How To Set Up Second Monitor Windows 10

How to add a second monitor in Windows ten

A picture of a man working on two monitors

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Knowing how to add a second monitor in Windows x can boost your multi-tasking productivity and amend your workstation overall. Many users may agree that regardless of whether you're using your Windows x motorcar for work, studying or artistic purposes, one screen just isn't enough to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Fortunately, setting up a dual-monitor workstation is piece of cake enough, provided that you've got a second external monitor. And if y'all ain a Windows ten laptop, we've also prepared a guide on how to use a laptop as a monitor.

Here's how to use laptop as 2d monitor
And hither'southward how to free upward infinite in Windows 10

Beneath, we've prepared a pace-by-step guide on how to add a second monitor in Windows 10, including the setup itself and troubleshooting in example something goes wrong.

Only make sure to accept a suitable display cable at manus. Depending on your PC, you might need either an HDMI cable, DisplayPort or a mini-DisplayPort lead. Got it? Alright, let's become started.

How to add a 2d monitor in Windows x

1. Navigate to the left finish of your taskbar (on the bottom of your screen) andprinting the Outset button. Alternatively,tap on the Windows key to trigger the main menu.

ii. Next, click on Settings to launch a new menu.

screenshot of Windows 10 Start menu opened — (Epitome credit: Microsoft)

3. Go ahead and select Arrangement to keep.

screenshot of Windows 10 settings menu — (Image credit: Microsoft)

4. In most cases, in the Brandish department, your PC should automatically recognize some other monitor and should display both monitors as "1 & two" (every bit shown below).

Withal, if your Windows 10 motorcar is having problem detecting your second monitor, try clicking on "Detect" to annals a 2nd monitor.

Screenshot of display detect option in Windows 10 — (Image credit: Microsoft)

5. If your monitors are now successfuly connected but you're unsure on how they're arranged, click on "Identify." This should force both monitors to display "1" and "ii," matching the displayed arrangement in the settings.

And if you wish to change it, merely drag a selected screen in the settings to fit your desired arrangement. At this stage, you tin can also cull a monitor to be your main display, also referred to equally "the chief monitor." And that's it, you lot can now enjoy your dual-screen setup!

Screenshot to show how to identify a display in Windows 10 — (Image credit: Microsoft)

If something goes wrong

Sometimes, adding a second monitor in Windows 10 may be tricky. Though there's no need to worry. Before calling upwards your It-savvy friend or relative, endeavour these fixes and repeat the above steps:

Showtime things first, brand sure that your cable is continued to your monitor properly
Double bank check if yous've turned on your external monitor (check the manual if needed)
The outcome could simply be a regular bug, and so try restarting your machine just in case
Bank check the monitor's built-in controls and make certain that yous've selected the correct input port
Try another signal cable if you accept one at hand
Endeavour connecting the monitor to some other machine (such equally a laptop) to see if the issue persists. If that'south the case, the trouble is with the monitor and y'all should contact the advisable customer back up service.
Meet if disconnecting all external peripherals helps
Make certain that your machine is up-to-date with all firmware updates

Denise is a Life Reporter at Newsweek, covering everything lifestyle-related, including health, relationships, personal finance, beauty and more. She was formerly a news author at Tom'due south Guide, regularly producing stories on all things tech, gaming software/hardware, fitness, streaming, and more. Her published content ranges from brusque-class news articles to long-grade pieces, including reviews, buying guides, how-tos, and features. When she's not playing horror games, she tin be institute exploring Eastward London with her ambrosial puppy. She's also a part-fourth dimension piano enthusiast and regularly experiments in the kitchen.