How to Duplicate Displays Across Monitors

Working with multiple monitors has become the norm for many professions. It’s also super convenient if you work from home and can build a fantastic desk setup. Also, connecting a monitor can provide additional visual space for a laptop user. It’s especially useful when you need to duplicate your primary screen.

For example, you might want to show someone your work process, and it’s more comfortable if they see it on another monitor. The same idea applies if you’re going to share your screen while gaming.

But if you’ve never duplicated or extended monitors before, you might not know how it all works. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward setup, and we’ll guide you through all the steps.

How to Duplicate Displays Across Monitors in Windows 10

There are over one billion Windows 10 users worldwide, and each of them can duplicate displays across monitors if they have the right tools.

The first step is to connect the monitor to your Windows 10 laptop or desktop, and then follow these instructions:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and select “Settings.”
   
2. Choose “System” followed by “Display.”
   
3. If your computer doesn’t automatically detect the additional monitor, click on “Detect.”
   
4. Under “Multiple Displays,” select “Duplicate these Displays.”
   

From there, you can change the orientation of your screens. Click on “Scale and Layout” and select the “Display Orientation” that works for you.

Once you’ve gone through the multiple display setup once, you can use a shortcut the next time. Most laptops have a designated “projector” button which allows you to duplicate the display quickly. The Windows key + P shortcut gets the same result using a desktop computer.

Note: You can use another shortcut to the display settings. All you need to do is right-click anywhere on your desktop and select “Display Settings.”

How to Duplicate Displays Across Monitors in macOS

Mac users can also duplicate displays across monitors with the right equipment and a few clicks. Before starting the setup process, make sure to connect the external monitor to your computer. Now, follow these steps to duplicate displays:

1. Select the Apple menu and then “System Preferences.”
   
2. Navigate to “Displays.” If the device doesn’t automatically recognize a new monitor, select the “Detect Displays” button.
   
3. Select the “Arrangement” tab and check the “Mirror Displays” box.
   

You can also use the Command+Fn+1 shortcut to turn on and off display duplication.

How to Extend a Display to Another Monitor in Windows 10

Duplicating displays on multiple monitors can be instrumental in specific situations. But many people choose to add another monitor to extend the desktop and have more space to work.

When you attach another monitor to your laptop or desktop, you have options on how you want to arrange the display. Your monitor can sit on the right or left side of the primary screen or be above it.

The steps for extending a display across monitors for Windows 10 are the same as duplicating displays. You only need to make one different choice, so let’s go through the steps:

1. Go to “Settings” followed by “System.”
   
2. Select “Display.”
   
3. Choose “Extend these displays” under the “Multiple Displays” option.
   

You can choose the primary and secondary monitors in Display Settings and rearrange their positions to match your preference. Don’t forget to use the Windows key + P shortcut to switch between display settings to save time.

How to Extend a Display to Another Monitor in macOS

Mac users can arrange the layout of the external monitor to best suit their working environment too. The first step is to connect both units with the cable and place the monitor where you want it to be on your desk. From there, here is what the process looks like:

1. Click on the Apple logo on the main menu and choose “System Preferences.”
   
2. Select “Displays” and make sure to skip the “Mirror Displays” box.
   
3. Choose the “Arrangement” tab and move the two displays in a position that reflects your desk setup. The primary display will have a white bar on top, so make the changes accordingly.
   

Remember that even though these changes are applied quickly, it may take a few seconds to see the results. Also, both screens may briefly go black at some point, but that is not a cause for concern.

Boost Your Productivity With the Perfect Monitor Setup

Some people don’t mind working on one screen, even if it’s a 13-inch laptop screen. Others need an advanced productivity setup that includes two monitors, a tablet, and a phone next to it.

The good news is that it is a quick and straightforward process if you want to duplicate or extend displays across monitors.

You will need a reliable HDMI cable and a few minutes to go through the setup steps. Both Windows and Mac users will have to tap into the System and Display settings to choose the options that work for them.

Keep in mind that your computer will automatically go back to its original settings once you disconnect the monitor.

Do you ever need to duplicate or extend monitors for school or work? Let us know in the comments section below.