Like a bag of chips or a piece of cake, when it comes to screens, you can always have more. If you’re a programmer, writer, or you do any kind of work that involves more than two windows, you’ll appreciate a multi-monitor setup. For programmers, you often have multiple browser windows open for testing, and being able to emulate different devices on a separate screen while you code is a blessing. And unlike a few years ago, getting there was easy and cheap. Windows 8 comes with spectacular multi-monitor features and a good monitor starts at just $150.
So whether you want to add a bunch of monitors to your high-end desktop or just an external monitor for your laptop, I’ve got you covered. Best of all, you don’t need to install any additional software to do any of these. Start.
Add an external monitor to your laptop
If you have a modern laptop, you can use an HDMI cable to connect to an external display. You can get a 21–23-inch full HD display for about $150. And there’s always an option to use a 27-inch IPS display.
Correct. Yes, I know this is a MacBook but I don’t have a Windows laptop. So here is the disclaimer: Pictures are for representational purposes only.
They are especially useful for multi-tasking/monitoring. Plus, movies and games will look better on these full HD screens than your small, reflective laptop screen. And before you ask, your laptop can handle it. Even 2–3 year old laptops with integrated Intel graphics have the ability to enable pixels to an external display (games not included).
Related: If you don’t want to buy an external display, you can turn your Android tablet into an external display. Check out our guide to see how.
Use your laptop in clamshell mode
If you’re attaching one or two external monitors to your laptop and don’t want to look at the laptop’s screen, there’s basically a way to turn the laptop into a desktop.
To do this, go to Dashboard -> Hardware and Sound -> Change the function of the power buttons. Here you will see an option called “When I close the lid“. From either on battery or Plug in section, change the option to Do nothing. Now when you close the lid, the computer won’t go to sleep. I would suggest you to choose Plug in optional because controlling the external display on your laptop battery is not the best idea.
Extended taskbar and single start page
By default, Windows 8 and 8.1 extend the taskbar to all screens, so wherever you are, you’ll be able to quickly switch between apps. If you don’t want this feature, you can turn it off by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Property.
There’s no shortage of a Get Started page. Sure you can boot directly to the Desktop right now but if you give it some time you can learn to love it or live with it. Either way, a multi-monitor setup gives you a bit of both old and new. The Start page will show up on your default desktop while the secondary monitor will show the desktop just fine.
Individual or panoramic wallpapers
Assuming you have three 27-inch monitors arranged on your desktop, this one starts to look like an airplane cockpit. It’s a shame if they all show different images. Thanks to the built-in mode, you can apply a panoramic wallpaper to your screen and stretch that horizon to its edges.
You do not need to download a special program to apply the panorama wallpaper. Right click on the Desktop and go to Personalized. From background image tab select your downloaded panorama wallpaper. At the bottom you will see a image location select. From here choose lengthen and now your wallpaper is stretching across your screen.
Want to set different wallpapers for each screen? That’s great. In the same window, right click on the image and select either monitor.
Where do you get the wallpaper from?
Wallpaperfusion is the best place to get dual, triple or quad screen panorama wallpapers. Dualmonitorbackgrounds.com also has a great collection.
If you don’t want to download the panorama wallpaper, both sites offer cut-out wallpapers for each screen.
Manage windows between monitors
I’m sure you know about the Windows Aero Snap feature that allows you to split two windows to take up exactly 50% of your screen, as seen below.
All you need to do is drag the window to the left or right edge of the screen and the window will stop there.
I know what you’re thinking, This won’t work with your dual monitor setup. Dragging it to the left edge from the right monitor will switch the window to the other monitor. You’re smart, but so is Windows. This is where keyboard shortcuts come into play.
Use Win + right arrow/left arrow to anchor the window in the respective orientation on the current desktop.
If you want to move the window to the left screen, touch Win + Shift + Left Arrow. Win + Shift + Right Arrow key will bring the display window to the right. It is easy.
happy productivity
Now you’re ready to boost your productivity with the help of multiple monitors. If you have any tips or tricks related to this topic, feel free to share in the comments section below.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
