How to Connect Two Monitors to One CPU

You must have at least two video display ports on your PC to run two monitors. Examine the panel of your CPU to see which connections you have. Video Graphics Array (VGA), Digital Video Interface (DVI), S-Video and High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are common on most modern computers. You will also need to make sure that your monitors have the same video ports as your PC, so you can connect with the appropriate video connection cable.

Things You'll Need

• 2 video connection cables

Instructions

Monitor One

1. Examine your first monitor and the panel of the CPU to find a video port they have in common. Obtain the appropriate video cable required to connect the two devices. For example, if you find your first monitor and CPU both have VGA ports, you will need a VGA video cable to connect them.

2. Connect the video cable to the monitor's video port.

3. Connect the other end of the video cable to the video port of your CPU.

4. Connect monitor one to its power source. Then turn it on.

Monitor Two

1. Examine your second monitor and the panel of the CPU to find a video port they have in common. Obtain the appropriate video cable required to connect the two devices. For example, if you find your second monitor and CPU both have DVI ports, you will need a DVI video cable to connect them.

2. Connect the video cable to the second monitor's video port.

3. Connect the other end of the video cable to the corresponding video port of your CPU.

4. Connect monitor two to a wall outlet. Press the "Power" button to turn it on.

5. Turn on your CPU.

Tips & Warnings

• Edit your Display Settings through the Control Panel, if necessary.

References

• Microsoft: Two Monitors Are Better Than One
• Dell: How do I Connect a Monitor to a Computer?