How to use multiple monitors in Windows 10

After you’ve connected your Windows 10 PC to external displays, you can adjust the settings for each one.

Video: Connecting a monitor

Here’s a video on the basics of connecting to an external monitor.

Before you start

Before changing settings for your external displays, make sure everything is connected properly. Here’s what you can do:

Make sure your cables are properly connected to your PC or dock.

Check for Windows updates. To check for updates, select Start > Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Tip: If you’re using a wireless display adapter, connect to an HDMI port on newer TVs, then wirelessly connect your PC to it. After connecting your wireless display adapter to your TV, go to your Windows 10 PC and select Start > Settings > System > Display, then select Connect to a wireless display.

Rearrange your displays

You’ll see this option when Windows detects more than one display. Each display will be numbered to help you identify them more easily.

Identify a display

To see which number corresponds to a display, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Rearrange your displays, then select Identify. A number appears on the screen of the display it’s assigned to.

Detect a display

If you connected another display and it isn’t showing in Settings, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Rearrange your displays, then select Detect.

Arrange your displays

If you have multiple displays, you can change how they’re arranged. This is helpful if you want your displays to match how they’re set up in your home or office. In Display settings, select and drag the display to where you want. Do this with all the displays you want to move. When you’re happy with the layout, select Apply. Test your new layout by moving your mouse pointer across the different displays to make sure it works like you expect.

Change display options

After you’re connected to your external displays, you can change settings like your resolution, screen layout, and more. To see available options, select Start > Settings > System > Display.

Change orientation

Windows will recommend an orientation for your screen. To change it in Display settings, go to Scale and Layout, then choose your preferred Display orientation. If you change the orientation of a monitor, you’ll also need to physically rotate the screen. For example, you’d rotate your external display to use it in portrait instead of landscape.

Choose a display option

To change what shows on your displays, press Windows logo key + P. Here’s what you can choose.

See things on one display only.

See the same thing on all your displays.

See your desktop across multiple screens. When you have displays extended, you can move items between the two screens.

See everything on the second display only.

Second screen only

Related topics

Simply Windows on Youtube — These videos are only available in English

Introducing Windows 10X: enabling dual-screen PCs in 2020

[Pre-release product shown, screens simulated and subject to change]

Windows 10 is now on more than 900 million devices and we want to thank all of our customers around the world who use Windows 10 every day. Whether it is to run your business, browse the web, collaborate on documents, play games, create or learn, you inspire us and push us to continue to innovate and improve Windows 10. As long as we have been building it, Windows has also evolved based on the possibilities enabled by hardware innovation. Both with Surface and our ecosystem partners, we strive to bring the best of hardware and software together into experiences that better serve your needs.

Windows 10X: designed for dual-screen PCs

Today in New York we took another step in that journey and shared our vision for a brand-new category of dual-screen devices, including a sneak peek of Surface Neo, soon to be followed by devices from ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo. People are expecting more flexibility from their PCs—they want performant, highly flexible, fully capable and compatible devices that are at the same time delivered in a simple, sleek and, increasingly, mobile form factor. This new hardware requires an expression of Windows 10 that evolves to meet this opportunity. This is Windows 10X.

Windows 10X is the best of Windows 10 built to enable unique experiences on multi-posture dual-screen PCs. We have taken the Windows 10 that customers know and love and built Windows 10X in a way that marries the familiar with the new.

Flexible postures: meeting the increasingly mobile needs of today

Between work and family, our time is precious. With a dual-screen PC and Windows 10X, people can get things done on-the-go faster than ever: take notes on one screen while reviewing the full project proposal on the other while in transit; sit down at a table to write a thoughtful email on a hardware keyboard while waiting for lunch; and then watch a video, browse the web or read a book as you get back to your life.

For our commercial customers, we think this experience appeals to mobile professionals who want a device that can keep up when they’re on the go. We see these people looking at multiple charts and data at the same time to study complex problems or viewing a presentation on one screen while on a call and seeing the meeting participants in full video on the other, or having a reference article open while commenting on a document.

Technical approach: investing in Windows 10 with enhancements supporting dual screen under the hood

Fans of Windows 10 today will be able to use Windows 10X with practically no learning curve. The navigation and functionality will feel familiar and a Windows 10X PC will feel like a natural member of today’s Windows 10 family.

But Windows 10X also includes some advancements in the core technology of Windows that optimize it for flexible postures and more mobile use. We needed to deliver battery life that could drive not just one, but two screens. We wanted the operating system to be able to manage the battery effect of our huge catalog of Windows apps, whether they were written in the last month or five years ago. And we wanted to deliver the hardware performance and compatibility our customers expect from Windows 10.

To accomplish these goals, we didn’t wipe the slate clean and start over with a brand-new operating system. Our approach is an evolution of where we’ve been going with Windows 10 for the last few years.

For those of you not familiar, there are a common set of shared technologies in Windows 10 that unlock a whole host of devices across the spectrum from consumers to businesses and industries. Internally, we call these shared technologies “one core” but what matters most to customers is what they enable. Today, we build desktop PCs, Xbox consoles and HoloLens using this technology. Windows 10X joins the family, built on the latest investments in these shared technologies including newly implemented support for running Win32 applications in a container. This, together with further componentization and additional investments, gives us the power to deliver more flexible experiences with a wide range of input types and hardware postures all while managing Windows applications and how they use the battery. It also has the added benefit of allowing us to innovate in the shared technologies and quickly bring these across the devices built on top of them, allowing us to accelerate how innovation reaches the largest number of customers across a vast array of devices.

Availability, timing and ecosystem support

Windows 10X will be available on dual-screen and foldable devices starting in the fall of 2020, in time for the holiday season. These will include both Microsoft Surface and devices from several Windows ecosystem partners including ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo. The first wave of devices will vary in size, design and specs, and be powered by Intel.

Windows 10X is designed for new dual-screen PCs and not as an OS upgrade if you already own a PC. We are also continuously investing in improving the Windows 10 experience on desktops and laptops, while Windows 10X will enable a new class of PCs that will complement and co-exist with today’s Windows 10 PCs. And with the holidays coming up, there are more innovative Windows 10 PCs available than ever before including the broadest Surface line-up announced today in New York along with devices from all of our OEM partners.

We’ll also be engaging with our app developer ecosystem as Windows 10X presents unique opportunities for them to enrich their experiences with dual-screen PCs. We’ll have more to share on that in the coming months.

Thank you for your support of and interest in Windows!

We’re still in the early stages of this work but we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds. We’ll continue to listen, learn and adjust as we work towards next year. We cannot wait for everyone to experience how we continue to evolve Windows 10 for desktop PCs and now with Windows 10X for dual screens.

How to set up multiple monitors on Windows 10

Source: Windows Central

Whether you’re content creator, programmer, data analyst, gamer, or someone who’s recently been forced to work from home, a system with multiple monitors not only looks great, but it can significantly improve productivity when multitasking with several apps. However, a multi-monitor setup is only practical as long as you configure it correctly.

Windows 10 has several features and settings to support one, two, three, four, and even more monitors without the need for third-party software for the best experience.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through a bunch of tips to configure and use a multi-monitor setup, whether you’re connecting an external display to your laptop, or you’re connecting two, three, or more monitors to your workstation.

Before configuring a multi-monitor setup

Before configuring multiple monitors on your device, make sure that all the necessary cables are connected to the monitors and the computer. This includes connecting power and video signal using VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort (recommended) cables.

If you’re not sure, confirm the make and model of the monitor (usually from a sticker in the back), and search online for the manufacturer manual to get a better idea on how to connect the display.

How to rearrange multiple displays on Windows 10

While you can connect a monitor to any available video ports on the graphics card, when setting up a dual-monitor or triple-monitor setup, it’s easy to plug them in the wrong order. Although they will still work, you may run into issues using the mouse and running applications until you rearrange them correctly.

To rearrange monitors on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.

Under the «Select and rearrange displays» section, drag and drop each display to rearrange them according to their physical layout on your desktop.

Source: Windows Central

Quick tip: When rearranging monitors in the «Display» settings page, make sure that all monitors align at the top perfectly. Otherwise, you’ll have problems moving the mouse cursor between monitors from the corners.

Click the Apply button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will save the physical layout, and you’ll be able to work across each display and run apps without issues.

If you’re not sure which monitor you’re selecting, click the Identify button to figure out. If one of the monitors isn’t showing up, make sure it’s receiving power and connected correctly, and click the Detect button. In the case that you’re still having problems, reset their connections (or restart the computer), and try the Detect button again.

How to adjust displays scale and layout on Windows 10

When connecting one or multiple displays to a computer, Windows 10 does a pretty good job detecting and configuring the most optimal settings. However, depending on your requirements, you may need to adjust scaling, resolution, and orientation for each monitor.

Selecting correct scale

Windows 10 includes settings to adjust the scaling, which are useful when setting up various monitors of different sizes and screen resolutions to make text, apps, and other items look the same size across the displays. Or, if you have a 4K display, for example, adjusting the scale settings can help to make items bigger and more readable.

To select the correct scale setting that suits your requirements, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.
4. Under the «Select and rearrange displays» section, select the monitor that you want to adjust.

Use the Change the size of text, apps, and other items drop-down menu to select the appropriate scale option.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. 4 and 5 to change the scaling settings on the other monitors, and then click the Sign-out option to apply the changes.

While you can adjust the scaling settings on a per-monitor basis, when possible, it’s always best to use the same make and model of the monitors with the same configuration. Otherwise, you may run into issues, and Windows 10 may have problems scaling elements.

If you’re in the market for a second monitor to expand your laptop or desktop canvas, we recommend the Dell UltraSharp U2719D because of its accurate color reproduction, size, slim vessel design, VESA mount compatibility, and value.

Our pick

Dell UltraSharp U2719D

A new monitor with everything you need

Dell builds great quality monitors, and the U2719D is a good example. It has everything you need, including DisplayPort and HDMI, VESA support, 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels for anything you want to be done.

Custom scaling

To specify a custom scaling value, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.
4. Under the «Select and rearrange displays» section, select the monitor that you want to adjust.

Under the «Scale and layout» section, click the Advanced scaling settings option.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Custom scaling» section, specify the scaling size between 100 and 500 percent.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Apply button.

After you complete the steps, sign out of your account and sign back in to test the new settings. If the new scaling configuration doesn’t look right, use the same steps again and try a different value until you find a comfortable setting.

If you want to switch to the predefined scale settings, you must first turn off custom scaling and sign out. Otherwise, the option will be grayed out.

Selecting correct resolution

Usually, after connecting a monitor, Windows 10 will set the recommended pixel resolution automatically, but you can also change the resolution manually with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.
4. Under the «Select and rearrange displays» section, select the monitor that you want to adjust.

Under the «Scale and layout» section, use the Resolution drop-down menu to select the correct pixel resolution.

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, repeat steps No. 4 and 5 to change the resolution on the remaining monitors.

If you’re looking to make text and other items bigger on the screen, you should be changing the scaling settings, not the display resolution.

Selecting correct orientation

Windows 10 also allows you to rotate the screen horizontally or vertically, which is particularly useful when you have monitors with stands that rotate, and you want to use them with a different orientation for reading or coding.

To change the orientation per-monitor, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.
4. Under the «Select and rearrange displays» section, select the monitor that you want to adjust.

Under the «Scale and layout» section, use the Orientation drop-down menu to select the mode:

• Landscape.
• Portrait.
• Landscape (flipped).
• Portrait (flipped).

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, the display will shift to the orientation you selected.

How to select multiple displays viewing mode on Windows 10

Using the available settings, you can also choose the viewing mode for your displays. For example, if you’re using a second monitor, you can expand the main screen to the new display, or you can mirror both monitors, which is an ideal option when showing a presentation. If you’re using a laptop with an external monitor, you can even disable the main display, and only use the second monitor as your primary.

To change the viewing mode on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.
4. Under the «Select and rearrange displays» section, select the monitor that you want to adjust.

Under the «Multiple displays» section, use the drop-down menu to set the appropriate viewing mode:

• Duplicate desktop — Shows the same desktop on both displays.
• Extend — Expands the primary desktop to the secondary display.
• Disconnect this display — Turn off the selected monitor.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. 4 and 5 to set the display mode on the remaining monitors. Also, note that using these settings, you can make any of the monitors as your primary display.

Switching display modes with shortcut

In addition to using the Settings app, Windows 10 also allows you to switch display modes on the fly using the Project feature, which you can access using the Windows key + P keyboard shortcut.

Source: Windows Central

Once you invoke the shortcut, a flyout will open from the right side with four options, including:

• PC screen only — Only the primary display is used.
• Duplicate — Secondary displays will mirror the primary monitor.
• Extend — Both screens are combined to offer an extended desktop.
• Second screen only — Only the secondary displays is used.

Typically, when using a multi-monitor setup on a desktop or laptop, you want to use the «Extend» option. This allows you to use the primary monitor normally and the secondary monitors at their native resolution creating a single large canvas.

Duplicate is a good option when using a second monitor or projector to show a presentation. In contrast, the Second screen only option is great when you want to close the lid on a laptop and work only with the external monitor.

How to manage advanced display settings on Windows 10

Although it’s not always recommended to modify your advanced display settings, because not all monitors are created equal, sometimes, you may need to make a few adjustments to improve color accuracy and remove screen flickering.

Important: We only recommend adjusting the advanced settings if you have a rough idea of what to do. Typically, you should be fine with the default display settings.

Setting a custom color profile

If your monitors aren’t rendering the colors accurately, you can use a custom color profile to improve color accuracy using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.

Click the Advanced display settings option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Display adapter properties option for the display that you want to set a custom color profile.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Color Management button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Add button.

Source: Windows Central

On the «Associate Color Profile» page, click the Browse button and locate the new color profile.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Close button.

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. 9 through 13 to set a custom profile for the other monitors.

When configuring a custom color profile, you should use those created by your display manufacturer or from a trusted source. If you’re not sure, you can use these steps to download the correct color profile for your monitors.

Changing the refresh rate

Usually, a refresh rate (frames per second) of 59Hz or 60Hz is more than enough to operate a computer. However, if you’re noticing screen flickering, or if you have monitors that support a higher refresh rate, bumping the settings can provide a better and smoother viewing experience — especially for gamers.

To adjust the refresh rate of a monitor, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.

Click the Advanced display settings option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Display adapter properties option for the display you want to change the refresh rate.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Monitor Settings» section, use the drop-down menu to set the correct refresh rate.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat steps No. 5, 6, and 7 to change the refresh rate on the remaining monitors.

How to show taskbar across multiple displays on Windows 10

On a multi-monitor setup, the taskbar by default will appear only in the main display, but you can change the settings to show it across all the displays using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization
3. Click on Taskbar.

Under the «Multiple display» section, turn on the Show taskbar on all displays toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central

If you want to control in which taskbar the buttons for running apps should appear, then use the Show taskbar button on the drop-down menu and select one of the available options:

• All taskbars.
• Main taskbar and taskbar where window is open.
• Taskbar where window is open.

Also, you can use this guide to optimize the space on the taskbar to pin even more apps or to keep it as minimal as possible.

How to change background on multiple displays on Windows 10

Windows 10 offers a lot of settings to adjust the look and feel of the desktop, but when using multiple monitors, setting up different background images on each display is one the most significant customization that you can make to personalize your experience.

To show different wallpapers on a multi-monitor setup using a slideshow, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Background.

Use the «Background» drop-down menu and select the Slideshow option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Browse button.

Select a folder with a collection of images that you’d like to display on the monitors.

Click the Choose this folder button.

Use the «Change picture every» drop-down menu to select the rotation frequency.

Turn on the Shuffle toggle switch.

(Optional) If you’re using different sized images, use the Choose a fit drop-down menu and select the Fill option.

Once you complete the steps, the images will rotate on the desktop background using the rotation frequency that you selected.

Customizing each monitor with a different background

If you want to set a different background image for each monitor, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Background.

Use the «Background» drop-down menu and select the Picture option.

Source: Windows Central

Right-click the image and select the monitor you want the wallpaper to show.

Source: Windows Central

Repeat steps No. 5, 6, and 7 to set a custom background for another monitor.

After you complete the steps, each monitor will display a custom wallpaper.

In addition to the instructions outlined above, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when setting up a computer with multiple monitors. For example, unless it’s a laptop, you shouldn’t try to adjust the brightness or color using Windows 10 or another application. Instead, you should use the controls built into the monitor.

In the case that the second monitor isn’t getting detected, check its connections, and use the Detect button in the Settings app. If you’re still having issues, you can use this guide to troubleshoot and fix common problems.

Finally, when using one or multiple monitors, you may come across a black screen, which it’s typically a video driver related problem. If you’re not sure how to fix this issue, you can follow these steps to resolve the problem.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Halo: MCC’s live service elements make it better, not worse

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is more popular than ever, but some fans don’t agree with the live service approach 343 Industries has taken with it. Here’s why those elements are, at the end of the day, great for the game and for Halo overall.

Microsoft’s Surface Duo is not ‘failing up’

Microsoft announced this week that it was expanding Surface Duo availability to nine new commercial markets. While Surface Duo is undoubtedly a work in progress, this is not a sign of a disaster. It’s also doesn’t mean that Surface Duo is selling a ton either. Instead, the reason for the expansion is a lot more straightforward.

Here’s what you can do if Windows 10 update KB5001330 is causing issues

In this guide, we’ll show you the steps to get rid of the update KB5001330 to fix profile, gaming, and BSoD problems with the Windows 10 October 2020 Update and May 2020 Update.

These external monitors go perfectly with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an excellent laptop, but what if you want to project the display onto a larger screen? You’ll need an external monitor for that. Here are our favorite options.