It sounds like you want to use your 2 external displays independently, i.e. in extend mode rather than mirror mode. HDMI outputs do not support running multiple independent displays from a single output on the PC. Only DisplayPort can do that, or a USB-C port that supports video output (not all USB-C ports do) because USB-C ports provide a DisplayPort signal when used for video. In that case, you'd be able to buy something called an MST hub in order to split that DisplayPort/USB-C port into multiple outputs, which WOULD be able to be used for independent displays -- as long as the total bandwidth requirements of your displays didn't exceed what could be provided by that single port. If you don't have DisplayPort or a video-enabled USB-C port (or any other completely separate video output), then your only option for attaching additional independent displays would be through DisplayLink adapters that plug into a USB port and give you a video output like VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort. However, those come with some significant drawbacks that I've detailed in this thread, specifically the post marked as the answer. Of course the benefit of having an additional display might outweigh those drawbacks for you (or those drawbacks might not even apply), but it's good to know what to expect.
Beyond that, since you didn't specify the exact system model you have, I can't really give you any more precise advice at this point. You just said you have an "Inspiron 5000 Series". That's the name of an entire model lineup that includes several models introduced over several years. There are even multiple Inspiron 5000 Series models that are all current today. That's a bit like saying, "I have a BMW 3 Series." Ok, but that doesn't tell you anything about the exact 3 Series model, the model year, etc. The precise model for your system would be something like Inspiron 5567 or something.
jphughan
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14K Posts
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May 10th, 2019 22:00
It sounds like you want to use your 2 external displays independently, i.e. in extend mode rather than mirror mode. HDMI outputs do not support running multiple independent displays from a single output on the PC. Only DisplayPort can do that, or a USB-C port that supports video output (not all USB-C ports do) because USB-C ports provide a DisplayPort signal when used for video. In that case, you'd be able to buy something called an MST hub in order to split that DisplayPort/USB-C port into multiple outputs, which WOULD be able to be used for independent displays -- as long as the total bandwidth requirements of your displays didn't exceed what could be provided by that single port. If you don't have DisplayPort or a video-enabled USB-C port (or any other completely separate video output), then your only option for attaching additional independent displays would be through DisplayLink adapters that plug into a USB port and give you a video output like VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort. However, those come with some significant drawbacks that I've detailed in this thread, specifically the post marked as the answer. Of course the benefit of having an additional display might outweigh those drawbacks for you (or those drawbacks might not even apply), but it's good to know what to expect.
Beyond that, since you didn't specify the exact system model you have, I can't really give you any more precise advice at this point. You just said you have an "Inspiron 5000 Series". That's the name of an entire model lineup that includes several models introduced over several years. There are even multiple Inspiron 5000 Series models that are all current today. That's a bit like saying, "I have a BMW 3 Series." Ok, but that doesn't tell you anything about the exact 3 Series model, the model year, etc. The precise model for your system would be something like Inspiron 5567 or something.