Step 1 of 5

Connect the second monitor to your computer

Your monitor connects with a cable to a port on your computer. Most computers have multiple display ports so you can use whichever one works.

Turn off your computer and second monitor completely
Connect the monitor's cable firmly to a display port on the back of your computer (look for HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA — use whatever your monitor has)
Plug the monitor's power cable in and turn it on
Turn your computer back on and wait for Windows to detect the new monitor
You should see your desktop on the first monitor while the second monitor loads

Don't try to force a cable into a port if it doesn't fit easily — you'll damage both the cable and the computer
Don't switch between different display modes repeatedly without testing — pick one and test it for a few minutes

Step 2 of 5

Open display settings to configure your monitors

Windows needs to be told how you want to use the second monitor. You'll tell it to extend the display so both screens show different parts of your desktop.

Right-click on your desktop background and select Display settings
Scroll down — you should see both monitors listed under 'Display'
If you only see one monitor, click Detect and wait 5 seconds for Windows to find the second one
Once both are shown, look for the Multiple displays section

Step 3 of 5

Set your displays to Extended mode

Windows offers different ways to use multiple monitors. Extended mode spreads your desktop across both screens, which is what you want.

In the Display settings, find the Multiple displays dropdown
Click the dropdown and select Extend these displays
Click Apply and wait — your desktop should now appear on both monitors
Move your mouse between the two screens to test that both are working

Step 4 of 5

Arrange your monitors so they match your physical setup

Windows needs to know where your monitors are positioned so your mouse moves smoothly between them. We'll arrange them in the display settings.

In Display settings, scroll down to find the Rearrange your displays section
You'll see two boxes representing your monitors — click and drag them to match how they're actually positioned (side by side, one above the other, etc.)
If your left monitor is on the left, the left box should be on the left in the settings
Click Apply and test moving your mouse from one monitor to the other

Step 5 of 5

Adjust resolution on each monitor if they look blurry

Each monitor has its own resolution setting. You can adjust them individually to make sure text and windows look sharp on both.

In Display settings, click on the first monitor box to select it
Scroll down and set the Resolution to the one marked (recommended)
Click on the second monitor box and do the same for it
Click Apply — open a window or app on each monitor to check if they look sharp

Set up a second monitor in extended mode for more screen space

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