So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and want to know how to connect dual displays to your PC. Doing so will enable you to increase your productivity since you have such a wider workspace. No more wasting time maximizing, minimizing and positioning windows. We’ll help you get started with these steps.
Scenario 1 – Multiple Video Ports
Look at the back of your computer. You will most likely have one or more of the following video ports. SVGA, HDMI, or DVI.
If you have multiple ports, regardless of the combination, most video cards will allow you to use two of them simultaneously for your dual display setup. For example, you may be able to connect one display to the DVI port, and the other display to your SVGA port.
Scenario 2 – One Video Port
If you only have one video port on your computer, you should know that you cannot use a splitter on a single SGVA, HDMI, or DVI port. If you try to use a splitter with any of these ports, the same image will appear on both screens. It will NOT expand your workspace across both displays.
Assuming your computer has a USB port, the best solution would be to purchase a DisplayLink adapter. A DisplayLink adapter will allow you to connect and extend your display to another display by connecting it to the USB port.
Scenario 3 – DMS-59 port
There is something called a DMS-59 port that allows you to use a splitter cable to obtain a dual display setup. The DMS-59 port is sometimes mistaken for a DVI port. A DMS-59 port can be found on many brand name video cards and computers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. You can use a DMS-59 VGA Splitter Adapter Cable to connect dual displays via a VGA cable or a DMS-59 Dual DVI Splitter Adapter to connect dual display via a DVI cable.
Once you have connected your displays to your computer using any of the above suggestions, your computer will likely detect both displays automatically. If not, you may have to enter the BIOS screen for your computer. You can access the BIOS screen by pressing a certain key when you first start your computer. Every computer uses a different key. You will need to look on your screen when the brand logo appears to see which key(s) to use. Once in the BIOS, look for a setting related to your displays. You should be able to toggle a setting from “Single” to “Dual” or something similar.
Once you’ve got both displays working, you will just need to configure your operating system with the setup you desire. Then you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of a dual screen setup.
We hope this tutorial has taught you everything you need to know on how to hook up dual displays to your PC. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
FAQ
What about connecting a third display?
Assuming you have two displays connected to your video card via Scenario 1 above, you can purchase a DisplayLink adapter to connect a third display via USB.
Mitch Bartlett says
Have you tried different resolution settings? Also make sure you have the latest video drivers.
Susie Arena says
I am working from home and trying to set up dual monitors. Excuse my ignorance, but do I have to connect the VGA cables as well as the USB cables? I am connecting to my docking station for my laptop. I have a VGA to USB adapter since I only had one port for the VGA cables. But my connection is very shotty. Only pieces of my images coming through at a time – can you help?
Mitch Bartlett says
You’ll have to get one of the DisplayPort boxes I mentioned in the post and connect it to a USB port for 3 monitors.
Minerva says
Hi I just bought a computer that has 2 display port and 1 dvi. How can I connect my 3 monitors to it?
the connectors I have for my monitor are 2 HDMI to Display port and 1 DVI to Display port.Please help what should I do. It seems so far only two monitors I can connect to the computer. Thank you
Rohit says
Hi. I have one CPU, one moniter and one Samsung LED tv. I want to connect both display to same CPU. How i can connect that and which devices required to connect.
Mrs. J says
I have a laptop and 2 dual computer monitors. I have a vga cable that goes to the laptop that will attach 1 screen how do I attach the additional monitor for a total of 3
tim caldwell says
I have a FXF FX-777A-ZDFV video card with two DVI ports on it. can i attach one monitor to one DVI port and one Monitor to another DVI port to extend my workspace? one is a single-link, the other is a dual link.
Steve says
Aloha, can I use a VGA splitter from the Plugable DisplayLink adaptor? Or do I need to purchase 2 of the Display Link adaptors to run dual monitors?
Mitch Bartlett says
@Dickey – You will need to install a video card that supports 2 outputs or purchase the DisplayLink adapter.
Dickey says
I have a tower that only has one blue monitor hook up and no dvi (white) port. Ok, one monitor has the dvi port, but the other just has a blue port. How in the world can I get these 2 to work? Tried the splitter, but same screen on both monitors
tracey says
Hi I have a laptop that the screen is no longer usable. I had the laptop and an extra monitor in use. I think it was just an extension of the main screen. If I close the laptop I can use the monitor as the main screen, How can I use a second screen with the laptop closed and have it extended?
Mitch Bartlett says
@Sunday – You would need a device called a VGA Switch Splitter.
Sunday says
Could I use VGA splitter to connect one monitor to two desktops, that are not (intended) to be use at the same time.
solidworks says
Ok thankyou