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Frequently Asked Questions for Multiple Displays

Content Type: Product Information & Documentation   |   Article ID: 000005580   |   Last Reviewed: 02/07/2025

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About

What is multiple display or multi-monitor?

Multiple display, also known as multi-monitor or multi-display, is a feature supported by Intel® Graphics Drivers. It allows you to output the computer’s display to more than one display at the same time.

The Intel Graphics Driver supports the following multiple display configurations:

What are the system requirements for multiple display support?

Your computer must have the following:

  • Physical video output connector.
    • One or more connectors are required. Laptops can have video output connectors on a docking station, port replicator, or through a special cable from the manufacturer.
  • Two or more display devices are connected.
    • Check with your computer manufacturer for information on the supported multiple display configurations for your computer.
Can I install an external PCI Express* graphics card and use it in parallel with Intel® graphics?

Yes, integrated and discrete graphics adapters can work in parallel.

Settings for multiple displays

What is clone mode and how do I enable it?

Clone mode is used to send the same content, resolution, and color depth to different display devices at different refresh rates. See how to enable clone mode.

What is the extended desktop mode and how do I enable it?

With extended desktop mode, you get a larger Windows* desktop that spans multiple display devices. You can move applications from one display device to the other. The displays can support different resolutions, color depth, and refresh rates.

See methods for how to enable extended desktop mode.

What is 3-display mode and how do I enable it?

3-display mode is a configuration that allows you to have three displays active simultaneously. You can enable either extended desktop mode or clone mode while using 3-display.

See methods for how to enable 3-display mode.

What is panning and how do I enable it?

When enabled, panning allows a high-resolution display on a larger screen while viewing a zoomed-in version on a smaller screen. An example is a laptop built-in display, or a TV that supports a fixed or limited resolution.

Not all computers support panning. Check with your computer manufacturer for information about multiple display support.

The smaller screen display corresponds to mouse cursor movement. Since the screens are different sizes, the mouse cursor may be at different positions on either screen.

To enable panning:

  1. Enable clone or extended desktop mode.
  2. On one of the display devices, select a resolution that is larger than the supported resolution for the display.
  3. Click Apply. The display selected will now pan.

While the cursor is within the zoomed-in area of the smaller screen, the cursor behaves as normal. As the cursor moves near the edge of the smaller screen, the view pans toward the cursor until you reach the edge of the full screen. The view on the larger screen is not affected. It stays the same regardless of the activity of the smaller (panned) screen.

How do I change monitor positions?
  1. In desktop mode, right-click the Desktop.
  2. Select Graphics Properties > Multiple Displays.
  3. In the positioning screen, left-click the display you want to move, and drag it into position.
I can't see or select the first monitor/display device when I plug in a second device. How do I resolve this problem?
  • Verify the other display is physically connected to the computer.
  • Verify the other display is powered on.
  • Try reseating the video cable on both ends: where it connects to on the display and on the computer.
  • Try reopening the graphics properties window.
  • Try rebooting the computer.
  • If you are using a laptop computer and it is running on a battery, try connecting your laptop to an external power source. On some laptops, the external display device connector is not enabled when the laptop is running on battery.
  • Try a different cable.
  • Some monitors have more than one input connector. Verify that the display is configured to use the input connector, or try a different input connector on the monitor. You might need to use the button or menu to switch to the appropriate input connector or source.
How do I set the external display as the primary display device?
  1. In desktop mode, right-click on your Desktop and select Graphics Properties.
  2. Click Display > Multiple Displays.
  3. Click the drop-down arrow for Operating Mode. Select Extended Desktop or Clone Display.
  4. Click the drop-down arrow for Primary Display. Select the display you want to use. The secondary display auto-populates with the other device. Click Apply > OK.

 

Note Some laptop manufacturers may only allow the laptop display to be the primary display device.

 

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