Hardware and software setup

Cord for connecting the monitor and the system unit. Connecting an external monitor to a laptop

Hello.

I think that many people know and have heard that a second monitor (TV) can be connected to a laptop (computer). And in some cases, it is impossible to fully work without a second monitor: for example, accountants, financiers, programmers, etc. And in general, it is convenient to turn on, for example, broadcasting a match (film) on one monitor, and slowly do work on the second :).

In this short article, I will consider the seemingly simple question of connecting a second monitor to a PC or laptop. I will try to touch on the main issues and problems that arise in this case.

Despite the abundance of interfaces, the most popular and in demand today are: HDMI, VGA, DVI. On modern laptops, usually, there is an HDMI port without fail, and sometimes a VGA port (example in Fig. 1).

HDMI

The most popular interface, present on the whole modern technology(monitors, laptops, TVs, etc.). If you have an HDMI port on your monitor and laptop, then the whole connection process should go without a hitch.

By the way, there are three types of HDMI form factors: Standard, Mini and Micro. On laptops, there is always, usually, a standard connector, as in fig. 2. However, pay attention to this as well (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. From left to right: Standard, Mini and Micro (a variation of HDMI form factors).

VGA (D-Sub)

Many users call this connector differently, who is VGA and who is D-Sub (moreover, manufacturers do not sin with this).

Many people say that the VGA interface is living its life (maybe it is), but despite this, there are still quite a few technologies that support VGA. So, he will live for another 5-10 years :).

By the way, this interface is available on most monitors (even the newest ones), and on many laptop models. Manufacturers, behind the scenes, still support this popular standard.

On sale today you can find many adapters associated with the VGA port: VGA-DVI, VGA-HDMI, etc.

DVI

Pretty popular interface. I must immediately note that it is not found on modern laptops, on a PC it is (it is also on most monitors).

DVI has several varieties:

  1. DVI-A - used to transmit only an analog signal;
  2. DVI-I - for analog and digital signal transmission. The most popular type on monitors;
  3. DVI-D - for digital signal transmission.

Important! The dimensions of the connectors, their configuration are compatible with each other, the difference exists only in the contacts involved. By the way, pay attention, next to the port, it is usually always indicated what type of DVI your equipment has.

2. How to choose a cable and adapters for connection

The connected monitor had only VGA and DVI interfaces. Interestingly, the monitor does not seem to be “pre-revolutionary”, and there was no HDMI interface on it ...

Rice. 7. Monitor: VGA and DVI

In this case, it took 2 cables (Fig. 7, 8): one HDMI, 2 m long, the other - an adapter from DVI to HDMI (in fact, there are quite a lot of such adapters. By the way, there are universal ones that provide for all kinds of interfaces to connect one to another).

Rice. 8.HDMI cable

Rice. 8. DVI to HDMI adapter

Thus, having a pair of such cables, you can connect a laptop to almost any monitor: old, new, etc.

2. Connecting a monitor via HDMI to a laptop (computer)

In principle, connecting the monitor to a laptop or desktop computer - you will not see much difference. Everywhere the same principle of action, the same actions.

1) Turn off your laptop and monitor.

By the way, many neglect this action, but in vain. Despite the seemingly banal advice, it can save your equipment from damage. For example, several times I came across cases when the laptop's video card failed due to the fact that they tried to “hot”, without turning off the laptop and TV, connect them with an HDMI cable. Apparently, in some cases, residual electricity "hit" and disabled iron. Although, a regular monitor and a TV, after all, are slightly different equipment :). But still…

2) Connect the cable to the HDMI ports of the laptop, monitor.

3) Turn on the monitor, laptop.

When everything is connected - turn on the laptop and monitor and wait Windows boot. Usually, by default, the same picture appears on the connected additional monitor as is displayed on your main screen (see Fig. 10). At least, this happens even on new Intel HD cards (on Nvidia, AMD - the picture is similar, you almost never have to go into the driver settings). The picture on the second monitor can be corrected, more on this in the article below ...

Rice. 10. Additional monitor(left) connected to a laptop.

3. Setting up a second monitor. Projection types

A connected second monitor can be "forced" to work in different ways. For example, it can display the same as the main one, or maybe something else.

To set this moment - click right click mouse anywhere on the desktop context menu select " Screen Options" (if you have Windows 7 - then " Screen resolution"). Next, in the parameters, select the projection method (more on this later in the article).

Rice. 11. Windows 10 - Screen settings (In Windows 7 - screen resolution).

An even simpler option would be to use special keys on the keyboard (if you have a laptop, of course) -. Typically, on one of the function keys, a screen will be drawn. For example, on my keyboard, this is the F8 key, it must be pressed simultaneously with the FN key (see Fig. 12).

  1. Only computer screen. In this case, only one main screen of the laptop (PC) will work, and the second one that is connected will be turned off;
  2. Repetitive (see Figure 10). The image on both monitors will be the same. It is convenient, for example, when the same thing is displayed on a large monitor as on a small laptop monitor when presenting some kind of presentation (for example);
  3. Expand (see fig. 14). A fairly popular projection option. In this case, you have to increase working space, and you can move the mouse from one desktop screen to another. It is very convenient, you can open a movie view on one, and work on the other (as in Fig. 14).
  4. Second screen only. The main screen of the laptop in this case will be turned off, and you will work on the connected one (in some form, an analogue of the first option).

Rice. 13. Projection (second screen). Windows 10.

Rice. 14. Extend screen to 2 monitors

On the sim, the connection process is completed. I would be grateful for additions on the topic. Good luck to all!

After buying a new computer, a problem arises - how to connect a monitor to system unit? In fact, it is not difficult, the main thing is that the connectors match. It is best to see which connector is on the screen and on the block before buying - in this case, the connection will take a couple of minutes. However, even after a seemingly successful connection, the monitor remains black after turning on the PC. What to do in this case? Let's figure it out in order.

The hole for connecting the cable to the monitor is the largest in the block. To keep the wire well, it is fixed with screws, which are already provided by the manufacturer.

Modern units and monitors are equipped with the following types of cable connectors:

  • VGA is a fairly old connector, but still found in cheap technology. It will connect with it even to the oldest models, but the image is almost always of poor quality. The VGA port should be used only if there are no other connectors;
  • DVI is the best interface, it transmits the most juicy and clear image. If it is in the block and the screen, then you need to connect through it;
  • HDMI - a standard connector that exists on most connectors, transmits a picture good quality, supports video format, transmits 4K image (but only low frequency).

The cable required to connect to the processor is selected depending on the connector. Of course, it is most convenient to use VGA - wires for such an interface are inexpensive and are sold at any hardware store. As a rule, the necessary cable comes with the monitor.

Using the selected cable, you need to connect the connectors in the system unit and the monitor. Check if everything is connected securely and tightly. Plug the cable coming from the monitor into a power outlet. It is most convenient to use an extension cord (pilot). After that, turn on the computer and the screen - if everything is done correctly, an image will appear on the monitor.

Using File Explorer

Not always the monitor cable is suitable for connecting to the connector of the computer itself. In such a situation, the conductor will help. It will also help if there is simply no port. The conductor has two different sides - one connects to the screen hole in the block, and the other serves to attach the wire of the desired connector. Using cables, the monitor is also connected to the system unit or video card.

After that, you just need to connect the computer and monitor using the cable of your choice and check their operation.

IMPORTANT! The adapter is inexpensive, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the holes and buy what you need for your wire and equipment.

How to make the connection correctly - instructions

Connecting a PC to the screen is not difficult at all - it can be done in a few steps. In order not to look for connectors for a long time, you need to know where the video card is located in the block - that is where there will be a place to connect. So, step-by-step instruction as follows:

  1. Find the cable that is inserted into the outlet and the cable that will connect to the system unit next to the video card;
  2. Connect the wire to the outlet, check that it works;
  3. find the hole into which the cable from the computer will be inserted, check if it matches the cable;
  4. carefully, without strong pressure, connect the wire to the connector and tighten the screws, check the reliability of the connection;
  5. turn on the computer and wait for the picture to appear.

IMPORTANT! Many modern system units have several connectors at once; before connecting, you need to see which one fits the cable. The holes on the block are written what format they are.

Computer and Monitor Compatibility

It often happens that everything is connected and should work, but the image either does not appear at all, or is of very poor quality. What is the problem? The video card that is responsible for displaying the picture does not match the connected screen.

Before buying, you need to decide with which diagonal the computer can work. The larger the screen, the more load on the video card and on the system unit as a whole.

It is important to understand why the monitor is being bought:

  • for games - a large high-resolution monitor, this will require a powerful video card;
  • for work and surfing the Internet - a simple screen is also suitable, the load on the video card will not be too large;
  • for drawing - you need a wide screen with a high-quality picture and a good video card.

When choosing and buying, pay attention to the connectors of the video card and monitor - if they do not match, you need to either buy an adapter or choose another model.

IMPORTANT! If the video card is suitable, the wire is selected correctly, but the graphics leave much to be desired - it is worth updating the drivers.

Why the processor can work, but the monitor does not turn on

It also happens that the computer itself works, but the picture does not appear. There are many reasons why this happens:

  • The most commonplace - the monitor is not turned on (the Power button is not pressed);
  • the monitor is not connected to an outlet or system unit;
  • there is a malfunction of the video card;
  • the necessary drivers are not installed;
  • there is a problem with the motherboard.

If the computer is turned on and the monitor is not working, you first need to check if the power button is lit. You can press it several times, it is possible that the button is “stuck”. If the Power button does not light up at all, then the problem is in the monitor. What can be done? Try changing the cable or resetting the screen.

If, when you turn on the image itself, there is no image, but the screen changes light (blinks or brightens), then the problem may be in the cable. Adjusting the brightness can help (it happens that the brightness settings are at a minimum and the screen seems black). If something is wrong with the computer, then a window will pop up on the monitor about the absence of a signal.

Be sure to check the cable - it may be bent or poorly connected. Often the screws break and the cable weakens. Ideally, completely replace the wire and turn on the equipment again. If after that the problem persists, you should contact a specialist, because the problem is in the operation of the system.

IMPORTANT! During all manipulations, the computer and monitor must be disconnected from the network.

If a new graphics card has been installed or motherboard– they may not be compatible with the screen. To check this, you need to connect the monitor to another computer, or inspect the video card. Most often, if this is the problem, pops are heard when turned on.

It happens that the processor is broken and it is not because of this that the image is not shown. At the same time, the computer makes noise as during normal operation.

IMPORTANT! If the malfunction lies in any part of the system, then only a professional can help. It is he who will be able to identify the problem and, if necessary, replace parts.

Although the connection itself does not require any special skills, some problems may arise during the process. To avoid them, it is worth reading some recommendations.

  • select a monitor depending on the work that will be carried out behind it;
  • before buying equipment, figure out what ports are available and what cable you will need to purchase, you may need to buy an adapter;
  • check for drivers;
  • buy a reliable extension cord to connect all the equipment into one "pilot";
  • check the compatibility of the video card with the screen;
  • insert and fix the cable into the port carefully, do not press hard on the screws;
  • after connecting, check the operation of the equipment, adjust the parameters of saturation, brightness.

IMPORTANT! Usually, operating system the first time you turn it on, it automatically installs the necessary drivers.

If this does not happen, then you will have to install them manually. A driver disk may be included with the otherwise, they are easy to find and download on the Internet.

Thus, independently connecting a new monitor to the computer system unit will not take much time and effort. Of course, it is necessary that the ports of both devices match, and the cable is correctly selected. If any problems occur after connection, you should check the reliability of the cable and connectors, the compatibility of the individual components of the computer with each other. If you follow all the recommendations and carefully connect the screen and the PC using a cable, then there will be no problems, but bright picture on the new monitor will please the user for a long time.

First of all, look at the connectors on your laptop. On one side you will find a connector for connecting an external monitor. The most common are VGA, DVI and HDMI. On the modern devices you can also meet DisplayPort.

Port VGA on a laptop.

connector HDMI.

After detecting the connector on the laptop, we examine the existing monitor for the presence video port- it is located at the back of the device.

Ideally, the port on a laptop should be the same as on the monitor, but if there are no identical connectors, adapters (video converters) come to the rescue. Exists a large number of adapters from DVI to HDMI, from VGA to DVI, etc. There are also universal adapters with many interfaces.

How to connect and set up a monitor

Connecting is better when the device is turned off, as some laptops only check for a second display at startup.

To connect, we take a cable with the appropriate connector.

VGA cable

HDMI cable

Cable and DVI connector

A more exotic option is the VGA to miniVGA cable.

Such a cable can be used, for example, to connect to a TV.

We connect one end to the monitor, and the other to the laptop.

Immediately after connecting, you will see the same picture on both displays - it will be duplicated (clone mode).

However, it is not always necessary to display the same image on both the laptop and the monitor. In addition, the resolution is often chosen incorrectly, based on the smallest resolution of the two displays used. Therefore, it will be necessary make settings.

On the desktop, right-click - "".

If the monitor is not immediately detected, then in the window that opens, click the " Find».

Then you should determine which of the displays is the main one, which screen will be to the right and which to the left. This can be done using the " Define' in the same part of the window.

Note that in the field Multiple monitors» you can choose to duplicate the image, extend it to both screens, or display it only on one.

The first option can be used, for example, when showing presentations. In this case, one of the screens is in front of you, and the second is in front of the audience (often a projector is used for such purposes).

The second is the most convenient, and therefore more frequently used.

When this mode is selected, it becomes possible to change the resolution for each screen separately.

After making changes, click " OK' and let's get to work.

In this mode, you can move icons and files between two screens, which is very convenient when working with large quantity ON. The size of the visible space is doubled. You can watch a movie and chat at the same time in social networks. No need to constantly switch between applications. This will undoubtedly lead to performance improvement your work.

The third option is used, for example, if the laptop screen is faulty and you decide to use another one for your tasks.

If you want to quickly switch between monitors, then there is a combination of hot keys Win + P. Pressing such a combination opens a window for selecting the mode of operation of several screens. This is how it looks for Windows 7.

For Windows 8 and 10, a pop-up appears " projection» on the right with similar parameters.

The setting can also be done using specialized utilities. For example, if you have integrated video from Intel, then right-click on the desktop, open the graphics settings and further, as shown in the picture.

Algorithm projector connection similar.

Today we will connect an external monitor to a laptop, netbook, or ultrabook and set up the whole thing in Windows 10 and Windows 7. If you have Windows 8, everything will work out. It’s just that this system is not installed on my laptop, I can’t show everything and take screenshots. In general, in the process of connecting a laptop to a monitor, there is not much difference which Windows version you have installed. In most cases, it is enough to simply connect the monitor to the laptop via HDMI cable, or VGA, DVI, USB Type-C. We will also talk about which connection interface is best to use and what cable we need (possibly an adapter).

My laptop is almost always connected to the monitor. A plus wireless keyboard and a mouse. That is, I have a laptop as a system unit. It is very comfortable. I can turn off my laptop at any time and take it with me. It is virtually silent compared to a PC. And thanks to the monitor that I connect to at home, I can conveniently work on the big screen, watch movies, play games, etc.

In addition, the screen quality on laptops is very poor. I have introduced models from the budget and mid-price segment. Or old laptops.

Everyone has different tasks. And there can be a lot of cases when we may need to connect a monitor. Someone will connect to a big screen to watch movies, take their laptop to work and connect to a monitor there for more comfortable work, or like me, use it as desktop computer. In any case, we need to somehow connect and configure these two devices. By the way, instead of a monitor, you can use a TV.

To begin with, we will find out what connection interface (output) is on our laptop, we will also check if there is the same port (input) on the monitor and we will already decide which one to use. And of course, we need a certain cable. In some cases, an adapter may also be needed.

What interface and cable should be used to connect a laptop to a monitor?

At this stage, it is very difficult to give any specific and universal recommendations. For the reason that everyone different laptops and monitors. Therefore, consider the most popular connection options. One of them should suit you.

The most optimal and common interface for connecting a monitor to a laptop is HDMI. It is on almost every laptop and monitor. Even if your devices are not the newest. If you find an HDMI output on a laptop and an input on a monitor, then use that one.

First, take a look at your laptop. I will show everything on the example of two of my laptops. The new but budget Lenovo only has an HDMI output. As I already wrote, this is the optimal solution.

On the second, older ASUS laptop, there is the same HDMI digital output and the already outdated VGA.

What other options might there be?

  • Old laptops may only have a VGA output.
  • Rarely, but sometimes laptops have a DVI output.
  • On modern gaming laptops in addition to HDMI, there may also be a mini Display Port.
  • On new ultrabooks (mainly on expensive models) there is no separate output for connecting an external monitor at all. There, for these tasks, a new USB port Type-C. And since there are very few monitors with a USB Type-C input, you will most likely need an adapter. For example, USB-C to HDMI.

Dealt with the laptop. Let's look at your monitor. What interfaces are there. My monitor has two HDMI inputs and one VGA (D-Sub).

Since my laptop has an HDMI output, and the monitor has an HDMI input, of course, I will use this interface to connect.

But, as you understand, this is not always the case. Consider these options:

  • The monitor does not have an HDMI input. And there are, for example, only DVI and VGA. In this case, you can connect via VGA (if there is such an output on the laptop). But, if the laptop has HDMI, then it is best to use an HDMI to DVI adapter.
  • The laptop only has HDMI and the monitor has VGA. You can also use an adapter. There are enough of them on the market. But, since VGA is not a digital output, the picture quality may not be very good.

Simply put, when both devices do not have the same interfaces, then you need to look towards adapters. And it's better not to use outdated VGA in connection. If there is such an opportunity.

I think we figured out the connection interface. Depending on the selected interface, we need a cable or an adapter. I have a normal HDMI cable.

Very common. You can buy it in almost any digital equipment store. It happens in different lengths. Just say you need a cable to connect your computer to the monitor. I've been using the same cable for several years now.

Connect monitor to laptop via HDMI cable

Connect the cable to the monitor.

Connect the other end of the cable to the laptop.

After connecting (and turning on), the image will most likely be duplicated on both screens (as in the photo below).

Update: There are many monitors with built-in speakers. An HDMI cable can transmit not only images, but also sound. If immediately after connecting the sound did not go to the monitor, then see this article:. You may need to change your audio playback settings in Windows.

  1. Duplicate, or Repetitive. This is when the screen of the laptop and monitor is displayed same image.

    V this mode There is one caveat with the screen resolution. It is determined by the lowest resolution and is set to both screens. On laptops, the resolution is usually 1366x768, and on monitors 1920x1080. In this mode, the monitor will also be forced to set the resolution to 1366×768. And the picture will not be of very good quality. In my case, the laptop is also 1920x1080.
  2. Expand. When the second screen becomes continuation of the main.

    You can put some shortcuts, windows, etc. on it. You can, for example, work in a browser on a laptop screen, and put a player on the monitor and watch a movie. Or open the same YouTube in another browser window.
  3. Only the computer screen (turn off the vice-rector). It is when the image is displayed only on the laptop screen. The monitor is disabled.

    You can turn off the monitor without disconnecting the HDMI cable.
  4. Well, the last mode - Only the second screen (only a projector). Here it's the other way around. The laptop screen is off and the picture is displayed only on the monitor.

    I always work in this mode.

How to change these modes and, if necessary, change the resolution in the parameters Windows screen, I will show later in the article. Separately for Windows 10 and Windows 7.

Setting up a monitor (second screen) on a Windows 10 laptop

To quickly change the way the image is displayed, just press the Win + P key combination on the laptop keyboard. Or use a special function key. Most often paired with the Fn key.

A menu should appear on the screen, in which you can already select desired mode.

If these settings are not enough for you, you can open "Display Options". By right-clicking on an empty area of ​​the desktop.

There should be two displays.

They can be selected and changed parameters for each separately. Including possible. There you can also choose one of four options for working with two displays.

Everything seems to be simple and clear. I think there is no need to describe each item of the settings.

Changing Multiple Display Settings in Windows 7

In Windows 7, in the same way, you can call up the menu by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win Win + P. It looks like this:

We will see that two screens are displayed. Monitor and laptop screen directly. They can be defined by clicking on the corresponding button. Also, by selecting a specific screen, you can change its resolution and orientation. Or change the dual screen mode.

This information is enough so that you can connect your monitor to your laptop and enjoy the image on the big screen. It is much more convenient to work, play games, or watch movies behind the monitor. And by disconnecting the laptop from the monitor, you can move to the sofa, or go to the nearest cafe and continue working over a cup of tea. Absolute freedom!

If you can not decide on the connection interface, or you have other questions, then leave them in the comments. Just be sure to write the model of the laptop and monitor.

Hello dear site visitors.

Most recently, I told you how you can. Today the topic is a bit similar. I will show an example of connecting a monitor to regular computer. In addition to the main points, I will tell you what to do if the connectors on the monitor and computer do not match. So let's get started.

Before connecting a monitor to a computer, you need to briefly understand which connectors are used for this. There are three most popular connectors today: VGA, HDMI and DVI. This is how they look:

What is the difference between these connectors and which one is better to use for connection?

VGA is already an outdated interface, but still used, especially in cheap monitors. I recommend connecting the monitor to the computer using this connector, only in cases where there are no other connectors.
DVI is a good interface, which transmits a very high-quality picture. First of all, you need to use it!
HDMI is also a good interface. It is usually used to connect a TV to a computer, but regular monitors can also be connected. Everything will work well!

Connecting the monitor to the computer

First find connectors on the monitor. They are located at the back. There must be one or more connectors for connection. In my case, there is only a VGA input, so I will use it.

Now expand the system unit and inspect its back. There, almost at the very bottom, where the video card is connected, there are connectors familiar to us. Here is the VGA port:

Connectors found and matched. Now take the appropriate cable ( in my case, a VGA cable, it usually comes with the monitor) and connect one end to the monitor, and the other to the system unit.

After connecting the cable, do not forget to connect the computer and monitor to the network, and also press the corresponding buttons on the devices to turn them on.

Connecting a monitor via an adapter (DVI - VGA)

In some cases, the monitor is not rich in various connectors and it only has VGA interface. And on the computer, on the contrary, there is no VGA, but there are wonderful DVI and HDMI ports. What to do in this case? Of course there is a solution!

We buy DVI adapter-VGA. It looks like this: on the one hand, the DVI interface, and on the other, VGA. Like in the photo:

We insert the side that looks like a DVI port into the system unit connector. Now a VGA interface comes out of the former DVI connector. Fine!

It remains to connect the monitor to the computer using a VGA cable. Well, we already know how to do it =)))

Thus, you can connect to a computer and modern TV, except for the fact that for these purposes you will most likely need HDMI cable and a similar connector on the system unit! That's all I have for today, all that's left is wish good luck when connecting a monitor to a computer.

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