Adding an extra monitor to your laptop or desktop computer can give you a lot more screen real estate to work with. It can also make working with multiple applications or documents much easier, as you can have them all open on separate screens. If you’re looking to add a third monitor to your setup, here’s how to do it.
The first thing you’ll need to do is identify an available video output port on your computer. If you’re using a laptop, this is likely to be a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port. If you’re using a desktop computer, it’s likely to be a DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA port. Once you’ve found an available port, you’ll need to purchase a cable that’s compatible with it.
If you’re using a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, you’ll need a Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable, or a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable. If you’re using a DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA port, you’ll need a cable that’s compatible with that specific port. For example, you’ll need a DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable if you’re using a DisplayPort port.
Once you’ve got your cable, plug one end into the available video output port on your computer, and plug the other end into the input port on your third monitor. If your third monitor has a DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA input port, you can plug the corresponding cable into it. If your third monitor has a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) input port, you can plug a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable into it.
Once your cable is plugged in, power on your third monitor. If your computer is already powered on, you may need to press the “Input” or “Source” button on your third monitor to switch to the correct input. You should now see your computer’s display on your third monitor.
If you want to use your third monitor as your primary display, you’ll need to change your computer’s display settings. On Windows 10, you can do this by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting “Display settings,” and then selecting the “Multiple displays” drop-down menu and selecting “Extend these displays.” On macOS, you can do this by opening the “System Preferences” app, selecting “Displays,” and then checking the “Mirror Displays” box.
Once you’ve changed your display settings, you can drag and drop your applications and windows onto your third monitor. You can also change the resolution and orientation of your third monitor by opening the “Display settings” or “System Preferences” app and selecting the “Display” or “Displays” section.