How To Connect Monitor to Laptop

Chris Campbell25 Jan 2022

As great as laptops are, their single-screen display may be restrictive. Those that multitask and have to launch more applications and programs than the ordinary user will have to struggle with this. The great news is that there are various simple ways to configure your laptop so that it may be used with another display. That is, you may use a single laptop to have numerous screens.

Are you ready to make the most of your laptop? Then continue reading to learn about ways you can link your laptop to a monitor.

How To Connect a Second Monitor to a Laptop

Laptops have grown increasingly powerful in recent years, but there is one downside that is hard to write off - its small display. Unless you want to carry a 17-inch behemoth display with you, and even a 17-inch screen is small by today's standards, you'll have to deal with a screen ranging from 11 to 15 inches. So, if you're working at a desk, it's a good idea to connect a big monitor to make things simpler. Most laptops feature at least one port for connecting a display.

Are you sick of squatting down over a little screen all day? This is how to take care of your back and eyes. There are many ways for stretching the screen on your laptop.

External Monitor Connector

Many laptops include a built-in connection for attaching a second display. In some circumstances, they may appear to be the standard ports you're used to like an HDMI. You'll need to have an adapter or cord to connect your laptop's port to the connection on your monitor, so check into which precise cords you'll require.

USB Port

If your laptop lacks a specific display port, you can occasionally use a USB. USB-C connectors, for instance, can be used to link monitors as simply as they can to portable hard disks or your phone. Often, all that is needed is a wire connecting from the port to your monitor. If your laptop lacks USB-C ports, the old-fashioned kind of USB ports will suffice. External hubs can not only offer more USB ports to your laptop, but they can also link monitors through HDMI or even add an ethernet connection.

The first step toward using a second monitor is physically connecting it to the laptop:

  • First, look at the ports on your laptop. They're commonly found along the sides, although they can also be found on the rear.
  • Determine the number of monitor ports you have.
  • Take a closer look at your monitor next. What kind of ports does it have? The ports are typically located on the back or underside of the monitor.
  • Choose the appropriate cable that connects your monitor to your laptop.
  • Connect your cord to the matching port on your laptop and monitor.
  • Switch on both your laptop and monitor.

How To Connect Laptop To Monitor HDMI

DMI is one of the most widely utilized audio/video standards today. It can transmit high-definition AV signals via a single cord. Most current laptops include at least one HDMI connector for connecting to a computer display. All you have to do is get an HDMI cable, attach one end to your laptop, and the other end to the monitor.

To connect your laptop to a monitor:

  • Find the HDMI port on the back of your laptop to connect the external monitor.
  • Make sure both the laptop and monitor are turned off.
  • Link your laptop and monitor using the HDMI cable.
  • Switch on the laptop and monitor then Windows will start.
  • Type “Display Settings” in the Start search box and choose “Ease of Access” once it appears in the search results.
  • Click the “Additional Display” option in the “Display Settings” box. You should now see numbered boxes representing the laptop and an extra display. Normally, number 1 represents the laptop's built-in display, but to be sure, click “Identify,” and the numbers will momentarily show on both screens.
  • If necessary, move the two monitors around the screen to ensure they're arranged the same way they are on your desktop, then click “Apply.”
  • Scroll to the bottom to find the section under "Multiple Displays." Select “Duplicate these displays” or “Extend these displays” from the dropdown option.

Connect Monitor to Laptop With USB

Certain laptops may additionally provide a USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) video output. If your monitor supports this port, you may use it to expand the screen of your laptop. You may either link your laptop's USB-C output to your monitor's USB-C input directly. A USB-C adapter could also be used for HDMI or DisplayPort ports.

To connect your Surface laptop and external monitor, follow these steps:

  • Connect the adapter's USB-C end to the USB-C port on your Surface.
  • Attach the video cable to your external monitor, then put the other end into your Surface's adapter.
  • The cable to use is determined by your monitor and the type of video connection it employs, whether it's HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort.
  • Switch on your external monitor and Surface laptop.

How To Connect Mac Laptop To Monitor

Based on your MacBook, you will have the choice of linking through USB-C or Thunderbolt. If you can attach your monitor directly to the laptop and it has a USB-C connector, you can do so. Otherwise, you'll need an adapter or hub to convert the monitor's connection to the format supported by your MacBook.

To connect your Mac laptop to a monitor:

  • Attach the monitor to the MacBook while it is switched off using the proper cord.
  • Turn on the MacBook and monitor as you wait for the Mac to boot up.
  • Select "System Preferences" after clicking the Apple logo.
  • Choose "Displays" in the "Preferences" window.
  • Tap the "Arrangement Tab" in the "Display Settings" window.
  • You will now see two boxes, one for the laptop and one for the second monitor. The one with the white navigation bar is the built-in display of the MacBook. 
  • If necessary, move the two monitors around on the screen to ensure they're situated the same way they are on your desk.
  • Hit "Mirror Displays" if you want both displays to show the same thing. Otherwise, keep the item unchecked if you want to expand the screen to the second monitor.

Having numerous displays can drastically increase productivity and provide a better user experience, particularly when using a laptop. Setting up an extra display for your laptop is among the finest hacks for enhancing your productiveness, whether you're a learner, an entrepreneur, or simply a casual laptop user.

Chris Campbell

Chris Campbell

Thanks for reading! I'm Chris, an avid tech fanatic that enjoys keeping up with the latest laptop models. Hopefully my tips & tricks can help you out!

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