@TheresaP An HDMI splitter can only mirror a single HDMI source signal across multiple outputs. HDMI outputs do not support controlling multiple independent displays from a single output. Only DisplayPort can do that (and USB-C since USB-C uses DisplayPort for video output). If you have a DisplayPort output or a USB-C output that supports video output -- which is optional on USB-C ports -- then you could potentially connect both displays that way or connect one display to HDMI and the other to that port. But if HDMI truly is your only video output, then the only way to connect another display would be to use an "indirect display" adapter that plugged into a USB port and gave you a video output. Those have some drawbacks compared to "native" GPU output connectors, but they might not affect your use case, and even if they do, you might still decide that it's better than not having another display at all.
But if you want more precise guidance, you need to identify your exact system model. "Inspiron 15 3000" is an entire model series that includes several models made over several years, sort of like "BMW 3 Series", so it's impossible to know exactly what you're working with just from that description. Your exact system model would be something like Inspiron 3578 or something. And then please also specify the resolution(s) of the display(s) you're trying to use, since displays with different resolutions require different amounts of video bandwidth, which can introduce restrictions around cabling as well.
Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution via private messages to ensure the security of your information. In the meanwhile, you may receive assistance or suggestions from the community members as well.
I recently bought Dell Inspiron 7790 and have the same issue. The USB-c port does not seem to recognize monitor connection so I am assuming it does not support video output. There are two HDMI in the back but only one works for a second monitor. The second HDMI seem to be input only and does not work for additional monitor. What kind of adapter I need? Please provide me with specific product I can buy/use to solve this. I don't understand why it would not have a standard USB-c port with video output which is available in every laptop. Very limiting for such a great desktop computer.
@niarh68 You don't have to assume. Dell's Setup and Specifications document for that system on support.dell.com, specifically this page, indicates that the USB-C port only supports data and that one of the HDMI ports is indeed only an input. And just for reference, it is absolutely NOT true that every USB-C port on a laptop supports video output. Support for video output over USB-C is an optional feature, and there are several laptops on the market, including from Dell, that only support data, not video (and sometimes not even system charging either).
But if you've only got a single video output, there isn't an adapter that will allow you to run two displays from that output. A DisplayPort or USB-C output (which uses DisplayPort) would allow that, since the DisplayPort protocol allows running multiple independent displays from a single output -- but HDMI doesn't. Your only option would be a USB dongle that relied on "indirect display" technology called DisplayLink, which is different. They'll plug into a USB port and give you either an HDMI or DisplayPort output. But DisplayLink technology has some drawbacks that can be significant for some use cases, which I wrote about in the post marked as the answer in this thread. On the other hand, that's your only option, so you might decide that those potential issues are still worth having another display. I just want you to know what to expect and what's going on if you notice any of those issues.
If DisplayLink isn't acceptable to you and you want to run two additional displays beyond the one already built into your all-in-one, then unfortunately you've got the wrong system for your purposes.
Thanks for a quick response @jphughan. The solution you suggested should work in my case. I have ordered a USB adapter with DisplayLink technology. Also, thanks for clarifying that not all USB-c port support video output. The recent laptops I have bought they all had video output so I was surprised why this new Dell desktop won't have the same functionality. Hope Dell will add this functionality as a standard in future as I see so many people going through the same issue.
Im beyond dissapointed with thus pos.no use for win 10 and its missing all regular ports.trying to use older tv for monitor and no pkug in and wheres the mike input.i spent all money on this useless .broke and mad and where do i plug in my additional monitor with missing ports
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
June 3rd, 2020 13:00
@TheresaP An HDMI splitter can only mirror a single HDMI source signal across multiple outputs. HDMI outputs do not support controlling multiple independent displays from a single output. Only DisplayPort can do that (and USB-C since USB-C uses DisplayPort for video output). If you have a DisplayPort output or a USB-C output that supports video output -- which is optional on USB-C ports -- then you could potentially connect both displays that way or connect one display to HDMI and the other to that port. But if HDMI truly is your only video output, then the only way to connect another display would be to use an "indirect display" adapter that plugged into a USB port and gave you a video output. Those have some drawbacks compared to "native" GPU output connectors, but they might not affect your use case, and even if they do, you might still decide that it's better than not having another display at all.
But if you want more precise guidance, you need to identify your exact system model. "Inspiron 15 3000" is an entire model series that includes several models made over several years, sort of like "BMW 3 Series", so it's impossible to know exactly what you're working with just from that description. Your exact system model would be something like Inspiron 3578 or something. And then please also specify the resolution(s) of the display(s) you're trying to use, since displays with different resolutions require different amounts of video bandwidth, which can introduce restrictions around cabling as well.
DELL-Cares
Moderator
•
27.6K Posts
0
June 3rd, 2020 13:00
Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution via private messages to ensure the security of your information. In the meanwhile, you may receive assistance or suggestions from the community members as well.
niarh68
2 Posts
0
January 23rd, 2021 16:00
I recently bought Dell Inspiron 7790 and have the same issue. The USB-c port does not seem to recognize monitor connection so I am assuming it does not support video output. There are two HDMI in the back but only one works for a second monitor. The second HDMI seem to be input only and does not work for additional monitor. What kind of adapter I need? Please provide me with specific product I can buy/use to solve this. I don't understand why it would not have a standard USB-c port with video output which is available in every laptop. Very limiting for such a great desktop computer.
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
January 24th, 2021 00:00
@niarh68 You don't have to assume. Dell's Setup and Specifications document for that system on support.dell.com, specifically this page, indicates that the USB-C port only supports data and that one of the HDMI ports is indeed only an input. And just for reference, it is absolutely NOT true that every USB-C port on a laptop supports video output. Support for video output over USB-C is an optional feature, and there are several laptops on the market, including from Dell, that only support data, not video (and sometimes not even system charging either).
But if you've only got a single video output, there isn't an adapter that will allow you to run two displays from that output. A DisplayPort or USB-C output (which uses DisplayPort) would allow that, since the DisplayPort protocol allows running multiple independent displays from a single output -- but HDMI doesn't. Your only option would be a USB dongle that relied on "indirect display" technology called DisplayLink, which is different. They'll plug into a USB port and give you either an HDMI or DisplayPort output. But DisplayLink technology has some drawbacks that can be significant for some use cases, which I wrote about in the post marked as the answer in this thread. On the other hand, that's your only option, so you might decide that those potential issues are still worth having another display. I just want you to know what to expect and what's going on if you notice any of those issues.
If DisplayLink isn't acceptable to you and you want to run two additional displays beyond the one already built into your all-in-one, then unfortunately you've got the wrong system for your purposes.
niarh68
2 Posts
0
January 24th, 2021 09:00
Thanks for a quick response @jphughan. The solution you suggested should work in my case. I have ordered a USB adapter with DisplayLink technology. Also, thanks for clarifying that not all USB-c port support video output. The recent laptops I have bought they all had video output so I was surprised why this new Dell desktop won't have the same functionality. Hope Dell will add this functionality as a standard in future as I see so many people going through the same issue.
Thanks!
rippedoff
1 Message
0
May 18th, 2021 10:00
Im beyond dissapointed with thus pos.no use for win 10 and its missing all regular ports.trying to use older tv for monitor and no pkug in and wheres the mike input.i spent all money on this useless .broke and mad and where do i plug in my additional monitor with missing ports
mekail
2 Posts
0
February 3rd, 2022 02:00
Is it possible to connect dual monitors to one laptop, as I am a programmer and want to do coding on multiple screens
Adam64
1 Message
0
February 20th, 2024 02:23
After much trial and error, I have determined you cannot attach a second monitor with an 11th generation processor.