How do I set up additional display monitors?
Published: 26 October 2021 Last updated: 13 February 2025- FAQ Category:
- Devices & Equipment
- Windows 11
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Connecting your monitors
You’ll need to connect your monitors to your laptop or PC using the appropriate display cable. You can connect monitors directly or via a Universal docking station. If you need assistance with this, please contact us via the IT Service Desk.
Choose a display option
To change what shows on your displays, press Windows logo key + P. Here’s what you can choose:
| If you want to | Choose |
|---|---|
| See things on one display only. | PC screen only |
| See the same thing on all your displays. | Duplicate |
| See your desktop across multiple screens. When you have displays extended, you can move items between the two screens. | Extend |
| See everything on the second display only. | Second screen only |
If you need more help, here’s what to do:
- Select Start > Settings > System > Display. Your PC should automatically detect your monitors and show your desktop. If you don’t see the monitors, select Detect.
- In the Multiple displays section, select an option from the list to determine how your desktop will display across your screens.
- Once you’ve selected what you see on your displays, select Keep changes.
You can change the resolution of your displays. However, we suggest using the recommended resolution to get the most out of your displays.
Rearrange your displays
You’ll see this option when Windows detects more than one display. Each display will be numbered to help you identify them more easily.
Identify a display
To see which number corresponds to a display, select Start, then type settings. Select Settings > System > Display > Identify. A number appears on the screen of the display it’s assigned to.
Detect a display
If you connected another display and it isn’t showing in Settings, select Start >Settings > System> Display > Multiple displays > Detect.
Arrange your displays
If you have multiple displays, you can change how they’re arranged. This is helpful if you want your displays to match how they’re set up in your home or office. In Display settings, select and drag the display to where you want. Do this with all the displays you want to move. When you’re happy with the layout, select Apply. Test your new layout by moving your mouse pointer across the different displays to make sure it works like you expect.
Change display options
After you’re connected to your external displays, you can change settings like your resolution, screen layout, and more. To see available options, in Settings, select System > Display.
Change orientation
Windows will recommend an orientation for your screen. To change it in Display settings, under Scale & layout, choose your preferred Display orientation. If you change the orientation of a monitor, you’ll also need to physically rotate the screen. For example, you’d rotate your external display to use it in portrait instead of landscape.