Working with two monitors offers many advantages. However, configuration issues do arise from time to time.
In this example, a laptop screen and an external monitor are used via HDMI, along with MS Windows 11. Additional monitors are supported. Ensure that all monitors are correctly connected and switched on.
Go to Start > Settings > System > Display
All available monitors should be displayed here. The first important button is "Identify." When pressed, the number assigned to the monitor within the Windows system is displayed on the screen. This serves as an initial overview and enables you to configure your workspace.
From the displayed selection, choose the monitor you wish to use as your main monitor. Under the "Multiple displays" tab, you will find the option "Make this my main display." The next button, "Extend these displays," presents you with the various options for the extended configuration.
- Duplicate this display (creates a mirror image of the display on another monitor).
- Extend this display (In addition to the main display, you can create an "extended screen." The monitors operate independently of each other).
- Show only on 1 (displays the Windows desktop only on Monitor 1).
- Show only on 2 (displays the Windows desktop only on Monitor 2).
Select your desired configuration and close the settings window.
Problem: Only the external monitor is supposed to be used, but when the laptop is closed, both screens turn off...
This is due to Windows' power settings. Specifically for laptops, there is a rather hidden option regarding this. Since Windows tends to bury its settings within submenus, here is a quick and universally applicable solution:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard (usually located in the bottom-left corner and marked with the Windows icon) along with the letter "R". A program launcher will open.
- Enter "powercfg.cpl" (without the quotation marks) here and confirm by clicking "OK". The Power Options window from the Control Panel opens. On the left side of the screen, click "Choose what closing the lid does".
- A specialized configuration window for laptops opens, featuring independent settings for battery and AC power modes. The only relevant line here is "When closing the lid:". Under the "AC power" section, select "Do nothing" from the drop-down menu. Save your new setting at the bottom of the screen.
- When you close your laptop, your main display now remains active, and the laptop screen can be preserved—provided it is not typically required.