Multitasking? How to Set Up Dual Monitors With HDMI

Summary

• Dual monitor setup with HDMI requires two monitors and an HDMI cable for each.

• Configuring dual monitors in Windows, macOS and Linux involves adjusting the display settings.

• Using adapters like HDMI splitters or VGA to HDMI converters can help you run dual monitors on one port.

If you run more than a few applications, you may benefit from running a dual-monitor setup. Fortunately, it’s easy to set up dual monitors with an HDMI connection on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to set up Dual Monitors with HDMI

You need two monitors and one HDMI cable for each to begin. You can use standard HDMI cables if your computer has two HDMI outputs and both monitors have HDMI inputs. However, you may need an adapter cable if your computer has two different video outputs (eg HDMI and DisplayPort or DVI).

Once you have all the necessary equipment, follow these steps to learn how to connect the monitors:

1. Connect the HDMI cables to the two monitors and insert the other end into the video output of your computer or into the ports of the graphics card.

2. Plug the power cord into an outlet and turn on both monitors.

All that’s left to do now is adjust your computer’s display settings so that both monitors work as intended. Below are the setup steps for dual monitors on Windows, macOS and Linux systems.

How to configure Dual Monitors in Windows

To configure dual monitors in Windows to display as needed, follow these steps:

1. open System from the Settings section and choose show. Your computer should be able to detect any external displays that are connected to it automatically.

2. By default, the first monitor you connect to your PC is marked as the default monitor. To change this, click on the monitor you want to be the primary, click on the Multiple displays less the curtain, and then check the Make this my main display option.

3. Drag the monitors around the show window to match its physical orientation.

4. Finally, make sure the display mode is set Extend these displays. You will find this setting in a drop-down menu at the bottom right of the show window

One thing to keep in mind is that your monitors will run at their native resolution by default. While you can change this, we recommend leaving monitors at their default resolution, as running at a lower (or higher) resolution can affect monitor performance.

How to set up Dual Monitors on macOS

Once both monitors are connected to your Mac, follow these steps to set them up:

1. Head to the Apple menu > System Settings> show on your Mac.

2. In the show panel, you should see all your monitors listed. If not, make sure both monitors are powered, and their cables are properly connected.

3. Click on the Arrangement tab. You can drag and drop the display to match the monitor arrangement on your desk.

4. Finally, click on Extend Desktops checkbox to enable dual monitor usage. Alternatively, you can also choose to mirror your displays.

Once again, remember that when it comes to display scaling and resolutions, it’s best if you run your display at its native resolution. While you may be able to create a custom resolution, there is a chance that it could hurt your display performance or even display random artifacts.

How to configure Dual Monitors in Linux

Setting up dual monitors on Linux is easy. Once your second monitor is connected, follow these steps:

1. In the Settings menu, go to the show section.

2. Make sure that the Display mode is placed at Join Displays.

3. Finally, drag the monitors to match their physical order. You can also choose which monitor acts as the primary display using the option below.

While these steps are for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, the steps for other Linux distributions should be along the same lines. Using a Raspberry Pi to run Linux? Find out how to do it create a 4K dual monitor setup with Raspberry Pi. You can too run multiple monitors in a virtual machine in a few easy steps.

How to run Dual Monitors with an HDMI port

You can run dual monitors with an HDMI port using an adapter or a HDMI splitter. Let’s take a look at each of these methods.

How to use an HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitors

To set up dual monitors with an HDMI splitter, follow these steps:

1. Identify the HDMI port on your computer.

2. Once you have found it, insert the end of the HDMI splitter into this port. Then, plug the two HDMI cables into the splitter.

3. Next, connect one end of each cable to a monitor. However, if your monitors have different inputs (for example, one has DisplayPort while the other has HDMI), you must use the correct cable/adapter for each monitor.

4. Finally, turn on your monitors and computer; you should see your desktop extended on both screens!

One thing to keep in mind is that not all HDMI splitters are created equal. Some splitters only support specific resolutions, so choosing one that works with your particular setup is essential. Another consideration is whether you need an active or passive splitter. Active splitters are typically more expensive, but offer better performance, especially at longer distances. A passive splitter should be enough if you are connecting two monitors next to each other.

How to Set Up Dual Monitors Using an Adapter

Several adapters are available for dual monitor setups, so selecting one compatible with your computer and monitor is crucial. Once you have the adapter, connect it to your HDMI port and monitor. If not, you may need to change your computer’s display manager settings.

VGA to HDMI Dual Monitor Using an Adapter

If you have a computer with a VGA output and want to connect it to an HDTV or monitor with an HDMI input, you need to use an adapter. Converting VGA to HDMI is not complicated, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1. You first need an adapter that converts from VGA to HDMI. These are widely available and relatively inexpensive.

2. Then you need to make sure that the video output of your computer is set to the correct resolution. Many adapters only work at specific resolutions, so checking your adapter’s specifications before making any changes is essential.

3. Once everything is installed, connect the adapter to the VGA output of your computer and connect it to your HDTV or the HDMI input of the monitor.

Another thing to note is that you will have to come up with a separate solution for audio if it is based on HDMI, since VGA does not support audio. Depending on your adapter, you may also lose the clarity or quality of the image.

Dual Monitor Setup on Game Console

A dual monitor set up on a games console can greatly improve your gaming experience. Using two monitors gives you a wider field of view, which can be useful when tracking enemies or exploring your surroundings. In addition, two monitors can allow you to keep track of multiple chat windows or other sources of information simultaneously. A dual monitor setup is worth considering if you want to take your gaming to the next level. Note, however, that not all consoles support a dual monitor setup.

Also, even if your game console supports multiple monitors, most game consoles only have one HDMI output port. This means you need to use a compatible HDMI adapter, and there may be some gray areas as HDMI splitters may or may not work with consoles. For example, the HDMI splitter I use to run multiple monitors on my Windows laptop doesn’t work for my PS4, despite the console supporting multiple monitors and apparently nothing wrong with the splitter itself.

Adding another monitor to the mix will increase your productivity and give you more writing space if you use a PC, regardless of your operating system. In most cases, setup is as simple as connecting a second monitor and changing a few settings. Game consoles can also benefit from a second display, but your mileage may vary.