Connect both displays to supported video outputs, then open Settings > System > Display and choose Extend these displays. Extend gives each screen its own desktop space. Duplicate shows the same picture on both screens.
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Check the connections before buying an adapter
Your computer must support the number of displays and the resolution/refresh rate you want. Check the graphics hardware, ports and any dock. A USB-C socket does not automatically support video, and a basic HDMI splitter normally mirrors one signal rather than making two independent desktops.
Integrated graphics can support more than one display on suitable systems. Motherboard video outputs still depend on the processor and board support; do not assume that a port will work simply because it is present. For an older screen, our DVI adapter guide explains the digital/analogue differences.
Connect and select the display mode
- Connect power and the video cable to each monitor.
- Select the matching input on the monitor, such as HDMI or DisplayPort.
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Choose the multiple-display option and select Extend.
- Apply the change and keep it if both screens work correctly.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Duplicate | Shows the same desktop on the selected screens. |
| Extend | Provides separate space for windows across the screens. |
| PC screen only / Second screen only | Uses just the selected side of the setup. |
Windows+P is a quick way to choose a projection mode. If your keyboard lacks that key, our no-Windows-key guide shows how to reach display settings without the shortcut.
Arrange the monitors and choose the main screen
Use Identify to show the screen numbers. Drag the display rectangles so their left/right positions and heights match your desk. Otherwise, the pointer can seem to leave the wrong edge or get stuck at an unexpected boundary.
Select the screen you want to use as the main display, then choose the main-display option. On supported Windows versions, also review window-location behaviour when a dock is connected or disconnected.
Set resolution, scaling and refresh rate per screen
Select each monitor before changing its settings. Start with its recommended/native resolution and a readable scale. Under the advanced display options, choose a supported refresh rate. Two different screens do not need identical size, resolution or scaling in an extended setup.
Microsoft‘s multiple-monitor guide covers these controls. If you are choosing between two displays and one large curved screen, see our monitor curvature comparison.
If the second monitor is not detected
Try Display > Multiple displays > Detect. Check the monitor input and try each screen with a known working cable. Then check the dock’s display support and the graphics manufacturer’s current driver. Microsoft’s connection troubleshooting guide separates these cases. Start with the connection rather than reinstalling Windows.