For high-powered computer users – regardless of the industry – having multiple screens can help increase productivity and give you an edge on how you’re perceiving your projects. This is especially true for traders, dispatch, and control room operators.
Having multiple monitors is important because you can dedicate a full screen to multiple tasks. Often, people will display different parts of the same process on multiple screens to cut down on having to switch back and forth between screens.
We’ve put together a quick guide on how to set up multiple screens on one computer. This includes the hardware you’ll need, and the process of setting it up through Windows 10.
Do you have experience setting up multiple screens for other operating systems? Leave a comment below.
Find the right monitor
First and foremost, you’ll have to find the right monitor for your purposes.
This will be determined only by what you need. For instance, if your work is more graphical, then you’ll most likely need a large second screen to work with.
But the preference of screen is completely up to you, and difficult to determine until you’ve decided how you’re going to use it. If you’re going to be upping your screen game, it’s best to find a screen cover that’ll mitigate the effects of staring at screens all the time.
Whether you’re starting with a laptop will impact the type of multi-screen setup you can have. If you have a laptop, there are port stations available that allow you to plug in the computer and have it display on multiple screens.
The tools you’ll need
The most important thing you’ll need is a USB video adapter. This will allow you to plug your additional screen (or screens) into the computer.
Once that is hooked up, you’ll need your extra monitor cable to plug into the USB adapter. Most monitors today are connected using a HDMI or VGA cable.
Check where the cable plugs into your monitor to find out what kind of cable you’ll need. You’ll also want to know what kind of cable is coming from your monitor so you purchase the correct USB video adapter.
Setting it up in Windows 10
Once you’ve got all the proper equipment, it’s time to set up the computer’s operating system to recognize and utilize multiple screens.
Below are the steps to set up dual monitors:
- Right click anywhere on the desktop, and select Display Settings
- Your computer should automatically detect multiple displays. If this doesn’t happen, select Detect
- Open the pull-down menu under Multiple Displays, and select Extend Desktop
- Select the proper resolution – there are recommended resolution settings available
- Select Keep Changes
Once all this is complete, your display should span two monitors.
Now, you’ll be able to drag one window to either side of your monitor display, while freeing up the other space for other types of work.
Get Monitor Arms
The last critical part of a multiple monitor display is getting monitor arms. Monitor arms allow you to hold both monitors with one apparatus, while also enabling you to better adjust the height and angle of the monitors. This can be especially important when it comes to ergonomics and avoiding neck or back pain. If your desk isn’t built to accommodate monitor arms, consider picking up a used desk with technology rails from our used desk inventory.