Set Up and Manage Multiple Displays

This article explains how to connect, extend, duplicate, arrange, and troubleshoot multiple displays on Windows and macOS devices.
 
Before you begin: Make sure the external display is connected to power, turned on, and connected to the computer using the correct cable, adapter, dock, or port. If the display has multiple input sources, confirm that the correct input source is selected on the display.

Windows Instructions ▾

Use these steps to set up or adjust multiple displays on a Windows device.

Step 1: Connect the display

  1. Connect the external display to a power source.
  2. Connect the display to the computer using the appropriate cable, adapter, docking station, or port.
  3. Confirm that the display is powered on and set to the correct input source.
Note: Depending on the device, you may need an HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, Thunderbolt, VGA, DVI, or docking station connection.

Step 2: Open Display settings

  1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
  2. Select Display settings.
  3. You can also open Start > Settings > System > Display.
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Step 3: Detect and identify displays

  1. If the second display does not appear, scroll to Multiple displays and select Detect.
  2. Select Identify to show numbers on each screen and confirm which display is which.
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Step 4: Choose how the displays should work

  1. Choose how Windows should use the displays.
  2. Select Extend these displays to use both displays as one larger workspace.
  3. Select Duplicate these displays to show the same content on both displays.
  4. Select Show only on 1 or Show only on 2 to use only one display.
  5. Select Keep changes if prompted.
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Tip: You can also press Windows key + P to quickly choose PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, or Second screen only.

Step 5: Rearrange the displays

  1. Drag the display boxes to match the physical layout on your desk.
  2. For example, if your second monitor is physically to the right of your laptop, drag that display box to the right.
  3. Select Apply.
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Step 6: Adjust scale and resolution

  1. Select the display you want to adjust.
  2. Review the Scale and Display resolution settings.
  3. Use the recommended resolution unless you have a specific reason to change it.
  4. Select Keep changes if prompted.

MacOS Instructions ▾

Use these steps to set up or adjust multiple displays on a Mac.

Step 1: Connect the display

  1. Connect the external display to a power source.
  2. Connect the display to the Mac using the appropriate cable, adapter, docking station, or port.
  3. Confirm that the display is powered on and set to the correct input source.
Note: Depending on the Mac and display, you may need USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, or an adapter.

Step 2: Open Displays settings

  1. Select the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Select Displays in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.


Step 3: Choose how the display should be used

  1. Select the display you want to adjust.
  2. Use the Use as option to choose how the display should behave.
  3. Select an option such as Main display, Extended display, or Mirror, depending on what you want to do.
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Step 4: Arrange displays

  1. Select Arrange.
  2. Drag the display boxes to match the physical layout on your desk.
  3. Use this arrangement so the pointer moves naturally between displays.

macOS Display Settings | Gechic

Step 5: Adjust resolution or scaling

  1. Select the display you want to adjust.
  2. Review the available resolution or scaling options.
  3. Choose the option that provides the best readability and display quality.

Troubleshooting ▾

If the display is not detected

  • Confirm that the display is powered on.
  • Confirm that the cable, adapter, or dock is securely connected.
  • Confirm that the display is set to the correct input source.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the cable or adapter.
  • Restart the computer.
  • Try a different cable, adapter, dock, port, or display, if available.

Windows troubleshooting

  • Open Settings > System > Display.
  • Under Multiple displays, select Detect.
  • Press Windows key + P and confirm that the correct display mode is selected.
  • Use Extend if you want to use both displays as one larger workspace.
  • Use Duplicate if you want both displays to show the same content.

MacOS troubleshooting

  • Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays.
  • If the display does not appear, press and hold the Option key to show the Detect Displays button.
  • Select Detect Displays.
  • If the display still does not appear, disconnect and reconnect the display, then restart the Mac.
  • The number of displays that you can use at the same time depends on your Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display.  Check the specifications for your model here.

Still Need Help?

If you are unable to connect, detect, or arrange your displays after following these steps, please contact the Help Desk at 561-297-3999 or submit a ticket for assistance.

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