Windows 10 does not see the second screen. How to connect a second, third ... tenth monitor to one computer

Working with two big amount monitors is very convenient and pleasant, as you get much more space for your tasks, and in games, monitors can be combined for a more immersive effect.

Connecting a second monitor to a computer is a simple and quick matter in 99% of cases. You plug the monitor into a power outlet and then connect it to the computer with the appropriate cable (VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB-C) in the appropriate slot and Windows automatically detects the additional monitor. After that, options are available in System Settings to expand, duplicate, or display the picture on only one of the monitors. If something went wrong during this procedure and the computer does not see the second monitor (or the third, for example), this instruction will tell you a few points that you need to pay attention to. Perhaps some of the tips will help fix the problem.

The computer does not see the second monitor - how to fix

The reason why your computer refuses to work with a second monitor can be both a software and a hardware problem, and therefore you will have to try different tips in turn. We recommend starting with the most simple tips, which will help you understand if the second monitor is detected by the system at all. It often happens that Windows sees a second monitor, but it is disabled software. In this case, enabling it will be as simple as changing a few settings in your computer settings.

If connecting a second monitor to the computer did not provide any positive results try just reloading it. Then move on to the next tips.

Is your monitor turned on?

The question may seem very silly, but still worth paying attention to. Many monitors have two switches - a main power button (usually on the front of the monitor for easy access) and an auxiliary power switch near the power cable. Make sure that both these switches are in the "On" position. The indicator light will help you navigate. Almost all monitors are equipped with some sort of LED to indicate the status of the monitor. It must burn. At this stage, it does not matter what color - you must understand that the power is coming in and it is working.

Also pay attention to the power cable of the monitor. It must be fully inserted into the screen's power slot, and it must not show any noticeable damage. If you see flaws or damage on the cable, in no case try to connect it to the network!

Is the monitor OK?

Make sure the monitor you are connecting to your computer is working properly. Disconnect the main screen and connect the second one. If you don't get the desired result, try connecting the monitor using a different connector. Modern monitors have several connection methods (VGA, HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and so on), so try everything possible if you have the appropriate cables. Try connecting it with the same cable as your main one. Connect the screen to another computer. If it does not start there either, then the problem may be hidden in the screen itself.

Is the cable ok?

Check for physical damage on your cable. Make sure that the cable connector fasteners are tightly tightened (this primarily applies to VGA and DVI cables, which in the vast majority of cases are equipped with tightening fastening screws), and that the connector itself is fully inserted.

If you don't see any physical damage to the cable, and all of the latches are secure, it's worth trying a different cable. Perhaps the problem is hidden in the bent pins of the connector or other hardware problems invisible to the user's eye. Often a different cable solves the problem. When connecting the cable (relevant for DVI and VGA cables), be careful. Always connect with the correct side, do not rush or use excessive force if the cable resists.

If you're trying to connect your monitor with a USB-C cable, you'll want to make sure the cable supports video. Not all USB-C cables are the same. Although they all have the same connector, some only support file transfer and charging, while others can carry video or are compatible with the Thunderbolt standard. Also, your computer must support signal output via USB-C.

Is the video card/motherboard OK?

Make sure the video output on the motherboard (for computers with integrated graphics) or graphics card is working. Connect your main monitor (one that is sure to work and is recognized by your computer) to the port you are trying to connect another monitor to. Connecting a second monitor to another computer can also help determine if a computer has a hardware problem.

How do you connect the monitor?

Check if you are connecting your monitor correctly. If your main screen is connected to the video outputs of a discrete video card, the second monitor must also be connected to the second video output. video cards. Connecting to VGA / DVI / HDMI / DiaplayPort / USB-C on the motherboard will not work in this case because the BIOS motherboard configured to work with external graphics. Moreover, your processor may not even physically have a video core, which will completely nullify the operation of the video outputs on the motherboard. There is no point in trying to connect the monitor to the motherboard.

Does your card support multiple monitors?

Just because you have two or more ports on your graphics card doesn't mean you can actually connect two or more monitors. Check your motherboard user manual to make sure it supports multiple monitors. First of all, this advice is relevant for very old or the cheapest video cards.

It happens that the video card supports image output only on two monitors, so nothing happens when a third monitor is connected. I personally ran into this situation when I was trying to connect two monitors to an old laptop. One was detected via an HDMI cable, but the second was no longer identified via an analog video output. In this case, you have to put up with the physical limitations of your computer's video adapter.

Is the cable connected directly or through an adapter?

Adapters are a very controversial issue. They are used if the video card or monitor does not have the required connector, and changing the cable or screen is not an option. If you are trying to connect a monitor to a video card using an adapter, make sure that the video card supports converters. First of all, this concerns the adapter from digital to analog signal. Modern video cards are not equipped with analog output ports, so conventional analog adapters do not work. In this case, you need to buy an active adapter with a converter. On older video cards, DVI connectors include a pin to an analog signal, so DVI-VGA conversion is possible through a regular adapter. In newer video cards (Nvidia abandoned the analog signal in the Pascal-based GeForce 10XX), it is not possible to use such adapters.

And what about the drivers?

Your system may be working with the main monitor via standard VGA graphics adapter. This is a primitive driver that allows you to render a picture on any video card without drivers. He is able to carry out a picture even through damaged video cards. On some computers, these drivers allow you to display an image in a sufficiently high resolution, which is why inexperienced users believe that the video driver is installed. In this case, an attempt to connect a second monitor will end in nothing, since the video card simply does not use its capabilities through software.

It is also worth noting here that there are times when the second monitor worked, but after updating the video driver, the video suddenly stopped working. There may be a bug in the new driver that caused the second monitor to turn off. In this case, roll back the driver to previous version and see if your problem is gone.

"gluing" monitors

Check if your pair of monitors is running in some advanced mode. AMD has EyeFinity technology, which combines the image from two screens into one large one. In this case, instead of two screens, Windows Settings displays one large wide screen. Try disabling all these software things, after which the second screen should work.

Unlikely, but worth a try.

Some argue that different monitor frequencies can cause the second screen to not work. In this case, the monitor itself can be displayed on the screen, but there is no picture on it. If you encounter this strange bug, try checking the screen frequency and changing it so that both monitors run at the same frequency.

If you know of other ways that can help fix the second monitor not working issue, please share them in the comments. Your experience may help some of the readers, if we did not mention it in the article.

In your bins, you probably had another monitor lying around (most likely inherited from the previous computer). Why not get him involved. How to connect a monitor to a tablet, laptop or computer? By doing so, you will increase the overall size of your Windows 10 desktop - operating system allows you to stretch the desktop to several monitors connected to the computer at once.

This is extremely useful when working with shared data across multiple applications at once. For example, on one screen you can view Wikipedia articles, and on the second screen you can write scientific work in word processor. When connecting a projector, it is allowed to duplicate with its help the image originally displayed on the laptop screen. Moreover, it is allowed to connect a TV to modern tablets in order to display high-definition video on it. Of course, in order to perform any of the tasks described above, a computer or other device running Windows 10 must have video outputs or ports that support connecting a second monitor or projector. If your computer, laptop or tablet was purchased no more than three years ago, then it is definitely equipped with the necessary video output. In most modern computer devices, monitors and projectors are connected to a standard HDMI port.

Sometimes, in addition to an HDMI cable, you may need a special adapter to connect an old monitor or projector to your computer.
Once physically connected to the computer, the monitor or projector must be properly configured to output video. To complete this task, follow the instructions below.

1. Click the Start button, select the Settings option and click the System icon in the window that appears on the screen.

2. On the page system settings Click the Advanced Display Options button in the lower right corner of the display. A page with the same name will appear on the screen. This time it shows thumbnails of two monitors placed side by side. (If the second monitor is not represented by a separate thumbnail, then click on the Detect link. You may need to turn off the second monitor, wait for it for 30 seconds complete shutdown and then turn it back on.)

3. Drag the thumbnails on the screen so that their relative position repeats the configuration of the monitors on your desk. Specify the main monitor. Each of the monitors is represented by small rectangular thumbnails. Still not sure which thumbnail corresponds to the main monitor? Click the Detect link and Windows 10 will assign monitor numbers according to the order in which they are connected in the system, preventing output device confusion.

Arrange the thumbnails on the settings page so that they clearly represent physical devices on your desktop.
Finally, click on the thumbnail of the monitor that will initially display the desktop with the Start button, and then select the Make this my primary display check box.

4. If necessary, change the orientation of the image on the monitor, as well as the way video is displayed on two monitors. The image orientation is configured only for swivel monitors and output devices connected to tablets. By default, the image is displayed in landscape orientation, but if you rotate the tablet or the monitor itself, you can change it to portrait to make it easier to view the displayed information.

The Multiple Displays drop-down list specifies how video is displayed on both monitors. All are described below possible options which are successfully applied in solving a variety of problems.

• Duplicate these screens. The image is duplicated on both screens, which is convenient when using a laptop to control a presentation displayed on a large lecture screen using a projector.
• Expand these screens. Worker Windows table 10 expands to two monitors at once, growing to the maximum possible size and providing a huge field for activity (in the direct sense of the word).
• Show only on 1. This option is used at the stage of preliminary preparation of the presentation for output to the projector. The presentation itself is held in the Duplicate these screens mode.
• Show only on 2. The last option is most often in demand when watching a movie stored in the tablet's memory on a TV screen.

As soon as the configuration of the monitors connected to the computer changes again, return to step I and start configuring the monitor settings from the very beginning. Changing the resolution of monitors connected to the computer is carried out according to the instructions in the “Screen resolution” section. Since the Advanced Display Settings window now displays thumbnails of the two monitors, before changing the resolution of any of them (in the Resolution drop-down list), click on the corresponding thumbnail.

This guide shows you the steps to set up a second monitor in Windows 10

The operating system supports various configurations of multi-monitor systems by default, so you do not need to install third-party software to set up multiple displays.

The need to use a second monitor is needed primarily to expand the workspace, which in some cases makes it easier to perform multiple tasks at the same time.

It is important to note that some video cards do not support multiple monitors, and that older displays may not always connect automatically.

To connect a second monitor, you need a computer (laptop) or with an additional video signal output to an external display using various connectors, such as HDMI, VGA, DVI port or DisplayPort, as well as the appropriate cable that connects the monitor to the connector (port).

Switch between display modes

By connecting the monitors to your computer, you can select the appropriate display mode.

There are four display modes available in Windows 10.

PC screen only

The image will be displayed on the first monitor of the computer or on the main screen of the laptop. The second monitor will not be used and nothing will be projected onto it.

Duplicate

The contents of the main monitor are copied to the second monitor. This option is best suited for presentations.

Two monitors turn into one large virtual screen. This makes it possible to display one file on two monitors, for example, a large photo.

Second screen only

Only the secondary monitor is used. This mode allows you to check the resolution of the second monitor. Accordingly, if you have a laptop, the presentation from which is projected onto a large monitor, then select this option for optimal results.

Depending on which device you are using, the appropriate display mode will be automatically selected.
When connecting a second monitor to a laptop, the default display mode is set to recurring
When you connect a second monitor to your desktop computer, the default display style is set to Expand

To quickly switch between modes, press the keyboard shortcut + P , this will bring up the PROJECT sidebar with four options.

You can also select the display mode using the screen options, to do this, sequentially open: Screen Options

Then on the right side of the window, click on the dropdown Multiple displays and select one of the items.

After that, save the selected option.

Setting display options

Set up and manage displays with Windows very simple, for this, sequentially open: Windows Settings➯ System ➯ Display, or click right click mouse in an empty area of ​​the desktop and in the appeared context menu select item Screen Options

Each of the monitors is represented by a small rectangular miniature.

Drag the thumbnails on the screen so that their relative position repeats the configuration of the monitors on your desk.

Use zoom to enlarge text and other content. (This is suitable for higher resolutions or people with vision problems).

You can also change the desktop resolution.

Select landscape or portrait orientation to change the selected screen orientation.

The multiple display option allows you to switch display modes (as described in the section above).

In the advanced display options you can see general information about the connected displays, as well as the properties of the video adapter for the display by clicking on the appropriate link.

Taskbar settings

When you connect a second monitor, the taskbar is displayed on all displays by default. You can generally remove the taskbar from one of the monitors, or leave only the icons of applications running on this monitor on each of the panels.

To customize taskbars, go to: Windows Settings ➯ Personalization ➯ Taskbar, or right-click in an empty area of ​​the taskbar and in the context menu that appears, select Taskbar Options

To display the taskbar only on the main monitor, in the section Multiple displays, set the switch Show taskbar on all displays to the off position.

If you prefer the default configuration, where each monitor has its own taskbar, you can set the behavior of these panels using the drop-down list. Show taskbar buttons:

All taskbars

The default mode where the same panel is present on both monitors.

Main panel taskbar and the taskbar in which the window is open

In this case, the taskbar on the primary monitor contains icons for all running applications, while on the second monitor, only the icons of applications that are running on it appear on it. For example, on the main monitor, you run Microsoft Edge and Word, and PowerPoint and Excel are displayed on the second monitor. The primary monitor taskbar will then contain icons for Microsoft Edge, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. On the second monitor, only the PowerPoint and Excel icons will appear.

The taskbar in which the window is open

In this mode, the taskbar on each of the monitors will contain only the icons of applications running on this monitor. As a result, if we recall the above example again, only the icons will appear on the taskbar of the first monitor. Microsoft applications Edge and Word, and on the taskbar of the second monitor PowerPoint and Excel.

Background settings on monitors

With a second monitor connected, desktops can be personalized.

To customize screen design options, open: Windows Settings ➯ Personalization ➯ Background, or right-click in an empty area of ​​the desktop and select Personalize from the context menu that appears

Then, in the right part of the window, select a suitable background and right-click on it, in the context menu that appears, select one of the menu items, for example Set for monitor 1

Select the background for the second monitor in the same way.

You can also select the position of the background image in the drop-down list Select position

Two monitors - special function, which allows you to increase the space for displaying information several times, thereby facilitating the work at the computer or simplifying it. Windows 10 comes with a multi-monitor management feature that you can easily use without installing additional software.

How to set up dual monitors in Windows 10?

Prepare workplace. Make sure your computer supports multiple monitors. The video card is responsible for this function, you can determine the availability of the second screen in the following ways:

using Aida64 or other software, find out the name of your video card and search for information about it in a search engine;

check if there is a second connector in the system unit for connecting the monitor cable.

Important! Most modern devices such a function exists.

Software settings

To check the performance and be 100% sure that everything is functioning as it should, plug a second monitor into the connector and wait for the message that the screen is connected. Follow the step by step instructions:

Right-click on the desktop and go to the "Display Settings" section.

Select the Screen section and click on it. You will have two clickable links, you need to click on “Define”. This is necessary for the computer to recognize the second monitor.

After a short search, right in this window, two screens with the numbers 1 and 2 will appear.

Select each screen and make simple settings. Don't forget to click the "Apply" button.

Close all windows and use the second screen.

Note! If you need to display some information on the second screen, just drag and drop programs and statistics windows there. They will initially open on the first monitor. If necessary, you can connect additional monitors, but this requires several powerful video cards.

Today, PC users have two or more monitors in their arsenal. The smaller display is used for working with office applications, while gamers prefer a large monitor to run colorful games. However, having only one system unit, users often wonder how to connect and configure a second monitor in Windows 10.

Preparatory steps before setting up a second monitor in Windows 10

Before connecting a second screen to a Windows 10 PC, you need to make sure that the selected monitor has VGA, HDMI, DVI standards, which are also available on the rear interface panel of the system block(video card must support the ability to connect two displays). Thus, when connecting a 2nd monitor, the user can use different plug connectors. It is recommended to install the main screen with the one with the best performance.

The first step is to connect both monitors to your Windows 10 PC using the appropriate cables.

After connecting a 2 display, you can adjust the clarity (and other parameters) and the position of the desktops on the monitor.

Setting up a second monitor on a Windows 10 PC

Setting up a second monitor on Windows 10 is as follows:

• Press "Win + P" to bring up the "Projection" menu and choose how to use the second monitor. A small window will appear.

• Next, select the option to use an additional display. In most cases, the "Expand" options are used (creating a second empty workspace). windows desktop 10) or "Duplicate" (complete duplication of screen content on the second monitor).

IMPORTANT! If the installed monitor is for any reason operating Windows system 10 does not detect, you can try to manually force the system to recognize it. To do this, right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select "Display Settings" from the menu that opens.

A new window will open. Under the image of a small monitor, click on the "Detect" button.

Or, you can open "Settings", "System", "Display" and follow all the same steps.

If after this manipulation the image does not appear on the monitor, you should change the screen resolution and make sure that the cable is connected correctly.

In the case when the cable is connected correctly, but there is no image, we recommend installing or updating the video card driver. After updating the software in the advanced screen settings, you need to make the following settings:

• Select "Graphics adapter properties".
• A new window will open. The adapter type should be the name of the video card, not the basic adapter from Microsoft.

• If the video card is not set as the main device, you should click on the "Properties" button and change the settings.

It is important to note that installing a second monitor is a simple process. However, you need to be careful when connecting monitors and adjusting the image display settings.