How to Connect a Monitor to a PC?

In order to make the proper connection between you computer and monitor it is necessary to know what ports your computer and monitor have. This way the proper cable can be used to get video.

Refer to the Compare the Physical Connections section first, the Connect Physical Connections section next and then the Adjust the Video and Monitor Settings section.

For information on connecting to a Dell Wireless monitor, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to Dell Wireless Monitors.

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1. Compare the Physical Connections

Compare the video ports on your computer with the video ports on your monitor to find which one(s) they have in common.

Desktops: The video ports are located on the back of the computer.
Notebooks: The video ports may be on the back, left or right-hand side of the notebook.
Monitors The video ports or located on the back of the monitor and may be located on a overhang parallel to the stand.
Notes:
- Refer to Table 1 for a examples of the different kinds of video ports found on desktops, notebooks and monitors.
- For an exact listing of the video ports available and their location on your computer and monitor, refer to the Setup and Specifications, Quick Start-up Guide or User's Manual (Guide) for your device. For more information refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product. To get the model number of your monitor, press the Menu button on your monitor. At the top of the menu, it will tell you the model number.

Name	Port	Cable Connector
RCA Composite
VGA
DMS59
DVI-I single link
DVI-I dual link
DVI-D single link
DVI-D dual link
DVI-A VGA / DVI-I
DisplayPort
Display Port Mini DisplayPort
Thunderbolt Mini DisplayPort
Thunderbolt 2 Mini DisplayPort
Thunderbolt 3 Type-C
HDMI Type-A
HDMI Type-B
HDMI Mini / Type-C
HDMI Micro / Type-D
HDMI Automotive / Type-E

Table 1: Video Connection Ports

2. Connect the Video and Power Cables

Once you found the common video port(s) between your computer and monitor, compare that to the video cable(s) you have to find a match. When you have more than one video ports and cables in common select the port and cable that have the highest quality.

Notes:

The ports listed in Table 1, in the Compare the Physical Connections section are listed from top to bottom, lowest quality to highest quality.
Use only one video signal cable to connect the monitor to the computer, as only one connection is necessary, and connecting more than one can cause problems.

Plug in the power cord to the monitor and the wall outlet.

Figure 1: Power connection from the monitor to the wall outlet.
Plug in the video cable into the monitor and the computer.

Figure 2: Video Cable From a Monitor to a Desktop Computer.

Figure 3: Video Cable from a Monitor to a Notebook.

(Optional) If your monitor has USB ports on it, you can plug a USB cable from your monitor to your computer for the USB ports on your monitor to function.

3. Adjust the Video and Monitor Settings

1. Set the Correct Input

Match the input of your monitor to the Video port used to connect the computer and monitor.

On most Dell monitors, there is a Quick Access or Input button, this button allows you to select the correct input. Match the input of your monitor to the Video port used to connect the computer and monitor.

Note: For an exact listing of the controls on your monitor, refer to the User's Manual or Guide for your device. For more information refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product. To get the model number of your monitor, press the Menu button on your monitor. At the top of the menu, it will tell you the model number.

2. Install/Update the Latest Video Driver

Make sure the latest video adapter driver and BIOS are installed. These will help your computer perform at its visual best.
For more information on downloading and installing the BIOS and video drivers, refer to Dell Knowledge Base articles BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS and How do I download and install device driver?

3. Configure Video Settings

Configure your resolution, color depth, and font size to exactly what visual appearance suits you!
By changing your video settings, you can change the look of your screen including icon size, font size and color depth.

Refer to the link corresponding to the Operating System installed on your computer, for instructions on how to change video settings: