How to use multiple monitors in Windows

Windows 11, Windows 10

After you've connected your Windows PC to external displays, you can adjust the settings for each one.

Before you start

Before changing settings for your external displays, make sure everything is connected properly. Here's what you can do:

• Make sure your cables are properly connected to your PC or dock.
• Check for Windows updates. To check for updates, select Start , then search for settings. Select Settings  > Windows Update  > Check for updates.

Tip: If you're using a wireless display adapter, connect to an HDMI port on newer TVs, then wirelessly connect your PC to it. After connecting your wireless display adapter to your TV, go to your Windows 11 PC, press Windows logo key  + K  to open Cast, then select your wireless display adapter.

Rearrange your displays

You'll see this option when Windows detects more than one display. Each display will be numbered to help you identify them more easily. 

Identify a display

To see which number corresponds to a display, select Start , then search for settings. Select Settings  > System  > Display > Identify. A number appears on the screen of the display it's assigned to.

Detect a display

If you connected another display and it isn't showing in Settings, select Start  > Settings  > System  > Display > Multiple displays > Detect.

Arrange your displays

If you have multiple displays, you can change how they're arranged. This is helpful if you want your displays to match how they're set up in your home or office. In Display settings, select and drag the display to where you want. Do this with all the displays you want to move. When you're happy with the layout, select Apply. Test your new layout by moving your mouse pointer across the different displays to make sure it works as you expect. 

Change display options

After you're connected to your external displays, you can change settings like your resolution, screen layout, and more. To see available options, in Settings, select System  > Display. 

Change orientation

Windows will recommend an orientation for your screen. To change it in Display settings, under Scale & layout, choose your preferred Display orientation. If you change the orientation of a monitor, you'll also need to physically rotate the screen. For example, you'd rotate your external display to use it in portrait instead of landscape. 

Choose a display option

To change what shows on your displays, press Windows logo key  + P. Here's what you can choose.