How to Add a Monitor to Your Laptop on Vista
Windows Vista includes a feature that lets you add a second monitor to your laptop computer. To use this feature, your laptop must support multiple monitors. You don't have to limit yourself to a computer monitor. You can also add an HDTV as a second monitor if your Vista laptop has the right output ports. A variety of connection methods are available to connect your laptop to an additional monitor.
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Instructions
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Examine your laptop and extra monitor. Determine whether the laptop has an output port, such as a VGA, DVI or HDMI port. See if the monitor has a corresponding input port. If you're confused, consult the documentation that came with your laptop and monitor. Purchase a cable to connect the laptop and monitor, if necessary.
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Turn off your computer and your additional monitor. Connect the laptop to the monitor using the appropriate cable. Turn on your laptop computer, and then turn on your extra monitor.
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Click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Click "Mobile PC." Under "Windows Mobility Center," select "Connect to a projector or other external display."
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Click "Connect Display." Within the "New Display Detected" window, choose the way you want to use your additional monitor. "Mirrored" reproduces the exact same display on each monitor. "Extended" spreads your Windows Vista desktop across both monitors. "External display only" turns off the built-in monitor on your laptop and causes the desktop to appear only on the second monitor.
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Click the "Change Display Settings" button in the "External Display" Windows Mobility Center window. Click "Identify Monitors" to ensure that your monitors are set up the way you want. Select the monitor marked "1," and then click and drag the slider beneath "Resolution" to change the settings. Select the color depth from the "Color" drop-down menu. Choose the monitor marked "2" and repeat the setup for resolution and color.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can't find your user guides, you may be able to download a copy from the manufacturer's website. Some computers also have a copy of the user guide installed on the hard drive.
DVI provides higher resolution than VGA when connecting a computer to an LCD monitor. Due to its support of 720p and 1080p resolution, HDMI is a better choice when connecting your laptop to an HDTV.
Never disconnect an additional monitor from your laptop while the computer or the monitor is turned on.
