If you don’t know how to properly set up dual monitors on Windows 10, we are going to help you out. If you have been teleworking or studying remotely in recent months, you have probably realized how important it is to have a space that favors productivity. For this reason, you have probably chosen a quiet, well-ventilated corner with natural light. But, in addition to all this, you have noticed how important it is to have the right tools at home.
A good way to gain productivity is to have a set of two screens. Thanks to a dual monitor setup, you can have much more information in front of your eyes and, as a result, work faster. If you have made the leap to dual monitors, this article will help you set them up correctly.
How to properly set up dual monitors on Windows 10?
When connecting a second monitor, Windows 10 allows you to choose between different default combinations. To access all of them, the first thing you need to do is open the Notifications panel. Then, locate the Project button in the quick settings area at the bottom of the screen.
Then, use the options that will appear on the screen to choose the correct mode that suits your needs best.
- PC screen only. This mode disables the second screen and uses the laptop screen. In case you have a desktop computer, only the monitor considered as the main one will remain active.
- Duplicate. This is a perfect method for presentations. When selecting it, Windows 10 transfers the content of the main screen to the secondary screen, keeping both turned on and showing in both exactly the same content.
- Zoom in. Clearly it is the most productive mode. Click on Extend if you want to extend the desktop to the second screen. This way, you get much more viewing space. Using the extended desktop, you can move windows between one screen and another quickly, simply by dragging them with the mouse. It is therefore the ideal way to make the most of both monitors.
- Second screen only. If you have opted to buy a single monitor, perhaps larger or much wider, this is the mode you should choose to keep the laptop screen off. On desktop PCs, the screen considered as the secondary display is kept active.
Assuming that you have opted for the Extended option to use a larger desktop on two monitors, there are some settings you need to take into account. For starters, you need to tell Windows 10 the physical location of each monitor. To do this, go to the Settings application and access the System section. In it, you will see the Display section. In the box, click on any of the two screens (identified by numbers) and drag it to place it where it belongs. It is really easy to use dual monitors.
You can move the screens from left to right, and vice versa. You can also use vertical combinations, placing one monitor on top of the other. By placing them in the respective position, transferring content between them will be much simpler and more natural. Remember that you can use the Identify button to tell Windows 10 which monitor is the correct one.
Finally, check other settings, such as scaling and resolution. These options can be modified individually for each screen.
Also, using the “Convert this screen to the main screen” checkbox will give priority to one monitor or the other, according to your needs.