- Connecting your laptop to a monitor is simply a matter of using the appropriate cable; most Windows laptops use HDMI or USB, and MacBooks will use USB or Thunderbolt.
- After connecting the monitor, choose to mirror or extend the display in the Display Settings windows in Windows or System Preferences on a Mac.
- You may need an adapter to connect your monitor to a MacBook if the display does not have the proper connector for your laptop (USB-C or Thunderbolt).
No matter the size of your laptop screen, adding a second monitor can make the experience more convenient and productive. It’s a snap to connect an external monitor to most laptops, and then you can set up your display with just a few clicks. You can choose to extend the screen to the second monitor, giving you more screen space, or mirror the screen on both screens.
How to Connect a PC Laptop to a Monitor
Depending on the type of monitor and laptop you have, you may need to use a USB, HDMI, or VGA cable. HDMI is the most common monitor connection today, but some laptops do without an HDMI (or mini-HDMI) connector and rely entirely on USB. Also, many modern portable monitors are USB only. As for VGA, you’ll generally only find that now-obsolete connection on older monitors and laptops.
1. With the laptop and monitor turned off, connect the monitor to the laptop with the appropriate cable.
2. Turn on the laptop and monitor, and wait for Windows to start.
3. In the start search box, type display settings and click Ease of Access display settings when you see it appear in search results.
4. In the Display Settings window, click Additional Display Settings.
5. You should now see numbered boxes representing the laptop and additional display; Usually number 1 is the laptop’s built-in screen, but to verify which is which, click Identify and the numbers will briefly appear on both screens.
6. If necessary, you can drag the two monitors across the screen to ensure they are oriented the same way they are on your desktop, then click Apply.
7. Scroll down to find the Multiple Displays section. Click the dropdown menu and choose Duplicate these screens or Expand these screens, depending on whether you prefer them to display the same information or if you want to use them as one larger screen. desk.
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How to Connect a MacBook to a Monitor
Depending on your MacBook, you may have the option of connecting with a connection USB-C or Thunderbolt. If you can connect your monitor directly to the laptop, if your monitor has a USB-C port, great, use that. Otherwise, you must use an adapter or hub that can convert the monitor connector to the format used by your MacBook.
1. With the MacBook turned off, connect the monitor to the laptop with the appropriate cable.
2. Turn on the MacBook and the monitor, and wait for the Mac to start up.
3. Click on the Apple logo and then select System Preferences…
4. In the Preferences window, click Click on Displays.
5. In the display settings window, click the Arrangement tab.
6. You should now see two boxes representing the laptop and the additional screen. The one with the white menu bar at the top is the MacBook’s built-in display. If necessary, you can drag both monitors across the screen to ensure they are oriented the same way they are on your desktop.
7. If you want both monitors to display the same thing, click Mirror Displays. Otherwise, leave the check box blank to extend the screen to the second monitor.
Video: How to Connect a Laptop to a Monitor
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