How to Enable a Third VGA Monitor

Multi-monitor setups are convenient when working with multiple programs.

The ability to use multiple monitors on a single computer can be an extremely useful feature for multitasking. With more than one monitor enabled, you can view multiple programs and/or documents at once without having to shrink windows in a single screen. If your video adapter (also known as video/graphics card) has three video connections, you can enable a third monitor to use with your current two.

Things You'll Need

• Compatible monitor (to be compatible it must have a video connection matching the free connection on your video card) and video cable (usually VGA, DVI or HDMI)

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and connect the monitor cord (VGA, DVI, S-Video or HDMI) to your computer video card's "Video-out" port.

2. Connect the other end of the cord to your monitor. Ensure both ends are connected snugly. If it is a VGA/DVI connection, hand-tighten the connected screws until snug.

3. Turn on your computer. Right-click on your desktop, select "Personalize" and click "Display Settings." Select your new monitor from the drop-down menu under "Display," and then click "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor." Click "Apply" and "OK" to save your settings and begin using your third monitor.

References

• Microsoft: Expand your workspace with multiple monitors