Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Windows Guides
    Intermediate
    1 min read 5 stepsFebruary 5, 2026Verified February 2026

    How to Connect an External Monitor on Windows

    Extend or duplicate your display by connecting a second monitor to your Windows PC.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Windows Guides
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    1 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    intermediate
    windows
    monitor
    display
    productivity

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Connect the cable
    2. 2.Detect the display
    3. 3.Choose display mode
    4. 4.Arrange your displays
    5. 5.Adjust resolution and scale
    1

    Connect the cable

    ~15s
    Use HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA to connect your monitor to your PC or laptop.
    2

    Detect the display

    ~15s
    Windows usually detects it automatically. If not, go to SettingsSystemDisplayDetect.
    3

    Choose display mode

    ~15s
    Press ⊞ Win+P to choose: Duplicate (same on both), Extend (separate screens), or Second screen only.
    4

    Arrange your displays

    ~15s
    In Display Settings, drag the monitor icons to match their physical arrangement on your desk.
    5

    Adjust resolution and scale

    ~15s
    Select each display and set the appropriate resolution and scaling percentage.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Connect an External Monitor on Windows

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    intermediate
    windows
    monitor
    display
    productivity

    Official Resources

    Microsoft SupportHow-To Geek — WindowsGCFGlobal — Windows Basics

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Install and Uninstall Programs on Windows

    Next →

    How to Share Files on Windows

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Learn more from official sources

    Related Guides

    How to Turn Your PC On and Off

    Learn the proper way to start up and shut down your Windows PC to keep it running smoothly.

    1 min read

    How to Connect to Wi-Fi on Windows

    Get your Windows PC online by connecting to a wireless network in just a few clicks.

    1 min read

    How to Open and Close Programs on Windows

    Master the basics of launching and closing applications on your Windows PC.

    1 min read