Add Monitors Using a USB External Display Adapter
These are adapters which turn your USB port into one or two external display ports.
Use a Thunderbolt Port to Add a Second Monitor
If you have a newer laptop, you might not even realize you have a special port on your computer called a Thunderbolt port. These ports are available on both macOS and Windows 10 laptops.
This port is usually located near the power adapter port. The latest USB Type-C connector is a small, oval port that packs powerful technology developed by both Intel and Apple. Older versions are more rectangular in shape and might be found on older laptops.
Try a Display Port Splitter Adapter
Older display port splitter devices used to be primarily for switching between two external monitors or display the same video output on two screens.
However, if you’re looking to connect two monitors to a laptop, you’re probably hoping to extend your display rather than mirroring.
Thankfully, newer display port splitter adapters are capable of taking the single HDMI or DisplayPort output from your laptop and extending the video display output across two or more monitors.
Shop carefully when looking for one of these display splitters that are capable of extending displays, since most only mirror. Look closely at the specs for this when you purchase. Once purchased, just plug the single display port cable into your laptop. Then use cables to connect each of the adapter ports to each of your adapters. Many of these adapters provide plug-and-play installation without any software required. Others may require driver software. Some may also require an external power adapter. Once all of the cables are connected and the splitter is powered up, you can adjust the monitor positions in Display Settings.
Choosing How to Connect Multiple Monitors
When it comes to adding multiple screens to your laptop, your choice comes down to the hardware capabilities of both your laptop and your monitors. Whether you’re working with older technology or the latest laptop and monitors, there’s a solution to extend to multiple displays.
