Article Number: 000133506
Microsoft Windows 7 and later versions support multiple monitor set up. Multiple monitor set up helps enhance productivity. When you connect an additional monitor to your Dell PC, Windows automatically detects the monitor and displays the desktop screen of the computer. You can then choose how you want the desktop screen to appear. Display options include:
Expand the sections below for more information.
Ensure that the video connector on the computer matches with an available video connector on the monitor, like VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), or USB-C (Thunderbolt 3). Connect the computer to the monitor, projector, or TV using a compatible video cable. The monitor manufacturer should have provided this cable with the monitor.
To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Connect a Monitor to a PC .
To learn more about the different ports on a Dell computer, see the Dell knowledge base article A Guide to the External Ports and Connectors on a Dell Computer.
Back to topDetermine the type of video connector that is available on the computer and the monitor. The number of available video connectors depends on the type of graphics card that is installed in the computer. Most desktop graphics cards support two or more monitors, depending on the graphics card and computer specifications. However, laptops can support up to two monitors depending on the computer specifications. To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Connect a Monitor to a PC.
After the cables are connected securely, the computer must automatically detect and display the desktop screen on the connected monitors. By default, Microsoft Windows 7 duplicates the displays on all monitors. You can then select the display style that best suits your needs.
Microsoft Windows provides multiple options for displaying the desktop screen across multiple monitors that are connected to the computer.
To learn how to change the screen resolution, adjust the refresh rate and change the size of fonts and icons, See the Dell knowledge base article How to Change the Video Settings or Improve Text in Windows 7.
Back to topA docking station or port replicator provides a simplified way of connecting multiple peripherals like keyboard, mouse, printer, external hard drives, and one or more external monitors to a laptop that usually has limited connectivity ports. Most docking stations or port replicators have video connectors to connect two or more external monitors. A docking station or port replicator when connected to a laptop allows you to switch off the laptop LCD and use the external monitors instead.
To learn more about the different ports on a Dell computer, see the Dell knowledge base article A Guide to the External Ports and Connectors on a Dell Computer.
Dell wireless monitor enables your Windows laptop computer, Android smartphone, or tablet with Miracast capability to display the screen image to the monitor using a Wi-Fi Direct interface. When you connect the laptop, smartphone, or tablet to the Dell wireless monitor, you can access the mouse and keyboard that is connected to the monitor and control the devices.
You can either extend or duplicate your Windows desktop wirelessly to a Dell wireless monitors and connect your Android 5.0 (and above) tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi simultaneously through Dual Cast.
To learn more about how to set up or troubleshoot a Dell wireless monitor, see the Dell knowledge base article Guide to Dell Wireless Monitors.
Back to topThe latest smart TVs and computers provide a wide variety of video connectivity options. Ensure that the video connector on the computer matches with an available video connector on the TV.
To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Connect a Dell Computer to a TV.
Back to topMicrosoft Windows 10, 8 or 8.1, and 7 supports multiple monitor setup. If you encounter problems with multiple monitors, like a blank or black screen, no monitor signal, resolution issues, and so on, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Troubleshoot Multiple Monitor Issues.
Back to topDuration: 01:55
Closed captions: English only
Duration: 02:28
Closed captions: English only
Duration: 02:16
Closed captions: English only
Duration: 01:58
Closed captions: English only
09 Apr 2021
6
Solution