How to Have Two Screens on Your Computer

Have Two Screens on Your Computer

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It is possible to have two separate monitors running off the one computer. A very handy feature to have as well, especially if you're somewhat restricted in screen space by the size and resolution of your primary monitor.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

A dual output video card
Two screens

Step1

First, you need to have the right video card(s)

-A new video card with dual monitor outputs. Many video cards currently on the market have some dual output functionality, either through TV-out, another analogue monitor port, or a DVi port (a new, digital interface for monitors. Usually comes with an adaptor to convert to the old analogue port).

-Another, PCI based video card alongside your current card. You could use an AGP card if your AGP slot is currently unoccupied, but only if your current video card is PCI based. You can't use an AGP card and onboard video (that is, built into your motherboard) together, unless the onboard video is PCI based (which is quite rare nowadays). Also, if you have an nVidia nForce1 based motherboard (check your motherboard manual), you can't use PCI video cards.

Step2

DVI to VGA Adaptor.

If you have a very new, and fancy graphics card, you may need a DVI-VGA adaptor if your 2nd monitor only accepts a VGA (non-digital input)

Step3

Once you have the video card in, and the monitor connected, you'll need to right-click on the desktop and go to 'properties'.

Tips & Warnings

You don't have to settle for just 2 screens. You can have 2, 3, 4 or as many as 10 displays running off of one computer.
If Windows doesn't see your 2nd monitor, try restarting it.