How to use multiple monitors in Windows
Applies To
Windows 11 Windows 10After you've connected your Windows 11 PC to external displays, you can adjust the settings for each one.
Before you start
Before changing settings for your external displays, make sure everything is connected properly. Here's what you can do:
-
Make sure your cables are properly connected to your PC or dock.
-
Check for Windows updates. To check for updates, select Start , then search for settings. Select Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Tip: If you're using a wireless display adapter, connect the adapter to an HDMI port on newer TVs, then wirelessly connect your PC to it. After connecting your wireless display adapter to your TV, go to your Windows 11 PC, press Windows logo key+ K to open Cast, then select your wireless display adapter.
Rearrange your displays
You'll see this option when Windows detects more than one display. Each display will be numbered to help you identify them more easily.
Identify a display
To see which number corresponds to a display, select Start , then search for settings. Select Settings > System > Display > Identify. A number appears on the screen of the display it's assigned to.
Detect a display
If you connected another display and it isn't showing in Settings, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Detect.
Connect a wireless display
If you connected wireless display and it isn't showing in Settings, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Connect.
Arrange your displays
If you have multiple displays, you can change how they're arranged. This is helpful if you want your displays to match how they're set up in your home or office. In Display settings, select and drag the display to where you want. Do this with all the displays you want to move. When you're happy with the layout, select Apply. Test your new layout by moving your mouse pointer across the different displays to make sure it works like you expect.
Tip: Use the Identify option when arranging your displays to see the display number on the screen.
Multiple display options
When you undock your computer, the windows on your external monitor are minimized. When you re-dock your computer to your monitor, Windows puts everything back exactly where you had it before.
To adjust this behavior:
-
Select Start > Settings > System > Display.
-
Scroll down and select Multiple displays to expand that section.
-
Toggle the checkboxes based on your preferences:
-
Remember window locations based on monitor connection
-
Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected.
-
Change display options
Choose a display option
To change what shows on your displays, press Windows logo key+ P. Here's what you can choose.
|
If you want to |
Choose |
|
See things on one display only. |
PC screen only |
|
See the same thing on all your displays. |
Duplicate |
|
See your desktop across multiple screens. When you have displays extended, you can move items between the two screens. |
Extend |
|
See everything on the second display only. |
Second screen only |
Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
After you've connected your Windows 10 PC to external displays, you can adjust the settings for each one.
Connecting a monitor
Here's a video on the basics of connecting an external monitor.
Before you start
Before changing settings for your external displays, make sure everything is connected properly. Here's what you can do:
-
Make sure your cables are properly connected to your PC or dock.
-
Check for Windows updates. To check for updates, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Tip: If you're using a wireless display adapter, connect to an HDMI port on newer TVs, then wirelessly connect your PC to it. After connecting your wireless display adapter to your TV, go to your Windows 10 PC and select Start > Settings > System > Display, then select Connect to a wireless display.
Rearrange your displays
You'll see this option when Windows detects more than one display. Each display will be numbered to help you identify them more easily.
Identify a display
To see which number corresponds to a display, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Rearrange your displays, then select Identify. A number appears on the screen of the display it's assigned to.
Detect a display
If you connected another display and it isn't showing in Settings, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays, then select Detect.
Arrange your displays
If you have multiple displays, you can change how they're arranged. This is helpful if you want your displays to match how they're set up in your home or office. In Display settings, select and drag the display to where you want. Do this with all the displays you want to move. When you're happy with the layout, select Apply. Test your new layout by moving your mouse pointer across the different displays to make sure it works like you expect.
Change display options
After you're connected to your external displays, you can change settings like your resolution, screen layout, and more. To see available options, select Start > Settings > System > Display.
Change orientation
Windows will recommend an orientation for your screen. To change it in Display settings, go to Scale and Layout, then choose your preferred Display orientation. If you change the orientation of a monitor, you'll also need to physically rotate the screen. For example, you'd rotate your external display to use it in portrait instead of landscape.
Choose a display option
To change what shows on your displays, press Windows logo key+ P. Here's what you can choose.
|
If you want to |
Choose |
|
See things on one display only. |
PC screen only |
|
See the same thing on all your displays. |
Duplicate |
|
See your desktop across multiple screens. When you have displays extended, you can move items between the two screens. |
Extend |
|
See everything on the second display only. |
Second screen only |
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