Reference number: CH000843

How can I have a multiple monitor display on my computer?

Question:

How can I have a multiple monitor display on my computer?

Answer:

Below is a listing of some of the most common methods of having a computer with multiple monitors as a display.

Hardware

The first, and most common method of having a multiple monitor display is to use a hardware solution. This could be having multiple adapters inside your computer, using your laptops dualview mode, or using an external hardware device.

Multiple video adapters

Installing multiple video cards or video cards that support multiple displays into your computer will allow you to connect multiple monitors to your computer.

Additional information about installing a video card can be found on document CH000420.

Additional information about installing two or more video cards into a computer and potential issues that can arise can be found on document CH000195.

Laptop dualview mode

Laptop users or desktop computer users with advanced video cards that support dualview mode can also use this mode to duplicate what is being displayed on their computer and many times also use this mode to stretch their display horizontally or vertically. Once another external display has been connected to the computer you can use dualview mode in Microsoft Windows by following the below steps.

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double-click Display icon.
2. In the Display properties window click the Settings tab.
3. In Settings tab under the Display click the down arrow and select the secondary display connected to your computer.
4. Once selected check the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor option.

If your external display is not shown by Windows its likely that your laptop does not support this feature.

External hardware device

Finally, there are a few external hardware solutions that allow you to have a multiple monitor display on your computer.

Matrox DualHead2Go - This external hardware device connects to your computer and allows you to connect two other displays to it. Once everything has been connected you can have a two-monitor display on a computer without having to add an additional video card.

Tip: If you're using one of the above hardware solution as a way to manage and control your multiple monitor display, however, are having a difficult time managing the windows or need additional features we also suggest reading the below ultramon software solution.

Software

Another popular, easy, and fast method of connecting multiple monitors to a computer is through software. However, although this is an easy solution there are a few disadvantages:

1. Each extra monitor you wish to connect to the computer must also be connected to another computer or laptop that is running the software program.
2. In order for this to work you will need to have these computers networked together.

Maxivista - http://www.maxivista.com/

This is a great software program that allows users to have multiple monitors connected to one computer. Simply install the program onto each of the computers with the displays you wish to use, run the program and you have a computer with multiple displays. In addition to having a larger display to view each of your open windows you can also switch to remote control mode, which allows you to remotely control the other computer. The program is not free but does have a free trial download that will allow you to try the program before you buy it.

Ultramon - http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/

Ultramon is a software program to help control and manage a computer with a multiple monitor setup. Some of the features include: Helping you control and manage windows easier without having to drag and drop, adding an additional taskbar to each of the monitors, create shortcuts for controlling features on different monitors, stretching your desktop wallpaper across all the monitors, adjust and control screen savers for each of the monitors connected, mirroring the display to other monitors, and much more.

Additional information:

• If you're attempting to connect a laptop display to the computer without a working laptop see document CH000679.