Windows allows you to use more than one monitor to expand your desktop area. For example, graphic artists often use multiple monitors to display an image on one monitor and their tools on another monitor. You can also use multiple monitors to display several files at once or stretch a window across more than one monitor to view more of the window’s contents without scrolling.
You can connect up to 10 separate monitors to your computer. When using multiple monitors, one monitor will be the primary monitor. The primary monitor will display the TaskBar and the welcome screen, that appears each time you start Windows. The windows for most programs you open will also appear on the primary monitor.
You can change the arrangement of the monitor icons in the Display properties dialog box to match the physical arrangement of your monitors. The position of the monitor icons determines how you move items from one monitor to another.
What do you need?
To add a second monitor, you need to install a second video adapter on your computer, Both video adapters must support the ability to work with multiple monitors. You can also use a video adapter that supports two monitors, called a dual head or two-head video adapter. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the video adapter. When you turn on your computer, Windows will usually detect the new video adapter and automatically install the appropriate software.
How to Do It
1. Right-click a blank area on your desktop. Then click on Properties, as shown below.
2. The Display Properties dialog box appears.
3. Click the settings tab. This area displays an icon for each monitor available on your computer.
4. To be able to use the second monitor, click the dimmed icon for the monitor.
5. Click Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.
6. Click Apply to apply your changes.
7. To change the arrangement of the icons to match the physical arrangement of your monitors, position the mouse over an icon and then drag the icon to a new position. The position of the icons determines how you will move items between monitors.
8. To select the monitor you want to use as the primary monitor, click the icon for the monitor.
9. Click “Use this device as the primary monitor”.
10. Click OK to confirm your changes. If you no longer want to use a second monitor, perform steps 1 to 5. Uncheck “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor” in step 5.
You can easily determine which icon in the Display Properties dialog box represents each monitor. In the Display properties dialog box, click the Settings tab and select the Identify button. Each monitor will display the number of the icon to which it corresponds.
