Adding and configuring additional monitors - Software instructions

Adding additional monitors to Windows.

To get your PC to recognize multiple monitors make sure your cables are connected properly to the new monitors, then follow these steps.

1. Select Start, then open Settings.
2. Under System, select Display. Your PC should automatically detect your monitors and show your desktop. If you don't see the monitors, select Multiple displays, then Detect.
3. Use the dropdown list next to the image of your desktop to choose how your screen will project across your displays.
4. Once you've chosen your setup, select Apply.

You can change the resolution of your displays. However, we suggest using the recommended resolution to get the most out of your displays.

How to configure and arrange the displays.

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, then search for settings. Select Settings > System > Display > 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 > Multiple displays > 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, in Settings, select System > Display. 

Change orientation

Windows will recommend an orientation for your screen. To change it in Display settings, under Scale & layout, 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.