How to Connect Two Monitors in Windows 7

Last Updated: November 5, 2019

Connecting two monitors to your Windows 7 computer will allow you to review and work on documents using both screens, and can even help with ergonomics. Connecting two monitors can be accomplished by pressing a hotkey or modifying your screen resolution settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using a Hotkey

1
Verify that both monitors are plugged in to your Windows 7 computer. Most Windows computers support VGA or DVI-I cables, but you may need to purchase an adapter if your computer lacks the necessary built-in port.^{[1]
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2
Power on your computer.

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3
Press the Windows logo key and the letter “P” at the same time. A series of monitor options will display on-screen.
4
Select one of the following options: “Duplicate,” “Extend,” or “Projector only.” “Duplicate” will display the same screen on both monitors, “Extend” will allow you to navigate a full screen on both monitors, and “Projector only” will show your screen only on the second monitor.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Changing Screen Resolution Settings

1
Verify that both monitors are plugged in to your Windows 7 computer. Most Windows computers support VGA or DVI-I cables, but you may need to purchase an adapter if your computer lacks the necessary built-in port.
2
Power on your computer.
3
Right-click on your desktop and select “Screen resolution.”
4
Click on the dropdown menu next to “Multiple displays” in the Screen Resolution menu.
5
Select either “Duplicate these displays” or “Extend these displays.” The “duplicate” option will display the same screen on both monitors, and the “extend” option will allow you to navigate a full screen on both monitors.
- Select “Show desktop only on 2” if you want to use only the second monitor for a presentation.
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Community Q&A

Question

My Dell monitor was connected to my Microsoft Surface Pro, but now it says it's not detected. How can I get it working again?

Zhongli, Archon of Liyue (Aasim)

Community Answer

Make sure that you are using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI or VGA adapter. Run the Surface Dock updater if you are trying to connect through your Surface Dock.
Question

What if my computer does not have DVI?

Community Answer

Not all computers do. You can, for example, buy and use an adapter or similar.