**9 Signs Your Dual Monitors Are Not Configured Correctly**
It may be difficult to believe now, but there was once a period when connecting more than one monitor to your computer simultaneously would have seemed rather absurd. Many PCs only had the capability to operate a single display, much less extend a workspace across two or more. Multi-monitor support was only officially introduced with Windows 98, although Macs have possessed this function since the late 1980s.
Once you’ve had the experience of utilizing two monitors, it becomes clear why many view this as the baseline for optimum multitasking efficiency. Although it is possible to manage with a single monitor by employing methods such as virtual desktops, and utilizing features like window snapping to distribute apps on the same monitor, it doesn’t quite compare to having two dedicated screens.
Nowadays, the use of multiple monitors is taken for granted. Setting it up is straightforward across all desktop operating systems. Even mobile devices like smartphones and tablets may support multi-monitor setups, making it truly mainstream. Nevertheless, it remains surprisingly easy to misconfigure your dual-monitor arrangement or encounter frustrating issues with no obvious solutions. We have compiled a list of 10 typical signs that something is amiss with multi-monitor configuration, along with solutions for each issue.
**Only one monitor is functioning**
Having just one monitor operational is the most frequent obstacle and tends to occur right at the moment you’re supposed to present to a class, board of directors, or some other inconvenient scenario. Fortunately, it’s usually the simplest issue to resolve, provided you approach it methodically. A smart first step is to confirm whether you’ve mistakenly connected the second monitor to the motherboard’s HDMI port. This is a common error when setting up a computer. You should connect the monitor to an available port on the dedicated graphics card instead, since the integrated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is typically disabled when a dedicated GPU is present.
If you are connecting a display using a USB-C adapter rather than HDMI, which is particularly common with laptops, you should be mindful that not all USB ports support this capability. For example, a USB-C port needs to support DisplayPort “Alt” mode for it to function as a monitor output. Occasionally, compatible ports will feature a small icon resembling a monitor next to them. Otherwise, you’ll need to consult that computer’s documentation to ascertain which ports support monitors. Of course, trial and error can also help you identify a working port, assuming at least one exists.
Certain computers will fail to detect the second monitor unless it’s rebooted with the monitor connected. On Windows, it may also be necessary to use the Win+P shortcut to ensure that “extend” or “mirror” is chosen, rather than “PC screen only.”
**Your display arrangement does not align with reality**
In most instances, your computer is unaware of how your displays are organized in the physical world. In specific cases, such as utilizing an iPad with universal control on a Mac, the computer can make an educated guess. However, in most situations, it’s likely to misinterpret the arrangement completely.
If your computer perceives the monitor on the left as being on the right, dragging a window from one screen to the next quickly becomes perplexing. This confusion is compounded when you mix monitors with differing native resolutions and aspect ratios.
This is why Windows, macOS, and the majority of desktop Linux versions include an icon in their respective display settings that allows you to adjust what your physical layout resembles. Simply drag the monitor icon to its correct position, and everything should function smoothly. However, ensure that all your monitors are configured to the resolution you wish to use, as this influences their relative dimensions in the virtual space, as illustrated above, with a 4K and FHD screen side-by-side.
**Some monitors seem sluggish**
We don’t always have the opportunity to use identical monitors in a dual-monitor configuration. Connecting a monitor to a laptop or acquiring a second monitor subsequently for your desktop typically results in two quite different display devices alongside each other. This can cause one monitor to appear sluggish in comparison to the other, which can be bothersome for many users. Fortunately, there are several ways to address this issue.
The most probable cause of this phenomenon is refresh rate discrepancies between your monitors. The refresh rate measures how frequently the screen updates the displayed image. A higher refresh rate means a smoother and more responsive screen experience. You don’t need a high refresh rate monitor for an enjoyable experience, but if one monitor can operate at 120Hz while the other can only manage half that rate, the difference will be jarring.
If this is something you cannot adapt to, the most straightforward solution is to set the refresh rate of both monitors to the highest rate that is supported by both. This way, you’ll achieve a consistent experience when transitioning between them.