How to Hook Up a Second Monitor to My PC
The addition of a second monitor to your computer setup will help to increase your productivity and your ability to multitask. Two monitors will also allow you to visually separate tasks helping to keep your focus on one task at a time. This upgrade is becoming much more popular these days and is nearly plug and play. It is helpful to obtain a new monitor that is the same make and model as the monitor you already use. This will greatly enhance your dual monitor experience.
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Instructions
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1
Power down your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Remove the left (while the computer is facing you) computer case panel. This can be done by removing the two phillips screws that hold the panel to the case.
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Check for an available computer expansion slot on your motherboard. You should see two or three horizontal rectangular expansion slots that will allow you to expand the capabilities of your computer. These slots come in three types. PCI slots, VGA slots and PCI express slots. Identify which type of slot your have (see the link under resources for additional help) and purchase a video card to fill this slot.
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Remove the slot cover from the case that lines up with your available expansion slot. Usually this clot cover can be either popped out or removed by unscrewing a phillips screw that holds this cover on. Put your new video card into the appropriate expansion slot.
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Push the new video card into the slot. You may hear some crunching, this is normal. Be sure that the card is firmly seated into the slot. Secure the video card to the computer case by screwing it down using a phillips screw.
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Replace the computer side panel and the two phillips screws that hold it. Plug the new monitor into the new video card. Plug in and power up your computer. Ensure that both monitors are powered on. Your old monitor should continue to function as the primary display. This means the computer will display to that monitor first. The other monitor may flicker.
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Right click on the desktop of the computer once it is fully booted up. Select properties. Select the display tab by clicking on it. You will notice a drop down box that shows each monitor connected to your computer. Click on the second monitor and press enter. You will notice an empty box that says "extent my windows desktop to this monitor." Place a check mark in this box and your new monitor should go dark. When the monitor comes back on it will function as an extension of your old monitor. You should now be able to drag windows from one monitor to the other.
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Tips & Warnings
When working with computers, electric shock is always a hazard.
