If the port is VGA, you’ll need a Monitor VGA dual splitter. In case you only have one port (VGA, HDMI, or DVI), you will need a dual adapter. This is why desktops are ideal for dual monitor setups. Looking at these options, one monitor can be hooked up to the HDMI port and the other one to the VGA port.ĭesktops, on the other hand, have a built-in VGA on the motherboard and multiple HDMI and DVI ports on the dedicated graphics card. It contains one 19-pin HDMI connector and one VGA connector. Let’s take the popular Dell Latitude E6230. Most laptops come with multiple video ports. Likewise, if you have an old DVI monitor, you’ll need an adapter of this kind in order to plug it into an HDMI port. However, you might not have a choice.įor example, if you want the second screen to be your old VGA monitor, you’ll likely need an adapter like this one in order to connect it to the HDMI port of a new laptop. See if you can set up the connection without an adapter. Start by inspecting your computer’s video ports and see what you’re working with. This will save you from having to spend extra money on an additional adapter. It’s very important that you take your computer ports into account before you buy a second monitor. The best way to set up your dual monitor setup is highly dependent on how your monitors connect and on the ports on your laptop/desktop. But even with laptops, most of them have either two HDMI ports or HDMI + DVI.Ĭontinue with the next section to make sure your equipment checks out. Generally, desktops have more ports capable of outputting to multiple external monitors. However, there may be compatibility or support issues depending on your specs, so be sure to check the manual on the availability of ports. Most systems (laptops and desktops) nowadays are capable of accommodating a dual monitor setup.

Note: If you do not have the required ports, then you’ll need an external connector/adapter to hook up the monitors to the system.

Generally, there are four types of ports: VGA, DVI, HDMI, and Display Port. At the minimum, you’ll need two video-out ports to connect both your monitors. Setup of this kind won’t be possible if your computer doesn’t support multiple video connections. In this guide, we will walk you through all the required steps that will get you started with your dual monitor setup.įirst, let’s take a look at what it’s required in order to achieve a dual monitor setup.

In need of extra screen space? Having two monitors or multiple monitors increases productivity by expanding the amount of on-screen space.

Microsoft display dock dvi