Laptop and Two Monitors - No Dock Required

This is a follow up video on unexpectedly popular upload where I showed how to connect all up using a Dell USB Type C port replicator. Be sure to check it out if you have one.
Please do check if your laptop supports USB Tupe C display function or is it only for charging. If the latter you would need USB 3.0 dock.
0:00 Intro
0:14 Hardware Required
0:24 Laptop Overview
0:48 Monitor, Cables, Adapters Etc.
1:34 Connecting Up Monitors
2:16 Connecting Up Laptop
3:11 Powering All Up
3:30 Configuring Windows 10
4:02 Outro
Devices used in this video:
DELL Latitude 5410 laptop
DELL P2419H monitors
DELL keyboard & mouse
Anker USB-C to HDMI Adapter

[@rukshanvidanagamage9788]

just need more content creators like YOU!. no bogus! straight to the point, you wont be left with questions, if someone cant understand this video and this gentleman's explanation, god bless them. AMAZING WORK! you just solved my problem in less than 4min.

[@Edsdrafts]

Hey. Thanks for kinds words, glad could help.

[@TheGearDudes]

OMG, that was the best video on how to do this. I didnt even need to buy any cables! i had it all to go, just a few setting adjustments. THANK YOU!

[@perrypereyra6671]

damn this is probably the most comprehensive tutorial I've ever seen. good job and thanks mate!

[@djimbrong]

no lengthy intro, no filler words, just get to the point, what a rare tutorial i find these days excellent video, sir

[@Edsdrafts]

You are most welcome and thank you for kind words.

[@rosswilson7713]

Excellent video. Had to set up my wife’s dual system, and this worked perfectly! You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Thanks for your kind words. Glad could help.

[@donjoel6754]

Thank you sir. I really appreciate the short concise instructions. Starting out can be quite daunting but also fun.

[@MrsSweetness06]

I know this video is two years old, but it was exactly what I was looking for. I have spent over 40 minutes trying to figure out what was wrong with my screens and you helped me in the matter of minutes thank you.

[@catrinagibson9329]

Thank you so much. You have literally saved me hours of trying to work this out, and also $$ in restoring to buying an expensive hub :). In addition, I learned a few extra things. So grateful :D

[@MinistryOfCommonSense]

Amazing!!!! Thank you so much for this. The wires I ordered come today and then following your instructions and it's worked perfectly.

[@maxisuresh]

Exactly What I was looking for a solution to connect multiple monitors to MAC (One has HDMI, Second Monitor has VGA Port). Big Thank you!

[@FeiyanLiu-kn5cx]

Your videos have helped me a lot, very concise and clear, no complicated and obscure expressions and very realistic! I hope you keep doing them, I've become a fan!

[@dreamerforever6513]

This is a good learning video. Your clear instructions are easy to follow. Thank you.

[@aCitizenJOSerased]

Really nice and subtle editing here and there.

[@MedenEshete]

After I watched your video you saved me from buying a docking station and made it work using the two hubs I already have. now I have tripled what I can use for all. Thanks

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Glad could help. If you are aiming for hub in future - I strongly recommend Lenovo USB 3.0 Ultra docks. They can be found for very little money used. Companies literally throw them away these days even though they have nearly identical functionality as far as Ethernet, two 1080p 60Hz screens, keyboard, mouse and other USB accessory concerned.

[@ms.coston9862]

Many Thanks!!!I looked at many videos on this but only this one showed the cables that I could understand!!!

[@jmb4962]

Thank you for uploading this. Very helpful. Solved my issue quickly.

[@Pookiepris]

This solved the setup I was trying to do, thank you for the video, easy explanation

[@rodneymesina7634]

This is exactly what I needed. I bought an HDMI adapter only to find out that the seller gave me an HDMI Splitter so it only duplicate my display and not extend. So I bought an HDMI to USB Type C adapter to try if it will work and glad that I came across to your channel. I was planning to buy a dock station too 'coz I'm hopeless glad you saved me from spending on expensive ones. Now I'm confident that it will work. We have the same equipment tho, I'm using Dell 5310 with the same monitors as yours. Bless your soul :)

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Thank you for kind words. Keep in mind, older USB 3.0 docking stations are also still quite good, you can get used ones for very little money.

[@kekbur249]

I am having the same problem and just ordered a HDMI to USB Type C adapter. Hoping that works.

[@mmahesh0162]

Amazing video. You put it simple and slow and exactly explained what I was looking for. You exactly hit the need.

[@Rfh78]

Thank you. I'm gonna be working from home and I need to set up my home office soon. This is what I was looking for. 😊

[@GnanPra]

You just made my day!! Thank you sir!

[@opeoyelana4048]

This was brilliant. Thank you very much. This was the perfect solution to my problem.

[@pauljackson4894]

Excellent video thank you, very helpful and informative

[@jamila2957]

After watching your video I was able to set up my work command center in no time flat!

[@GIRLS_WALK_TALK_VAN]

Thank you for the tip. I have at work a nice ($300) hub for connecting everything, but I can't bring it home when I WFH. The adaptor is an affordable way to connect the laptop to dual monitors.

[@Edwin-ne3br]

LIFESAVERRRRR!!! I BOUGHT differents splitter or similar devices and nothing worked as I wanted !!! BUT this simple trick just was perfect!!!!

[@andresfelipe4840]

Great video, I’ve been searching something like this for a while with no results until now. I actually have the same computer, so thanks

[@haize198]

Nice one I like it !! Sweet and Simple

[@jesswilson6870]

This was fantastic!! Thank you!!

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi Jess. Glad could help.

[@florindagonzalez5700]

I never considered this type of set up. I had to see it to get the idea. I'm thinking gonna do that now.😊

[@arechj]

Very helpful! Thanks so much!

[@PMaxJ]

Not bad. However, the key info on USBC is missing! The USBC port MUST be either a 'display port' (look for D type logo next to it, OR Thunderbolt (look for a thunderbolt arrow next to it). If not most likely you have USB type C SS which is only useful for charging-i.e no vid output.

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. That's correct. Biggest issue is that USB Type C is just a connector type and the rest depends on wiring, very misleading for consumers. USB standards have gone downhill lately in my opinion.

[@sharoncoote7424]

Thanks. Very clear and easy to follow.❤

[@AndySimpson1969]

Perfect!! Thank you

[@sandwich2473]

Very nice! Quite handy

[@user-zj4wo1yy1i]

Thanks. Dock is useful for connect or disconnect all things at one time.

[@jailsinghrajaputra]

Thank you for the valuable information

[@winnonjnindranraja5004]

Dear Friend.. Thanks very much for the VIDEO.. Was very helpful. Keep making videos like this.. Keep up the good work.. All the best to you.. Best regard, Jude.

[@serabanivanua5110]

Great video. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@microvirus]

Amazing. I will do this one day

[@soufianeakabouzz6812]

Great vid bro!!

[@sdivakar1459]

Super.....thanks for the suggestion

[@ivymukherjee4639]

Thank you so much!!! Love from India♥

[@ashokkumars9856]

Thanks bro it worked for me

[@ChiTwnCutie]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!!

[@xuanquangnguyen2291]

THank you so much, very useful vidro

[@sharoncarter8823]

Great tutorial. I have added my 2 screens but it seems to only accept 1 screen at a time otherwise the 3rd screen goes blank and the 2nd screen just keeps flickering. How do I correct this?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Check your cables, be sure you use Display Port or HDMI where possible and not VGA via adapters.

[@CanaldoCaverninha]

I have the same problem, did you fix it?

[@sahnyashiels2723]

@@CanaldoCaverninha alot of laptops do not support two external monitors as the usbc port doesn't support display

[@mmahesh0162]

I am also facing the similar issue . Still Trying to resolve.

[@sauravdebnath3799]

Thank you kind sir 🤗

[@adnansami7089]

Thank you so much, you resolved my issue...From India

[@Edsdrafts]

You are welcome.

[@IceTeaa07]

This deserves a LIKE button.

[@cjames9320]

I want to make sure im doing this properly, because the monitor with the type-c to HDMI won't detect the signal. For that monitor, the special USB cord also has to be connected, right? Maybe I'm missing something

[@adhwake]

Hi. Great video! If i have to connect two laptops to a single monitor and use both together, would pip be the only way to go or can a two monitor solution be more cost effective somehow?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Two monitors would be easier to use. Very few support two devices output and most that do scale it down. Switching is a pain as well as you have to go through menus in most cases and even the monitors that have a dedicated button take approx 5sec to change between inputs.

[@ashokp4536]

@@Edsdrafts Is the idea of connecting two laptops by LAN cable, viewing shared folders on a single monitor or an external screen bad?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Not sure why would you do it this way. Just connect to a wireless access point and you will get your network to move files over.

[@DARNEJITENDRA]

Thank You... This is the most useful video on Using the USB type B Upstream Cable.

[@vittoriomezzamusic2209]

Hello and thank you very much for your interesting video. I have a question for you. I need to connect my Lenovo Ideapad Flex15 i7 (2014) to 2 monitors: one is an LG tv (quite old) and one is a newer Samsung screen. I would like to have 3 independent screens (1, 2, 3), exactly as in your nice video! At the moment I'm using the HDMI port from my laptop to the HDMI splitter, then going to the 2 monitors (HDMI). So Windows recognizes 2 screens only, 1 and 2 (doubled) . On my laptop there are 3 standard USB ports, 1 HDMI, 1 ethernet. Can I connect the third monitor through an USB cable from my laptop to the HDMI monitor port? Not using any HDMI splitter? If so, does my video card support this third monitor or do I need to get an external video card? In this case can you suggest any ones to connect through USB? Lastly, are there any other options for connecting 3 monitors to get 3 separate screens? Thank you very much in advance for your help. Best

[@theperfectcoder6057]

Thanks for guide

[@yingknudsen4408]

Thank you for your help Now I can use 3 ,monitors

[@eduardobecerra6897]

Great video, thank you! One question, if you close the lid of the laptop, can you still use the two external screens independently? Thanks,

[@spb43sainik]

Yes you can

[@philipameara519]

Could not extend laptop screen to x2 HP EliteDisplay E243 monitors using splitter. Your video greatly helped. Thank you tumas✔✔

[@MSHL007]

Amazing

[@ellcheektos8053]

good job

[@joaotiagomamederibeiro3643]

Thank you for the tutorial. Have one question a bit different from the goal of this video. Not sure if you have also a video for that but i couldn't find it so far. What if one wants to have a KVM Switch to manage a dual monitor setup and respective USBs attached to the laptop to switch between 2 laptops? My laptop only has one HDMI which i believe forces me to have an HDMI Switch but there are plently and expensive. KVM HDMI Switch is already expensive as well. Any insights you can provide? Thank you in advance

[@jaeminlee804]

Thank you for the great instruction. Could you please explain why you need a the USB type-B cable connection? You mentioned in the video that it is to "use the hub on the monitor to power all the devices". But each monitor is connected with a power cable so I wonder if this USB type-B cable is really necessary.

[@scrunch7762]

It connects the USB ports on the monitor to the laptop, so you can plug in peripherals via the monitor.

[@michaelowino4829]

@@scrunch7762 is that connection mandatory if the peripherals will be connected on the laptop

[@Pranav_Chamoli]

nope@@michaelowino4829

[@Pranav_Chamoli]

but connecting peripherals to the monitor is helpful if you have dual PCs but common monitors

[@jatankothari2145]

Thanks a lot for sharing. I still didn't get why we need USB 3.0 cable? Can you please explain?

[@indujain1424]

Thank you so much for this video as it is really helpful. Great Job 👍

[@brucebatmanwayne8514]

Thanks mate

[@nayeemakhtar1]

Thank you

[@alfalanga4w]

Hi there, very thanks for this video. Question: I have two old monitors (they have no HDMI), is this approach workable with VGA monitors?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. In some cases you can get HDMI to VGA converters or similar to accomplish this. Please check other comments on using older dock like Lenovo USB 3.0 Pro Dock instead. They are very inexpensive and EBay should be full of them.

[@emilyjade3558]

Your videos and explanations are really helpful. Thank you. Question; I have a monitor that I use via hdmi to my laptop and was just given a second monitor with DP ports, no hdmi. Am I able to do this, connect laptop to 1st monitor with hdmi and then connect 1st monitor to 2nd monitor with DisplayPort cable? Thank you!

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi Emily. Yes, you can connect one with DP and another with HDMI - no issues there. Having said that - you cannot connect monitor to monitor. Each monitor has to connect to laptop or to dock that connects to laptop.

[@emilyjade3558]

@@Edsdrafts ok that makes sense, thank you for your response! I have one connected to laptop with hdmi and the other connected to a USB c hub with VGA, the resolution is really zoomed in on the VGA (~400x600) and I cannot change it but it is working for some tasks. Will try and find a different cord option at some point.

[@michaelgarcia498]

Hey there! I have a laptop with 2 monitors. Though there are enough ports, am I wrong for thinking that all can be connected via 2 HDMI cables? 1 HDMI cable from monitor 1 to monitor 2 and 1 HDMI cable from monitor 2 and the laptop? Thanks a bunch!

[@marlonhodge2785]

Thank you sir

[@gireeshkodali1231]

Hi, thanks for the video. I already have a P2419HC dell monitor. I am trying to purchase a P2419H dell monitor. Do you foreee any problem with the connection?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Sounds like the same monitor, possibly different extras in the box. Once you can use HDMI and DP virtually any recent monitor will work.

[@patrickpayton416]

THANK YOU! 🎉

[@Edsdrafts]

You're most welcome.

[@ralphadriannecauilan710]

Hello, Sir. I am hoping you could help me with my problem. Currently, I am using an Acer Swift 3 with a USB-C port. I have been planning to set up 2 monitors for my laptop, so I bought a USB-C to HDMI adapter. However, when I tried using the adapter, it won't work. A pop-up notification is telling me that the USB might be limited. Is there something I can do to make this work?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi Ralph. Have a quick read through comments, I believe your issue is that your USB Type C port only supports charging, not display output. If so I don't think there is an easy fix for this other then getting USB 3.0 dock via Type A port.

[@bryantm82004]

Title: Laptop and Two Monitors - No Dock Required, watch video.. requires type-c expansion dock.. lol

[@Edsdrafts]

Not quite, just a USB C to HDMI "dumb" adapter.

[@Jpch1004]

Thanks mate, will skip the video 😊

[@zacherius137]

Saved me time watching. Tnx

[@Mark98T]

Wow look what we have here... IF you have TYPE C MALE TO HDMI MALE cable then you don't need type c male to hdmi female adapter (or as YOU called 'type c expansion dock') or If you have monitor with type c input, then a type c male to type c male cable is enough...

[@ninthseeker2541]

It's just an adapter, do you even know what a dock is? People like you who don't know anything should really know when to put your mouth in the right place.

[@steamboatrealestateteam3586]

Is there a way to connect to 2 monitors to my desk computor. The computor has on one spot to add a screen. We did it before with older screens but these are new dell monitors. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Your video was great.

[@Edsdrafts]

You can always buy inexpensive GPU like GT 1030 or similar to have better performance and more ports. Or something older and used if budget is an issue.

[@jakeihekona7018]

Best video to explain this solution! Just had to make this comment.

[@dularakavindu1743]

Thanks 🎉❤

[@kristenadamson1604]

Thank you for this video! I would really appreciate your help regarding the following problem. I did not have a USB 3.0 cable that came with my monitors. I have an HDMI plugging directly into my Lenovo ThinkPad laptop from one monitor and then the other monitors HDMI cord plugged into a USB C to HDMI adapter that is plugged into the laptop. Currently, I can only get the monitor whose HDMI cord is plugged directly into the laptop to work, but the other monitor attached to the adapter is not working. What am I missing? My Dell monitors are Dell S2421HS and only have ports for HDMI (HDCP 1.4), audio line-out and DisplayPort 1.2. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

[@andreasandrikopoulos1157]

Did you find any solution ?

[@Pranav_Chamoli]

I think your type c port is not a thunderbolt or display port, look for thunderbolt sign or D sign beside the port

[@yuniorbb879]

Bro, is your laptop type c port 3.1 gen 2 or 3.2 gen 2? Do you think a MSI leopard gp3 8re laptop is capable of supporting an external laptop with a USB type c port?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Not sure, had the laptop borrowed for the video. More details on Dell site for sure. As for your laptop what do you mean external laptop to it? Did you mean dock? If so do check MSI technical specs. All should be there.

[@varunreddy3059]

Best video

[@NewKnicks31]

I was wondering if this can be done using a wireless HDMI extender and receiver going to a hdmi splitter then sending the signal to two separate monitors

[@user-mm3li7ep8c]

would like get your advice if the monitor only with VGA, can i use the VGA - HDMI convertor and can function as extended screen? Thanks

[@bilalmunam8660]

Thank you :)

[@salihk5235]

Got one question, I am also using a Dell P24195 with a latest Lenovo laptop. My qeustion is if we are connecting to external monitor do this effect the laptop battery? do we need to connect the laptop to power all time?

[@IzoFoxUA]

Can we connect one monitor to laptop through HDMI and two monitors between them (HDMI OUT to HDMI IN)? I mean monitors, like Dell P2422HE? Will it work like two separate monitors?

[@blueskiez]

THANK YOU!!!

[@Edsdrafts]

You are most welcome Natasha, glad could help.

[@gymzilla12]

Is there a way to connect audio directly to the monitor? Like I have an hdmi switcher for my computer and PlayStation, but I always have to switch the usb chord when I want to switch devices, is a usb switcher my only option?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Not sure what you mean, sorry. If you have a monitor with multiple devices connected yes you can swith between them easily via monitor controls, no need for HDMI switcher. Convenient but not essential. As for switching USB, unless monitor has that functionality - yes you will need some sort of USB switcher. A good HDMI switcher would also have USB switching options but is not cheap. So if you have an inexpensive way of switching that is not too inconvenient - keep it that way.

[@friendly2759]

Is this USB-C a thunderbolt port or just a regular USB-C?

[@maneshkurkute8146]

Hello Sir - Nice Video. Thanks. Need your guidance please. I am planning for triple monitor setup - 1 laptop and 2 monitors 24" FHD. Laptop has USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4, USB charging). Monitors have HDMI port (2.0) and DisplayPort (1.2). What is the best way to create this setup with extend display option.

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. I'd say easiest way is to get USB C to HDMI adapter for one monitor and simply use DP cable for the other.

[@maneshkurkute8146]

@@Edsdrafts Thanks for taking time out for this. And my apologies for creating confusion. I will try to rephrase. It is windows laptop. It has 1 HDMI port and 1 Type C port (this Type C port supports DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4). Objective is to have extend display mode on all 3 screens. Will any of the below options work seamlessly? Apologies again for making this lengthy. I am really confused. Just trying to have clarity before making all the purchases. Appreciate your assistance. Option 1 - USB C to Dual HDMI Adapter - Type C end connects to laptop's type C port and use HDMI cables to connect one end to monitor's HDMI port and other end to this adapter's HDMI port. Option 2 - USB C to Dual DisplayPort Adapter - Similar to above - instead of HDMI Adapter, this is DisplayPort Adapter and need to use DP cables instead of HDMI cables. Option 3 - Is there any other better way?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. Sure, no worries. I'd go for single port single display, just like in the video and avoid any splitters or active aka powered adapters. Simple is always better.

[@maneshkurkute8146]

@@Edsdrafts Thanks a lot ! Appreciate your patience and guidance !

[@NangHawkMustang]

Great video...thanks What is the cable at 1:16 for ?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. That's for connecting monitor to act as USB hub, you can then connect your keyboard, mouse etc. to monitor while using only one USB port on your laptop.

[@hoangluto48]

Hello bro. This method can support full performance of each monitor (Resolution, Hertz,..) or Not ?

[@arelygarcia1737]

Do you have a video of how to connect two monitors without the laptop. I didn’t get Display cable just two Type b and HDMI

[@gulmariyazhapakova2512]

Hi, is it required that two monitots should have USB type C or HDMI will be enough?

[@jacksonxbaj]

I'd like to set up a dual monitor system to extend my display & use different independent applications on each screen from the same desk top computer. I have an office job & this set up would be for working from home. I'm looking to purchase an additional used inexpensive VGA connectable LCD monitor for this set up & I'm on a bit of a budget. My desktop tower has only one VGA port which is already being used by my current monitor. The only other ports I have available are USB ports and a single old school serial port (no HDMI ports). Is there a specific adapter that I can use to do a dual monitor extended display? I thought the answer would be a VGA Y Splitter Cable but apparently from what I've been reading the VGA Y Splitter Cables will only allow for dual monitor "mirroring/exact duplicate displaying" which is useless for what I need. Please help! My desktop computer is a Dell OptiPlex 7010 /16 GB RAM, 2 TB HDD/WIN 10 PRO/ Core i5-2400 3.10GHz - if this information is of any help.

[@Edsdrafts]

As you have a desktop PC you have couple of options. One is to check if your 7010 also has a display port, if so it will accommodate DP, HDMI or VGA via inexpensive adapter. If not get an inexpensive low profile or full height PCI Express GPU depending on form factor of your 7010 and you will have at least 2 outputs. Eg. NVidia 710 or 1030.

[@jacksonxbaj]

@@Edsdrafts Thank you for these suggestions.

[@user-gy8rn9np4s]

Thanks

[@orenp8720]

Maybe you can assist me with a problem I have, The monitors have only VGA and DP ports, and they are both DELL E2720H FULL HD monitors. In addition, I have a DELL Vostro laptop with a USB type C port and HDMI port. I wonder if I can use 3 screens as you did with this setup. I have a HDMI to DP cable for the first screen, a DP cable for the second screen, and a type C converter to DP that I hope will work. Would it be able to display three screens or would it not work? Is there another way I can reach you, perhaps by mail? Thank you!

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi Oren. Your setup seems all good. One thing to keep in mind is HDMI to DP, make sure it is not built the other way around, I have seen issues in these cases. Overall should work, yes.

[@Dessertpvnk]

Do I need the stuff on the back of the monitor? Can I just connect the USB-C/HDMI to one monitor and the HDMI on the laptop to the other monitor?

[@sarabayat6436]

I am having trouble connecting 3 monitors with a laptop. Any suggestions? I’m using Dell docking station with 2 display port and a HDMI, but as soon as I connect HDMI for a third monitor, it doesn’t work. Only two monitors stay active. Any advice is appreciated.

[@bh3170]

Great Video. btw I'm using the same laptop model for my work. planning to buy a 4k monitor with type-c, will it run at 60hz by default?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. You need to check your laptop specs just to be sure, especially if you run 2 monitors.

[@khaldrogo8193]

Great video. Thank you. One question: (sorry if too basic).. what's the use of the cable at 1:17 / 2:33 please?

[@Edsdrafts]

Thank you. It is USB A to B cable. Usually used to connect some sort of peripheral to the PC. In this case it connects to monitor's USB hub allowing to "expand" USB connectivity by sacrificing one port in exchange for 4.

[@addye.5661]

If I don’t use this cable will this allow me to still connect 2 monitors ?

[@Edsdrafts]

@@addye.5661 yes it will, the cable is for USB devices as it is handy to have a USB hub on monitor but not essential and does not affect video signal.

[@addye.5661]

@@Edsdrafts hi, thanks for the reply. Will I be able to extend the monitors meaning not just duplicating? I’d like to be able to multitask and have a different program for each monitor ie excel on one monitor, email on another, and word on my laptop. Thanks!