How to make one monitor your main one. Top tips: How to change your monitor screen resolution. Features of laptop computers

This guide shows you the steps you can take to set up a second monitor in Windows 10

The operating system supports multi-monitor systems of various configurations by default and therefore you do not need to install a third-party software to configure multiple displays.

The need to use a second monitor is primarily to expand the workspace, which in some cases makes it easier to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

It is important to note that some video cards do not support multiple monitors, and that older displays may not always connect automatically.

To connect a second monitor, you need a computer (laptop) or with an additional video output to an external display using various connectors, such as HDMI, VGA, DVI port or DisplayPort, as well as a corresponding cable that connects the monitor to the connector (port).

Switching between display modes

By connecting the monitors to your computer, you can select the appropriate display mode.

There are four display modes available in Windows 10.

PC screen only

The image will be displayed on the first computer monitor or on the main laptop screen. The second monitor will not be used and nothing will be projected onto it.

Duplicate

The contents of the main monitor are copied to the second monitor. This option is optimal for presentations.

Two monitors turn into one large virtual screen. This makes it possible to display one file, for example, a large photograph, on two monitors.

Second screen only

Only the secondary monitor is used. This mode allows you to check the resolution of the second monitor. Accordingly, if you have a laptop from which the presentation is projected onto a large monitor, then choose this option to get optimal results.

Depending on which device you are using, the appropriate display mode will be automatically selected.
When connecting a second monitor to a laptop, the display mode is set by default Repetitive
When connecting a second monitor to desktop computer the default display style is set Expand

To quickly switch between modes, press the keyboard shortcut + P, this will bring up the PROJECT sidebar with four options.

You can also select the display mode using the screen options; to do this, open sequentially: Screen Options

Then on the right side of the window, click on the drop-down list Multiple displays and select one of the items.

After this, save the selected option.

Setting display options

Set up and control displays with using Windows is very simple, to do this, open sequentially: Windows Settings➯ System ➯ Display, or click right click mouse in an empty area of ​​the desktop and in the context menu that appears, select Screen Options

Each of the monitors is represented by a small rectangular miniature.

Drag the thumbnails on the screen so that their relative position matches the configuration of the monitors on your desk.

Use zoom to enlarge text and other content. (This is suitable for higher resolutions or for people with vision problems.)

You can also change the desktop resolution.

Select landscape or portrait to change the selected screen orientation.

The multiple display option allows you to switch display modes (as described in the section above).

IN additional parameters display you can see general information about connected displays, as well as the properties of the video adapter for the display by clicking on the corresponding link.

Taskbar Settings

When you connect a second monitor, the taskbar appears on all displays by default. You can completely remove the taskbar from one of the monitors or leave only icons of applications running on this monitor on each panel.

To customize taskbars, open: Windows Settings ➯ Personalization ➯ Taskbar, or right-click in an empty area of ​​the taskbar and select the item from the context menu that appears Taskbar options

To make the taskbar appear only on the main monitor, in the section Multiple displays, set the switch Show taskbar on all displays to Off position

If you prefer the default configuration, where each monitor has its own taskbar, you can set the behavior of these taskbars using the drop-down list Show taskbar buttons:

All taskbars

The default mode where the same panel is present on both monitors.

The main taskbar and the taskbar in which a window is open

In this case, the taskbar on the main monitor contains icons of all running applications, while on the second monitor it contains only icons of applications that are running on it. For example, on your main monitor you ran Microsoft Edge and Word, and PowerPoint and Excel are displayed on the second monitor. The taskbar on your main monitor will now contain icons for Microsoft Edge, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. On the second monitor there will be only PowerPoint and Excel icons.

Taskbar with a window open

In this mode, the taskbar on each monitor will contain only icons of applications running on this monitor. As a result, if we recall the example given again, only icons will appear on the taskbar of the first monitor Microsoft applications Edge and Word, and on the taskbar of the second monitor, PowerPoint and Excel.

Background settings on monitors

With a second monitor connected, you can personalize your desktops.

To configure screen design settings, open: Windows Settings ➯ Personalization ➯ Background, or right-click on an empty area of ​​the desktop and select Personalization from the context menu that appears

Then, in the right part of the window, select a suitable background and right-click on it, in the context menu that appears, select one of the menu items, for example Set for monitor 1

In the same way, select the background for the second monitor.

You can also select the position of the wallpaper from the dropdown list Select position

Today, PC users have two or more monitors in their arsenal. A smaller display is used for working with office applications, while gamers prefer a large monitor for running colorful games. However, having only one system unit, users often wonder how to connect and configure a second monitor in Windows 10.

Preparatory steps before setting up a second monitor in Windows 10

Before connecting a second screen to a PC with Windows 10, you need to make sure that the selected monitor contains VGA, HDMI, DVI standards, which are also available on the rear interface panel of the monitor itself. system unit(the video card must support the ability to connect two displays). Thus, when connecting 2 monitors, the user can use different plug connectors. It is recommended to install the main screen that has the best characteristics.

The first thing you need to do is connect both monitors to your Windows 10 PC using the appropriate cables.

After connecting a second display, you can adjust the clarity (and other parameters) and the position of the desktops on the monitor.

Setting up a second monitor on a Windows 10 computer

Setting up a second monitor on Windows 10 is as follows:

• Press “Win ​​+ P” to bring up the “Projection” menu and choose how to use the second monitor. A small window will appear.

• Next, select the option of using an additional display. In most cases, the options “Extend” (creating a second empty Windows 10 desktop) or “Repeat” (completely duplicating the contents of the screen on a second monitor) are used.

IMPORTANT! If the installed monitor for any reason operating system Windows 10 does not detect it, then you can try to manually force the system to recognize it. To do this, right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select “Display Settings” from the menu that opens.

A new window will open. Under the image of a small monitor, click on the “Detect” button.

Or, you can open “Settings”, “System”, “Display” and perform all the same actions.

If after this manipulation the image does not appear on the monitor, you should change the screen resolution and make sure that the cable is connected correctly.

If the cable is connected correctly, but there is no image, we recommend installing or updating the video card driver. After updating the software, you need to make the following settings in the additional screen parameters:

• Select "Graphics adapter properties".
• A new window will open. The adapter type should contain the name of the video card, not the basic adapter from Microsoft.

• If the video card is not set as the main device, you should click on the “Properties” button and change the settings.

It is important to note that installing a second monitor is not a complicated process. However, you need to be careful when connecting monitors and setting picture display parameters.

Sometimes the question arises connecting to a computer external monitor, TV or projector. The reasons for this action may be different: there is not enough
working space of one monitor, you want to watch a video or play on a new large-diagonal TV, or you need to make a presentation by connecting a projector to your computer.

Connecting a second monitor. Connector types

To implement one of the above tasks, or something similar, first, you need to acquire the necessary equipment.
To connect a second monitor or TV to a computer, you need a video card with at least two outputs (HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc.). Most modern video cards are equipped with two or three output connectors, so this should not be a problem

Attention! Make all connections to the video card with the computer turned off.

If everything is connected correctly, then immediately after turning on the computer, the image will be shown on both monitors, but after a few seconds, the additional screen will go dark. This is explained by the fact that the video driver controls the output of images, and until it loads, two monitors will work.

Setting up Windows to work with two monitors

Now all that remains is to configure the display on the main and additional monitors. The fact is that the computer defines one monitor as the main one, and the other as an additional one. Tune Dual monitor modes in Windows 7 in the Screen Settings window. To do this you need to follow the link Screen resolution from context menu desktop

In this window, you can designate the main monitor and secondary monitor, set the screen resolution, select the display orientation, and also select the display mode on two monitors.

In the settings it is possible to change their roles and places. There are four options for image output when connecting a second monitor (projector, TV):

1. Display desktop on only 1
   In this case, the image will only be displayed on the main monitor.
2. Display desktop only on 2
   The option is similar to the previous one, only the image is displayed on an additional monitor.
3. Duplicate these screens
   When this mode is active, the image is duplicated on both monitors.
4. Expand these screens
   When this mode is activated, the taskbar will be displayed only on the main monitor, and the second monitor will expand the boundaries of the first. By default, opened programs will be displayed on the main monitor. They can be easily dragged onto an additional screen by grabbing the window title with the mouse.

Depending on the location of the main and additional monitors, the space can expand in different directions. The relative position of the two monitors can be adjusted by simply dragging the monitor icons in the screen settings window

Button Define allows you to determine which monitor you are currently on. When you click on it, a large number appears on each monitor, indicating the monitor number in the Windows settings.

It is very convenient to switch image output modes to monitors using the hotkey combination Win + P. When you press win + P, all 4 options for outputting images to monitors are available. Switching between monitors is carried out as follows: press Win + P simultaneously and, without releasing Win, press P until the desired mode is selected

Also, the Win + P hotkey combination may be needed in next case. You used two monitors, and then removed one of them from the system, and the main one at that. The next time you turn on a computer with one monitor, the screen may be black. This is where you need the Win + P combination to switch the mode.

If you have an ATI video card and when outputting to a TV or projector, the image does not occupy the entire screen, and you see black bars around the edges, then you need to turn off the scaling mode in the Catalyst Control Center video card driver settings by setting the slider to 0. The scaling mode is used in if the resolution of the additional monitor or TV is higher than the main one.

To make your computer screen settings as comfortable as possible for your eyes, you need to know how to change your monitor screen resolution. personal computer or laptop.

Screen resolution is an indicator that determines the clarity of the display of all icons, pictures, that is, graphics in general. It is important to determine what will be best for the monitor.

Changing an extension using built-in OS features

How higher resolution, the better the display clarity. For example, a 22-inch display will have a standard resolution of 1680*1050, which is optimal and maximum for this screen.

All available sizes are available in the settings; it is advisable to choose the largest one offered.

Follow the instructions to change the image resolution of your display:

• Go to the operating system desktop. Right-click on it and select screen options, as shown in the figure below;

• In the window that opens, you can adjust the size of text, icons and other system elements in real time. You can also adjust the screen orientation. To go to the selection tab, enter the word “resolution” at the top in the search bar;
• Select “change screen resolution”;

• Click on the drop-down list as shown in the figure and select the standard recommended one. Save the new settings.

Important! It happens that the recommended resolution is higher than the display. That is, the size of the final image does not correspond to the screen size, so some elements of the desktop may disappear from the user's field of view. Adjusting the monitor will eliminate this problem. In the selection options, choose not the recommended one, but the one that fully displays all the elements of the desktop. At the same time, all graphics must be clear.

Several common types of expansion and corresponding display sizes:

• 1024*768 – perfect for screens of 15 or 17 inches. In a display with a resolution of 1024*768 pixels, the color depth is 16 bits;
• 1280*1024 – intended for displays whose size is 19 inches;
• Types of monitors measuring 24 inches most accurately convey the image at a resolution of 1920*1080. All displays with these parameters are FullHD.

Adjusting the screen refresh rate

The higher the display refresh rate, the correspondingly better quality Images. That is why, in addition to size, it is necessary to pay attention to this parameter. To change the refresh rate follow the instructions:

• Go to the control panel. In the search bar, enter “Screen” (without quotes);
• In the proposed search result, select the item that is responsible for the screen refresh rate, as shown in the figure;

• Set the most high frequency updates. This will eliminate possible periodic flickering of the monitor.

NVIDIA Software

How to find out required resolution for your display? This can be done on the official website of the manufacturer or in the instructions that come with the device.

On the boxes of monitors and laptops from Samsung there is information on how to set the correct resolution and what to do if the real one does not match the declared one.

By using special program, which is preinstalled on all computers equipped with a video card Nvidia family, you can also adjust the resolution of the user's monitor. Follow the instructions.

Installing a new monitor doesn't require opening the case, but you will have to crawl around on the floor to get to the cables. Here's how to make the process as easy as possible:

1. Open Device Manager and remove the current monitor from the list of devices.
2. Shut down the system and turn it off.
3. Turn off old monitor and disconnect it from the power source.
4. Disconnect the video cable from the back of the case.
5. Remove the old monitor and put a new one in its place.
6. Connect the new monitor's video cable to the video card connector.
7. Connect the power cable to the new monitor and then to the AC power source.
8. Turn on the monitor and then the computer.
9. Once the system recognizes your new monitor and prompts you to insert the driver CD, insert it into the drive.

Attention!
My favorite way to repurpose an old monitor is to use it as a second, extra monitor! A video card that supports dual monitors in Windows XP, Me and 98 will easily help you with this (Windows 2000 is not so nice to work with dual monitors).

If you have little space and already have two monitors, still don’t rush to throw away the old one. Find out if a nearby school or church needs a monitor.

Unless you are a monitor repair specialist, never attempt to disassemble monitors yourself. After all, have you never seen a large number of almost identical parts at the same time? Even long after the monitor is turned off, contacts located in close proximity to the cathode ray tube remain charged with static electricity, which can be fatal. The cat, as you know, died from curiosity, and you should not follow her example.

Setting up a new monitor

After connecting a new monitor, the operating system defaults to the resolution and refresh rate of the screen. Most likely, these values ​​will be much less than you would like. Below we will talk about how to set up your monitor in the best way.

Color depth and resolution

To change the color depth, expand the Colors menu. Table 1 lists the purposes of the main color parameters.

Typically, you should use 32-bit colors if you have a 3D graphics card, 24-bit colors if 32-bit mode is not available, and 16-bit colors if higher-color modes are not available.

Table 2 lists the main screen resolution settings, the minimum sizes of CRT and LCD monitors, and the situations in which it is recommended to use the corresponding setting.

To change the screen resolution and refresh rate to suit your tastes, follow these instructions:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Properties from the menu that appears.
2. Go to the Settings tab. Here you can select the color depth and resolution as described earlier in this chapter.
3. Click the Advanced button to see information about your monitor type and graphics card chip, as shown in Figure. 1.
4. To change the vertical refresh rate, monitor type, and other settings, click the Advanced button. By default, the screen refresh rate is quite low, which leads to flickering at resolutions of 800x600 and higher. To reduce flicker, set this parameter to 72-75 Hz.

Table 1.

Table 2.

Note
Video card and monitor manufacturers like to use the same drivers hardware Models vary, so the name on the front of the monitor often does not match the name on the Settings tab of the Display Properties dialog box.

Is this fact a cause for concern? You should only make changes in cases where the monitor is listed as Unknown Display or Standard Display, because in this case the operating system simply will not allow you to select a higher screen refresh rate, since it thinks that the monitor may be damaged. Visit your video card or monitor manufacturer's Web site to find the correct driver if you think Windows is using the wrong driver.

Features of laptop computers

The video capabilities of laptop computers are extremely limited compared to desktop computers:

• Can't get rid of embedded video.
• Cannot connect a second monitor.
• Resolution and color depth are much more limited than on desktop computers.

How to get maximum return from a laptop display? There are the following methods.

• Use an external projector or monitor whose resolution matches the native resolution of the LCD screen. The duplicate image feature on both monitors on many laptop computers only works if the projector and internal monitor have the same resolution. If you want to see the same picture on the screen that is projected onto the wall, check the numbers on the projector before purchasing it. Most laptop screens are this moment has a resolution of 1024x768; accordingly, these are the numbers that should be on the projector.
• Use laptop computers that support Dual technology View operating room Windows systems XP. The Dual View feature allows you to use a monitor connected to an external VGA port, like a true secondary monitor, usually connected to a video card with two outputs. Of course, the monitor driver will need to be updated. However, not every laptop will allow you to use the Dual View feature.

Answers to frequently asked questions

What should I do if, after installing a new video card, the system does not boot?

Let's list possible reasons such behavior.

• Check the most obvious thing: have you connected the monitor to a power source and to the video card?
• If your system previously had built-in video, did you remember to disable it?
• Make sure that no exposed wires or screws are touching any motherboard, or other components.
• Make sure that any cables that you had to disconnect during the upgrade process are connected correctly.

After installing a new video card I receive an error message. What to do?

Most likely, the reason this message appears is that you forgot to remove information about the old video card from the list of devices in the device manager Windows devices. Start the system in crash protection mode, remove all video cards from the list, and then boot the computer in normal mode.

What to do if the system cannot find the video card or monitor driver?

During the driver installation process, use the Browse button to view the list of drivers for yourself. Check all folders on the floppy disk or CD for updated drivers for your video card. As for the monitor, check whether the standard driver is sufficient or if you need to find something special.

What if I can't choose anymore a high resolution and color depth, despite the presence of large video memory?

This is most likely due to the fact that the operating system installed the wrong video card driver. Click the Advanced button on the Settings tab of the Display Properties dialog box and select the correct driver from the boot diskette or CD, or download the latest driver from the Internet.

What should I do if my CRT monitor looks strange after changing the screen resolution or refresh rate?

Use the monitor control buttons on the front panel to change the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the visible screen area, image position, and remove distortions. Save changes to permanent memory monitor. The next time you change to the problematic resolution, the image should remain unchanged.

Try the following.

Much easier to set up working together a couple of video cards, if one of them works with PCI interface, and the other is AGP. Since the computer must choose one main one from two video cards, when installing two PCI video cards this may cause problems.

If you are using AGP and PCI video cards, then restart your computer, enter the menu BIOS settings and find the Primary VGA BIOS option. If its value turns out to be AGP, as shown in Figure 2, then set the value to PCI, save the changes and restart the computer again.

Make sure both video cards are using latest versions drivers. If necessary, download them from the websites of video card manufacturers.

Visit www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon for a database of information about installing video card pairs.

Consider purchasing a graphics card that supports dual monitors. Some models with an AGP interface and VGA and DVI ports cost only about $100.

Is it worth spending extra money on a monitor with an extended warranty period?

I am not a supporter of extended warranties for computer components, since I think it is preferable to upgrade them. Nevertheless, the monitor occupies a special position because it does not allow user intervention: violation of safety rules is simply life-threatening. I consider it reasonable to purchase an extended warranty only under the following conditions:

• the manufacturer or supplier of the monitor ensures that it is replaced if the monitor fails for at least a year after purchase;
• the cost of the extended warranty does not exceed 25% of the cost of the monitor.