How to Use Dual Monitors on a Computer

If you have never seen or used dual monitors when working or playing on a computer, you are missing out on a simple and fun tech trick anyone can learn. Dual monitors allow you to write and research in multiple documents with ease, multi-task with more efficiency and surf the Internet more quickly. Follow these easy steps to set up and use dual computer monitors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off the computer and hook up the two monitors. You may need to buy a port adapter according to the type of monitors and video card you have.

2. Power on the computer and right click on the desktop and a new window will pop up. An alternate way to get to this window is to go to "Start," "Settings," "Control Panel" and "Display."

3. Click on "Properties." A new window will pop up called "Display Properties."

4. Go to the "Settings" tab. Display box 1 and 2 will appear representing your two monitors.

5. Choose display number 2 by clicking on it. Monitor number 2 is the new monitor. Adjust the resolution so the resolution of monitor 2 matches the resolution of monitor 1.

6. Check the box that says "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor."

7. Hit "Apply" in the display properties window. Your new monitor should now be working. You can drag minimized windows and icons back and forth between the two monitors.

Tips & Warnings

• If using Windows Vista you will need to use the "personalization" settings. For more details on how to personalize displays see the related eHow article titled "How to change the Resolution Settings in Vista for Your Monitor."

Resources

• How to change the Resolution Settings in Vista for Your Monitor