How to Add a Second Monitor to a Laptop

A second monitor helps you be more productive with your laptop.

Smaller screens on laptop computers make them convenient when on the road. Still, when you need to use your laptop in your home, adding a second monitor allows you to view several applications at once and get more work done. Adding a second monitor to your laptop is not that difficult and only takes a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop
• External monitor (CRT or LCD)
• Monitor cable

Instructions

Connect the External Monitor and Laptop

1. Shut down your laptop.

2. Locate the blue VGA video port on the rear of the notebook computer. Most laptops have a VGA port for connecting a second monitor or a projector.

3. Plug in the power cord for the external monitor into an empty electrical socket. Connect the monitor's video cable to the VGA video port on the back of the laptop.

4. Turn on the external monitor first and then the laptop. Wait for Windows to start.

Adding the Monitor in Windows 7

1. Right-click an open space on the Windows 7 desktop, then click the "Screen resolution" option on the pop-menu.

2. Click "Extend these displays" in the drop-down box next to the "Multiple displays" label, then click the "OK" button.

3. Adjust the "Resolution" and "Orientation" settings to your liking, and then click the "OK" button.

Setting up a Second Monitor in Vista

1. Click Start" and then "Control Panel." Wait for the main "Control Panel" window to open.

2. Click the "Mobile PC" option link. In the new window, click the "Windows Mobility Center" link.

3. Click on the "External Display" tab and then the "Connect display" option. Click the "OK" button to finish.

Windows XP Instructions

1. Right-click anywhere on the XP desktop, then click "Properties" on the pop-up menu.

2. Click the "Settings" option in the "Display Properties" window.

3. Select the new external monitor in the "Display" list, then click the "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" option in the drop-down list. Click the "Apply" or "OK" button.

References

• CNET Reviews: Ask the Editors - Hook Up a Monitor to a Laptop
• Microsoft: Windows XP - Using Multiple Monitors in Windows XP
• Microsoft at Home: Two Monitors are better than One
• Microsoft: Windows XP - Expand Your Workspace with Multiple Monitors