How to Connect Multiple Monitors (Windows 10 and 11)

For most users, one computer screen is enough. But, for certain people, such as gamers, programmers, editors, and content creators, it helps to have two or even three separate monitors all hooked up to the same system, so they have more screen space to work with. Luckily, Windows 10 and 11 both support multiple monitor connections.

How to Connect Multiple Monitors (Windows 10)

The processes to connect one or more extra monitors are quite similar on Windows 10 and 11, but with some small yet significant differences. We’ll begin with a look at how to connect multiple monitors Windows 10 and detail the steps for Windows 11 further down the page. Make sure your computer is turned off before you start the process, then follow these steps:

Step 1. Connect your additional monitor(s) to your computer using the relevant cables, which might be HDMI, DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, or something else. You might need to use special adapters depending on what ports your computer has. Make sure, also, that your monitor is connected to a power source and switched on.

Step 2. Turn on your computer. Once it loads up, right-click in any bit of blank space on the desktop wallpaper and select “Display Settings.”

Step 3. Check to ensure that Windows has detected the right number of displays. Click the “Detect” button if the secondary (or additional) displays haven’t shown up.

Step 4. Scroll to the “Multiple Displays” option and click the drop-down arrow next to it. Then pick a display to configure.

Step 5. Configure the various settings for each display. You can also use the various settings provided like “Duplicate” to mirror the same image on a secondary display or “Extend” to extend your desktop across both.

Step 6. Click on “Keep changes” to save your changes.

How to Connect Multiple Monitors (Windows 11)

On Windows 11, as stated, there are a couple of differences in how you connect a display, but the fundamentals are mostly the same. Start with your computer turned off and follow these steps:

Step 1. Make sure your monitor is connected to a power source and switched on, and connect it your computer using an appropriate cable, like a HDMI or DVI.

Step 2. Power on your computer. Right-click in blank space on the desktop and choose “Display Settings.” Alternatively, open the Settings menu by pressing “Windows” and “I” and then go to “System” and “Display.”

Step 3. The system should automatically detect all the displays you have connected and show them in the window at the top. Use the “Detect” button if it has failed to detect any. Then, use the drop-down menu to set whether you want to duplicate your display across all monitors or extend it, or show only on one specific screen.