I received a question from a customer on a website whereby I earn supplemental income, answering computer and technology related questions. Here is the question I received:
“Hi, I have a laptop and a separate monitor. How can I use both screens without seeing same on both. I am a tax preparer.
I would like to use one for the tax software and the other to use the Internet.”
This individual had a Hewlett Packard laptop with Windows 10. Also, they had purchased a separate LG display monitor. Make sure your monitor is powered on and connected to your computer.
In Windows 10 you can right click your desktop. A pop up menu will open up. Choose “Display settings”.
In this window scroll down until you see “Multiple Displays”. If your monitor is connected properly, then you can choose “Extend these displays” in a “Multiple Displays” drop down list. This allows you to move applications to whichever display you choose.
For example, open up your tax software and then click on the top with your left mouse button. Hold down your left mouse button and drag that application to the display of your choosing. You will be able to view your web browser on one monitor and your tax software on the other one.
I currently actually have two LCD displays connected to a desktop computer. If you have a desktop computer with two monitors, then you would follow those same instructions. If you run into any issues, make sure both monitors or displays are working and powered on first.
Also, make sure that you have proper video card drivers installed. Depending on what type of video connection(s) your monitor(s) have ie VGA, DVI, Display Port, or HDMI, you may need to connect your monitors first and then power on your computer. Generally, Display Port and HDMI are more plug in play.