How to Setup Dual Monitors with Laptop or PC

In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to set up multiple monitors on your laptop or desktop Windows 11 PC. With multiple screens, you can duplicate your monitor, extend your display, or just show on one of your monitors. We walk through how to identify what display port you have on your computer and on your monitor. Next, we look at how to find the right cable to connect your PC to your display. Next, we look at the various settings that you have to control your dual monitors. At the end, we look at how to use a laptop screen as a second monitor.
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⌚ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Check display port on PC
1:14 Check display port on monitor
1:45 Find the right display cable
3:08 Display settings for multiple monitors
5:42 Use laptop as second monitor
7:29 Wrap up
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[@KevinStratvert]

🧑‍💻 If you need cables, consider using this affiliate link to support the channel (the cost to you is the same): amzn.to/37u9y2A ❓ Frequent questions: (1) You can connect any number of monitors using these steps, depending on how many monitors your graphics card supports. As an example, the NVIDIA RTX 3080 supports up to 4 monitors simultaneously. (2) For projecting to a laptop screen (5:42), if you notice sluggish performance, try using a hardwired connection via ethernet. (3) To use an iPad or Android tablet as your second monitor, you can try Spacedesk: www.spacedesk.net

[@randy9046]

Kevin, the best setup I came up with is an ultra wide monitor (34 inch) along with a portrait mode monitor (24 inch) to read long articles. This set up is perfect for a workstation and the size of monitors are bare minimum.

[@KevinStratvert]

@@randy9046 funny enough, I used to use two monitors but switched to one when I bought an ultra wide. It’s like two monitors but without the split in the middle. When I film, I still use two though.

[@AdamsTaiwan]

@@randy9046 I have notebook with 24 inch monitor above and an LG ultra wide to the left in portrait mode. Besides reading long articles, I can finally enjoy looking at vertical phone media. Another benefit is the Phone screen from "Phone Link" looks great on a large screen.

[@randy9046]

@@AdamsTaiwan yep, it seems that having second monitor in a portrait mode improves productivity as in these days multi tasking is a necessity as far as laptop monitor I use only for zoom meetings and chating.

[@Glowing1234]

Kevin, what software do you use to record like, Bandicam, Obs Studio, Streamlabs obs, what?

[@merydiaz95117]

Hi, thank you for your tutorial. It was very useful. English is not my first language but I was able to understand everything. Look, I am over 55 years old, and I am trying to set up this. I am an online Spanish tutor, I am doing this for my students. Thank you!!!

[@TAKXIInabin]

Great!! I am also a teacher in my school in Nepal and this video helped me to setup my monitors. Now I can help my students.

[@zach_zzi]

@@TAKXIInabin Telling by your name, I don’t think your a Teacher….

[@Hollowww841]

@@zach_zzi telling by your name, I don’t think your over the age of 12

[@RiotWarrior11]

Can't type now for some reason

[@iashtroflame6101]

@@Hollowww841Daymn LMAOO

[@Scottie404]

Kevin has the absolute best tutorials on tech on YT. Thanks for all your help - keep them coming!

[@kmoney604]

yeah but you didnt teach us how to get it like your thumbnail

[@Paulie8K]

Funny enough I went through all these steps in the last few months. First I used my old laptop as a second monitor then that was laggy so decided to invest into a triple monitor setup. Multitasking heaven now. Great tutorial.

[@nyorxfr]

how did u use ur laptop as second monitor. Could u watch youtube on ur laptop while gaming?

[@Infernocyclops]

@@nyorxfr yea

[@easams101]

How do you connect 2 monitors to a laptop and have both show different things? When I connect with an HDMI splitter the 2 monitors I connected are showing same picture.

[@Paulie8K]

@@easams101 Windows Button + P then from the options choose "Extend." However, there are some HDMI splitters on Amazon that are only capable of mirroring your image so I'd double check the details on the listing page of the HDMI splitter if choosing extend does not work.

[@a.p3294]

​@@easams101I have the same issue

[@nataliemarch4667]

How Blessed all of us to have you teach us all those amazing things! Thank you, Kevin!

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the note Natalie!

[@ibnsaysTV]

Hi Kevin. I just want to let you know that you are one of the best teachers on KZbin. Any time I don't understand anything, I always search to see if you done a content on it. And usually your explanations are spot on. Thanks. You are amazing.

[@Lamamode3]

Ok?

[@susanmooney3415]

Extremely helpful video. The way you slowly and thoroughly explain things in a straightforward, simplified manner made everything so easy to understand. Thanks!

[@iharshgarg]

Love your videos as always. They are perfect, elaborate and to the point. You should be at 10M.

[@danwatkins6303]

Many thanks for your clear, walk through instructions - just what I needed! Thumbs up from me.

[@2010chalupa]

I have been doing web development for over 2 years and I finally decided to move to two monitors and your video really helped me to get started. And yes it took me too long to decide.

[@jacksan1]

Very clear and easy-to-follow instructions! Thanks so much!!

[@deedee67888]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm doing this setup for the first time in the not-too-distant future and I'll be watching this again at that point.

[@MrEdgarLeonard]

I am setting up a 2nd monitor at my work, and this video was extremely helpful. Thanks!!

[@MrsJerjev]

Great job Kevin, you explain it so clearly. Thank you

[@sithycity33]

This is an amazing tutorial. You, Kevin, just helped me from the beginning to the end on hooking up my dual monitors. Thanks very much. Your videos are the best.

[@seamusbrennan6302]

That was truly amazing Kevin. Yer a real pro. I got a technical ETAP 4 day webinar starting tomorrow and you just saved my life. ETAP would really appreciate a guy with your knowhow and teaching talent. They know how to do design but they don't really know how see it from the learners perspective like you do.

[@300lazio]

I just love your way of teaching. You are gifted to make something out of nothing. Keep up the good work.

[@MillenniumFalcon]

Thank you. I was trying to connect 2 additional monitors to my PC. I couldn't get wireless casting to work but I think its because my 3rd monitor doesn't support it. But your instructions were super helpful and I also learned some new controls I wasn't aware of before.

[@Suzan-n7p]

This is the clearest video I have watched about pc's in general. So easy to listen to and understand. Thank you Kevin.

[@jreds79]

Thank you for making your videos so accessible.

[@Fullblown671]

I love your sense of humor in your videos. lol! 😂

[@a.h.kfoury6909]

Hi Kevin, I love to watch your videos. You are an excellent teacher, not everyone can teach. It was a great video and super explained. I needed to know the difference between ports.👍 Thank you so much. God bless you.🙏🙏❤

[@VideoProcConverter]

Thanks for such an incredible share, super easy to follow.

[@Jojo77020]

Timely lesson for me. Thank you!

[@FredFreitas1962]

Wow!! Excellent video, straight to the point. Thanks from Brazil

[@cartersasa4481]

Thanks Mr. Kevin.. your videos are very helpful

[@systemcat80]

By an odd quark I now have two Windows tablets. Just for the fun of it, I want to have them linked together to act as a single screen. I think you've taught me here how to do that.🙂

[@DirtyBob2001]

Excellent. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@evelyncooper1299]

Excellent presentation, simple andstraight to the point. It told me everything I needed for my customer service at home business

[@Obscure_Titan]

Super cool man, you explained it soo soothing way. cheers mate, you got another fan of yours.

[@nardineg.5031]

Thank you so much!! I hade trouble moving my mouse up so it connected to the tv, your video was almost the only one I found that mentioned the position thing!!! thanksss

[@howardj2878]

Excellent presentation. Explained very well.

[@Golriin]

Thank you so much. I am not the smartest when it comes to computers so this really saved me a ton of time AND the explanation was 100% understandable

[@omaanshkaushal3522]

Unbelievable timing!! Just needed that for my final examination and he, the hero, comes in.... Thanks Kevin!!

[@techtipswithasb3321]

For what..... ??

[@henryml9999]

@@techtipswithasb3321 Basic Computer Use 101 final exam

[@Jrostily6400]

@@techtipswithasb3321 internet drivers licence in elementary school

[@zhotpotrecipe]

So you can use Google on another side. 🤣

[@omaanshkaushal3522]

For those who doubt it, an extra screen helps me to expand the windows more and avoid clogging

[@charulvyas8282]

Thank you for this! It was exactly what i needed! I was able to wirelessly connect to a spare laptop! Yay! Double the workspace within 15 minutes! 🎉🎉

[@MikesTECHonGod]

Thanks for the video Kevin, I really needed this, cus I am the one that projects on the projector in Church and this just explains all the magic that happens when you click GO LIVE.

[@jesus.moreno]

wouuuuuuuu more simple to explain .... impossible ... thank you Kevin!!!

[@confimonteclaire4461]

Thank you, I was so pleased with your video, the port graph was super helpful. I bet I actually purchased the right cable, and that would definitely be a first....😎😎😎😎😎

[@nn9762]

I was looking for this. MANY THANKS!!

[@austinb_vfx]

This Video was so helpful Thank You so much

[@leedon4433]

thx Kevin again for this useful tips

[@enanatube]

Thank you so much for the video you made helped me and taught me

[@kodedart2311]

I went through this ordeal recently, but on Linux. The key point here is the **docking station / dongle** with 2x monitor outputs and with **driver support** for the video chip. And because the majority of the chip manufacturers are supporting Windows and Mac only, you got hit and miss situation on Linux. But there is one awesome company that offers Linux drivers: DisplayLink. I love these guys, I love the dock I bought and won't look into any other product without DisplayLink inside. I only wish they are more vigilant with the latest kernel support, but no complains here! I'm typing this message with 2x monitors on my laptop :D

[@BeHappy-rq9ql]

Wow ...this is a great Video for multiple Display or Monitor issues bcz nowadays most organiznation asking to use 2 monitors without explanation 😀.... Thank you so much Kevin to help with types of monitor ports ...looking for cables... Display setting ... projecting screens.... Awesome 👌

[@sythical3513]

For sure, if you need any help just ask me, id be happy to help

[@easams101]

How do you connect 2 monitors to a laptop and have both show different things? When I connect with an HDMI splitter the 2 monitors I connected are showing same picture.

[@sythical3513]

@@easams101 You do not need a HDMI splitter for what your asking, so unfortunately it was a waste, a simple regular HDMI will just do the trick @easams101 on windows hold down the windows key, and click p at the same time. A pop-up should slide in on the right of your screen, there are multiple options: Duplicate: the one you have one which duplicates the screen from your main monitor on the second, being a mirror Second screen only: turns off your main display and uses only thr second one Primary display only: turns off your secondary display and uses only your main one Extend: the one you are looking for, makes it essential one giant screen where you can drag windows on and have different content showing and both screens on. After turning on extend mode, the pop-up should close and your second display to change, FOR RIGHT NOW KEEP YOUR CURSOR ONLY IN YOUR MAIN ORIGINAL DISPLAY after this go to windows settings and go to the search bar and search up display orientation, you should be seeing two boxes on the top, one box labeled one, and the other 2. You can click and hold each one to mimic your in real life display orientation. This allows you to move your mouse properly, between the two, for example if you have a 2ns monitor on your right side of your main, put the number 2 box next to the number on on the right side, I hope you get what im getting at. You can now test out the mouse and see if it smoothly crosses it properly like you want. Thats it! Drag windows and use it like usual. If you have questions feel free to ask, I hope I helped Anyways steps to get at what your looking for: on windows hold down the windows key, and click p at the same time. A pop-up should slide in on the right of your screen, there are multiple options: Duplicate: the one you have one which duplicates the screen from your main monitor on the second, being a mirror Second screen only: turns off your main display and uses only thr second one Primary display only: turns off your secondary display and uses only your main one Extend: the one you are looking for, makes it essential one giant screen where you can drag windows on and have different content showing and both screens on. After turning on extend mode, the pop-up should close and your second display to change, FOR RIGHT NOW KEEP YOUR CURSOR ONLY IN YOUR MAIN ORIGINAL DISPLAY after this go to windows settings and go to the search bar and search up display orientation, you should be seeing two boxes on the top, one box labeled one, and the other 2. You can click and hold each one to mimic your in real life display orientation. This allows you to move your mouse properly, between the two, for example if you have a 2ns monitor on your right side of your main, put the number 2 box next to the number on on the right side, I hope you get what im getting at. You can now test out the mouse and see if it smoothly crosses it properly like you want. Thats it! Drag windows and use it like usual. If you have questions feel free to ask, I hope I helped

[@sythical3513]

@@easams101 @easams101 You do not need a HDMI splitter for what your asking, so unfortunately it was a waste, a simple regular HDMI will just do the trick @easams101 on windows hold down the windows key, and click p at the same time. A pop-up should slide in on the right of your screen, there are multiple options: Duplicate: the one you have one which duplicates the screen from your main monitor on the second, being a mirror Second screen only: turns off your main display and uses only thr second one Primary display only: turns off your secondary display and uses only your main one Extend: the one you are looking for, makes it essential one giant screen where you can drag windows on and have different content showing and both screens on. After turning on extend mode, the pop-up should close and your second display to change, FOR RIGHT NOW KEEP YOUR CURSOR ONLY IN YOUR MAIN ORIGINAL DISPLAY after this go to windows settings and go to the search bar and search up display orientation, you should be seeing two boxes on the top, one box labeled one, and the other 2. You can click and hold each one to mimic your in real life display orientation. This allows you to move your mouse properly, between the two, for example if you have a 2ns monitor on your right side of your main, put the number 2 box next to the number on on the right side, I hope you get what im getting at. You can now test out the mouse and see if it smoothly crosses it properly like you want. Thats it! Drag windows and use it like usual. If you have questions feel free to ask, I hope I helped Anyways steps to get at what your looking for: on windows hold down the windows key, and click p at the same time. A pop-up should slide in on the right of your screen, there are multiple options: Duplicate: the one you have one which duplicates the screen from your main monitor on the second, being a mirror Second screen only: turns off your main display and uses only thr second one Primary display only: turns off your secondary display and uses only your main one Extend: the one you are looking for, makes it essential one giant screen where you can drag windows on and have different content showing and both screens on. After turning on extend mode, the pop-up should close and your second display to change, FOR RIGHT NOW KEEP YOUR CURSOR ONLY IN YOUR MAIN ORIGINAL DISPLAY after this go to windows settings and go to the search bar and search up display orientation, you should be seeing two boxes on the top, one box labeled one, and the other 2. You can click and hold each one to mimic your in real life display orientation. This allows you to move your mouse properly, between the two, for example if you have a 2ns monitor on your right side of your main, put the number 2 box next to the number on on the right side, I hope you get what im getting at. You can now test out the mouse and see if it smoothly crosses it properly like you want. Thats it! Drag windows and use it like usual. If you have questions feel free to ask, I hope I helped

[@michellealtman2934]

Kevin- thank you! I'm so glad I found this!

[@legalology268]

This was timely and helpful and easy to follow. Thank you so much!!!

[@forestplanneruk]

Brilliant, thank you! Was just the extend display and moving the screens around that got me.

[@calmmimah2608]

you got such a brilliant mind kevin, I always enjoy your videos I watched . thank you for helping people like me.

[@waltdisnenycopyright8048]

Well at 70 I need all the help I can get with computers, so thanx for your upload lol, subbed

[@rishikeshkalamkar2595]

Thank you for making the videos. Information is valuable. Please prepare videos on what is the roles and responsibilities of an it support engineer in Microsoft Company.

[@donnajimdar1875]

Very good ,I liked it Kevin,I have learnt a lot from your videos.Thank you .

[@BoomerBlogging]

Thanks Kevin - I run a Macbook Pro 16 (2019) in clamshell mode onto a 28" 4K Samsung monitor - and - for my Windows 11 world I have a Dell XPS 13 9305 on to a 32" BenQ - also in Clamshell mode. Not sure - but - have you done a Vlog on Clamshell or Closed Lid modes?

[@tpcthepatrickchannelOFFICIAL]

Very useful, I actually have 2 display ports on my laptop, and 2 USB-A ports, but since I'm using one of those, I can only use the other one for something, so if it wasn't for that, I've tecnically would've had 4 display ports.

[@miked6652]

Thanks for the valuable info. I have been using laptop(in tablet mode) with dual monitors, but the issue starts with slow down mouse and a dely when using Autocad and other technical softwares.

[@valevans]

Great tutorial! Do you know if I can use an old Mac as a wireless display?

[@chocciechippie4770]

Great tutorial! I'm gonna test out using my old HD TV as a 2nd monitor for my laptop for streaming via HDMI. Thanks a bunch!

[@KevinStratvert]

Sure thing!

[@desiva]

When i got confused technically i just check out your videos. Thanks Kevin :)

[@ramos1119]

Great, clear and short video, thanks bro 👍

[@krazzykrizz3986]

Exceptional Timing..Wow!👏

[@ashtavarun8924]

You are amazing, like literally the only person who gives me what i need thx a ton m8.

[@YasithDulshan-di1rw]

Great video, It is working perfectly! Thank you very much!

[@dannygeeish_]

Great tutorial for work and even better to use my 2 laptops at home as dual monitors. Great video thanks!

[@ericam1971]

Thank you Kevin for uploading this VERY helpful video I was able to make my second monitor work once I got to 4:03. You are a super helpful!!

[@OPC14]

Thanks Kevin! Super helpful video

[@missy10102]

Thank you for this video!! Im trying to hook up my second monitor using a display cable but it says I need an hdmi cable too? Did I do something wrong?

[@sviso71]

I have a sitting job that uses three monitors - you were very helpful in rearranging the original setup after I touched its setting without full understanding! However with three monitors I don't understand why the mouse pointer starts the path from monitor 2 instead of monitor 1, and it doesn't seem to me that rearranging the monitors as you explain, this affects how the mouse pointer moves.

[@woopityscoop2863]

Trying to hook up dual monitors to my setup and just thinking about how I want to go about it. I use computers a lot but it's been a while since I spent time learning. Good introduction back.

[@zetthefirst]

ty very much this helped alot, now i actually know what im doing instead of pressing random buttons i find

[@shahinalshah1386]

thank yo so much, always you are great cuz you provid all the details thanks my friend

[@Ujay_mk]

You've taught me python , obs ,and now this thanks man

[@Basstaco69]

Thank you this was helpful

[@qweenjeans8]

Kevin, thank you for this vid. I need my laptop and monitors to display different things at the same time. Thought I would need to buy two monitors. I have an older laptop to use as another monitor. You saved me a few hundred dollars! Would I need two mouse to control the external monitors?

[@KevinStratvert]

One mouse will work 👍

[@qweenjeans8]

@@KevinStratvert Thank you.

[@jasontrucker34]

I just came across this video, and hopefully it will be very helpful for me, in wanting to connect 3 tvs to it and not have to use the laptop screen

[@angelcoolin3693]

Thank you for this very informative!

[@SuperKevin523]

Hey Kevin, I have two identical monitors but one has the best looking resolution. I have two LG monitors. They are 144hz, 1080p, IPS and G-sync. Both are connected with a displayport. All the software and monitor settings are the same. But one looks beautiful and the second monitor looks like a 1999 desk. Like I said before, all the software and cables are setup the same.

[@mademoisellegoddess5714]

Thank Yoy A MILLION!!!!😊😊

[@jeremy6491]

that trashtaste podcast song at the end caught me off guard lmao. But thanks for the very informative vid

[@Lemony_Juice]

ive always loved double monitors but all ive ever had is a laptop so i got my other laptop and followed this and they work great

[@Alt-pe3vn]

I wish he specified which device to do the settings on. I am lost because I don’t know weather to do it on my monitor or my laptop

[@LADYDAlSY]

This was exactly what I was looking for!

[@gavriloaialuca-ioan8060]

I just need a displayport to hdmi cable and i can comnect the second screen this video was really helpful😊

[@racingpro1286]

thanks kevin. i am from sri lanka (Ceylon)🧡👍

[@sook9834]

Thank you very much. Very concise and clear illustration. Helps me LOADS. Appreciate.

[@teddyw.charawa8989]

Thank you,Sir!!

[@sirmium12]

best youtube channel...no question about it! let´s hit the 2 M mark!

[@d4zed_]

Agreed

[@BLUEPLANETJAZZ]

This is great--thank you!!!!

[@JeanetteSellsSunset]

That was very helpful!

[@EuroSportILX]

Thanks kevin! I got my ports and now I have two monitors connected

[@msmotovlogger]

Thanks man i learned new thig

[@teresaregueira3613]

Thank you so much

[@mofeed23]

Thanks Kevin !! Just got my second screen setup

[@BJinDenver]

Hi, Kevin. Thanks for the great tips. I got my second monitor set up just fine. That said, I can't make it work like I want. Here's my thing: I'm taking a class in Light room. I would like to watch the class on one screen (via internet) and work along with the teacher on Light Room (App) on the second monitor. Thanks for your help!

[@elyas-tavakkoli]

awesome video thanks -- can you please tell me what is the minimum requirements needed for the primary unit to support such action ? THANKS AGAIN ☺☺☺

[@AlainSylvestre]

Wow the trick to have a second screen with the use of a old computer. 5 star!!!!!

[@ZachDiaz-jy3sj]

You've helped me out, you also gained a subscriber

[@BlastinnBlazin]

omg thank you so much now i can double task

[@sabrinanahar8124]

Thanks a lot for this quick tip but detail video.

[@R.A.D6709]

Buddy your a huge help!

[@Frateloscast]

you are always helpful. thank you very much.

[@aravindvasudev7921]

Hi Kevin. Thanks for the video. I have a question. Do we need a dock for this setup? Or we can just connect the laptop with the monitor screen.