How to connect a second monitor to a laptop Windows 10

Windows 10 laptops can be used simultaneously with two monitors, i.e. the laptop monitor and an outside monitor. External monitors are useful for performing random tasks such as making presentations or using the projector.

There may come a time when you are stuck with the question “How to connect a second screen to your laptop Windows 10?” If you’ve been in this same situation before and have not found a solution, these steps may help.

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Use the HDMI port only

HDMI port can be used to transmit both audio and video streams. The HDMI port allows you to connect to external monitors, TV or projectors as long as your laptop has an HDMI port.

Step 1.

You only need to verify that the external monitor is equipped with an HDMI port. You can then connect the external monitor to your Windows 10 laptop using the monitor configuration.

Step 2.

Look for the button labeled as the source. You will need to keep pushing it until you see HDMI being displayed on your monitors.

In case you don’t find it, you have to open the on-screen display of the monitor and then move to the menus for detecting the input source.

Step 3.

When you finally find it, select HDMI.

Step 4.

Configure Windows 10 to allow both display function and preferences to be set. This goal can be achieved by using Windows 10’s project feature. You can also use the Windows + P key to access the keyboard.

The alternative is to open the action center menu > expand the quick actions > click on the project button.

You can check the availability of at minimum one free video port

For the attainment of the objective, the laptop must have at least one free video output port for the second monitor.

Step 1.

It is important to ensure that your laptop can support the monitor. Windows 10 allows multiple monitors. However, not all graphics cards can support multiple monitors simultaneously.

The desktop will have a free video output port located on the back. If you can see another port in use, you can add a second monitor port. The video output port for the laptop will be the one that supports the second monitor.

Step 2.

Now you need to verify that the connection is correct for your second monitor. Modern computers use the HDMI or DisplayPort cables. If you have an older monitor or computer, the VGA connector will be used.

You can still use the cable if you find the right video output connection to match your second monitor’s connection. You will need an adapter cable if your computer has a different connection.

Step 3.

You will now need to connect your monitor to your laptop. To do this, plug the one end of the cable into your laptop’s video output slot. Connect the other end to the monitor’s input slot.

Step 4.

Now, you will need to turn on your monitor. To do this, press the power button.

Step 5.

Now open the start button>>> click on Windows on the bottom left corner of the laptop screen.

Step 6.

Click on the gearshift icon located on the lower left of the Start Window. Next, click on the system. The system icon will be shaped like a laptop in the settings window. Move to display at the top left of the display page>>>click the drop-down menu for multiple displays. It will be at the bottom of your page.

Step 7.

Select the display option. You will need to click the icon expand these displays in most cases. This allows you to use the second display as an extension of your main display. You can access other options depending on the compatibility of your monitor and your selection.

Step 8.

You can now save the changes and use the second monitor as per your convenience and preference

Summing it up

The essential steps to set up a second monitor on your laptop have been explained. Follow these steps and check this space for more information about your favorite smart device.