If you're looking for how to connect a second monitor to a PC you're in luck.
A dual monitor setup is one of the best ways to optimise your setup, both for gaming and productivity, but there's a little more to it than you'd think.
There are two commonly used techniques you can go for, which includes connecting via HDMI or DisplayPort, so let's break down exactly how to do it so you can get back to creating your ultimate setup.
How to connect second monitor to PC with HDMI
Step 1: Power Up
Monitors require a power supply, so make sure you've got an available socket to plug yours into.
Step 2: Plug in your HDMI cables
PCs generally have a few more ports than laptops, so if you have two HDMI ports you're in luck. Simply run your HDMI cables from your PC to the monitors.
Your PC should automatically detect the monitor when this connection is complete.
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If your PC does not have two ports, then you can use an HDMI splitter, which will allow you to connect using one.
Step 3: Extend your screen
Head to Display Settings (on Windows 10), select Multiple Displays in the menu, then Extend.
Now your dual monitors are acting as one monitor, leaving one final step.
Step 4: Choose your primary monitor and position
Typically, the monitor you connect to first will be deemed the primary monitor, but you can do that yourself by selecting the monitor and hitting 'make this my main display'.
You can actually drag and re-order the screens in the dialogue box, and position them in anyway you'd like.
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We'd recommend doing some fine adjusting to make sure everything lines up, especially if you have two different monitors, and two different sizes.
It takes a couple of minutes, but is well worth it.
You can then use your two monitor setup!
How to connect second monitor to PC with DisplayPort
Another way of connecting a second monitor to PC is with a DisplayPort cable. These can be used in some cases to 'daisy chain' the monitors together.
That means that you can link your dual monitors visa one short video DisplayPort cable, which saves you having to buy any cable splitters.
Here's how you do it.
Step 1: Power up
As with the first technique, make sure your monitors are all plugged in to a power source.
Step 2: Connect your DisplayPort cable
Plug in a DisplayPort cable from monitor 1 to monitor 2.
Step 3: Head to Display Settings
As with the first technique, rinse and repeat! Extend your screen, align your monitors, and you're good to go.
Why is my 2nd monitor not displaying?
If you've run into this problem with either DisplayPort or HDMI, it may be to do with a fault port or more likely a faulty cable.
Some poorer quality or older HDMI cables can run into problems, so it's always worth investing a little more to ensure smooth sailing if possible.
You can check out some of the best HDMI cables here and the best DisplayPort cables right here.
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