optional audio and High-Definition Content Protection (HDCP) capability. DisplayPorts usually resemble USB Ports with one side angled. A DisplayPort cable should be used if DisplayPort connectors are available on both the computer and the monitor.
DVI	Digital Video Interface (DVI) is the digital standard for connecting monitors to computers. DVI connections are usually color-coded with white plastic and labels. DVI cables provide a higher quality signal than VGA cables. A DVI cable should be used if DVI connectors are available on both the computer and the monitor.
VGA	Video Graphics Array (VGA) is the analog standard for connecting monitors to computers. VGA connections are commonly color-coded with blue plastic and labels. A VGA cable should be used if DVI connectors are not available on either the monitor or the computer.
HDMI	High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the current digital standard for connecting all kinds of video devices. HDMI cables provide the same quality of video signal as DVI. However HDMI can provide sound through the cable, but the video card has to support the audio through the HDMI function in order for it to work.

 

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2: Setting up the Second Monitor

Connect the external monitor(s) to your laptop or desktop using a video cable (VGA, DVI, DP, HDMI, etc.), and follow any of the setup methods below:

• Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut Win + P
  1. Press the Windows Logo key + P on your keyboard.

• Method 2: Using the Personalize Menu
  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
  
  
• Click Display Settings.

• Click Identify Monitors.

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3: Setting Display Styles for Multiple Monitors

Extend These Displays:
​This option is recommended when an external monitor is connected to a laptop, and each monitor can display a different screen independently to improve your convenience. The relative position of the screens can be set up here; for example, monitor 1 may be set up to be to the left of monitor 2 or vice versa. This depends on the physical position of the LCD monitor in relation to the laptop. The horizontal line displayed on both monitors can be based on the laptop or external monitor. These are all adjustable options, and the only thing you need to do is drag the monitor of the main screen to the extended monitor.

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 More information and support for your Dell monitor, laptop or tablet screen can be found on our Monitor Support site.
 

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More information and support for your Windows operating systems can be found on our Windows Support webpage.

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