With the rise in the innovative features and functionalities computer operating systems offer, multitasking has become a common practice among the masses. Thanks to the powerful computers readily available in the market nowadays, everyone can use the powerful device’s features and functionalities to get the job done without hassle. For instance, macOS and Windows allow users to open multiple windows side-by-side and perform different tasks in each. macOS users can use the Split View feature to open and work with multiple windows. In contrast, users of the Windows 11 OS can hover over the minimize or maximize button on the top left corner of every window and select the number of windows they wish to divide the screen into.
What further enhances the efficiency of multitasking is having a multiple-monitor setup. Using multiple monitors on a computer offers users numerous benefits and advantages. According to Chron, using multiple monitors provides users with enough room or space to expand multiple windows and use them to perform different functions without hassle. Besides this, users with multiple monitor setups can use different screens for different programs. For example, if a user wishes to run a game on one monitor and use the other to work, they can easily do it by placing the game’s window on one screen and the programming app’s windows on the other.
Although having a multiple monitor setup benefits users in more ways than one, setting up multiple monitors may be challenging for certain users. Moreover, using multiple monitors may result in certain issues. To ensure users do not face any trouble or inconvenience when setting up multiple monitors, this article will list some of the most common multiple monitor issues and their fixes and shed light on numerous aspects related to the multiple monitor set-up process. Let us dive right into it:
Common Multiple Monitor Issues and How to Fix Them:
Here is a brief look at some issues that both macOS and Windows users face while setting up or using multiple monitors and how they can easily resolve them:
macOS – There are instances when macOS users wish to use an external display with their portable MacBooks for better multitasking. However, sometimes MacBooks do not recognize plugged-in monitors. If you wish to resolve the MacBook not recognizing external monitor issues, there are numerous methods you can follow. For starters, you can check whether the wires and cables are connected properly. Besides this, you can also adjust monitor settings by going to the Displays option in the System Preferences app.
Windows – If you are a Windows user and are facing issues when setting up multiple monitors, you can try resolving the issue by adjusting the Display Settings. To access the Display Settings, right-click on your desktop and click on the option to open the window. Besides this, you can also try verifying cable connections, changing the data cable or graphics port, or updating your PC’s drivers.
Setting Up Multiple Monitors:
Most individuals opt to use a dual monitor setup since it is easier to set up, maintain and use. However, there are instances when users require more than two monitors. To set up multiple monitors, the connection type is the first thing users need to consider. Most PCs have multiple ports that can output to a monitor. Hence, to start off in the right direction, you would first need proper cables to connect the ports on both your computer as well as the monitor.
However, there are different types of video connections, and thus, you should be familiar with them to ensure utilizing your monitors to the best of their capabilities. Here are some of the most common ports you will come across:
- HDMI – Most modern-day monitors feature an HDMI port. The universal port is capable of carrying audio and display resolutions of up to 1080p.
- Displayport – Display Port is a newly-popular port that supports top-tier resolutions and frame rates. Its dimensions are similar to that of the HDMI port, and it supports resolutions up to 8k at 60 fps.
- VGA – VGA port is an ancient port that is hardly present on modern-day monitors. These ports are blue and resemble a trapezoid.
Once the ports on both the PC and the monitors are connected, you need to check whether the monitors are being displayed on your Mac or PC’s list of output devices. If yes, you can start using the monitors by opting for the required screen configurations. For instance, if you wish to use only one screen, you can opt for the PC Screen option. On the other hand, you can mirror your screen if you wish to present your screen’s content to another individual or an audience. Other options allow users to only extend their display or use the second screen.
If you are wondering how to set up a dual or multiple monitor setup, refer to the aforementioned tips and steps.