All Dell laptop motherboards include an integrated graphics card adapter connector that lets you view your computer’s desktop on an external monitor. It helps project photos from your computer to a broader audience.
Because most external displays are functional with Dell PCs, you do not require a Dell-branded monitor. So in this guide, I will discuss How to Connect Dell Laptop to Monitor for your convenience and efficient performance.
If your Monitor and Laptop both have numerous video connectors, the best option is DisplayPort, closely followed by HDMI. DVI, VGA, and S-Video can only transmit video; the Monitor’s audio will originate from your Laptop.
Switching between displays is a simple operation if you have a suitable cable for your Laptop’s port. All Dell laptops include a feature that enables you to switch between monitors simply by hitting two keyboard keys.
Locate the Ports on Your Laptop and Monitor
When linking your Dell laptop to a monitor, you should be aware of the precise characteristics of each accessible video port. Additionally, the majority of laptops include at least one video output connection. Among the most often seen ports on Dell laptops are the following:
HDMI
It is a trapezoid-shaped port with six sides that measures approximately three-quarters of an inch broad.
VGA
VGA is becoming less used these days; it consists of 15 holes with two pins on every side.
DisplayPort
The DisplayPort is a port that is quite similar to the HDMI port; however, one of its ends curls inwards while the other is straight.
USB-C
It is an oval-shaped port that is present on most current personal computers. However, not all USB-C connections offer an external display connection. As a result, if you observe one of the following, you should connect your Dell PC to an external monitor through a USB-C cable:
- Suppose you notice a thunderbolt with an arrowhead near the port’s base. It indicates that the port enables Thunderbolt 3 and that you can connect a USB-C display to it.
- If you notice an indicator with a white ‘P’ within, it indicates that the port is DisplayPort compliant, allowing you to connect an external monitor via DisplayPort or USB-C.
Connect a Dell Laptop to a Monitor by Using the HDMI Port
It does not require high-speed HDMI or ARC compatibility; a standard HDMI connection will suffice. If the Dell laptop and Monitor have an HDMI port, connecting them is as simple as plug-and-play. Follow these steps to Connect Dell Laptop to Monitor by Using the HDMI port.
- Before attaching the HDMI cable, confirm that your Dell laptop should shut down and the Monitor turned off. The HDMI cable plugs into the laptop’s and monitor’s HDMI ports.
- There is a method for connecting a Dell laptop to a monitor that does not have an HDMI port. I will be discussing it further down the road.
- After connecting your HDMI cable, you can power on your Dell laptop and Monitor.
Configuration of a Dell Laptop With a Monitor
- To recognize the Dell laptop as the input source, change the Monitor input to HDMI (or other associated ports).
- After the Laptop has finished booting, navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu on the PC and choose the ‘Display’ option.
- Choose a display from the drop-down menu.
- You can choose between Duplicate this display and Extend this display option to mirror your Laptop’s screen on the Monitor or Extending this display option to move the display to the Monitor.
- If your Dell laptop supports more than one Monitor, click on ‘Identify’ in the display options settings to select the primary and secondary displays.
- Suppose your Dell laptop or Monitor lacks an HDMI connector. In that case, you can utilize a USB-Type C port, including Thunderbolt 3 or DisplayPort, a VGA/SVGA port, or any other available port.
- Once you’ve selected the appropriate cords based on the available ports, set up your Laptop using the procedures above.
What Are the Functions of the Monitor’s Digital and Analog Video Ports?
In-display monitors, projectors, and video ports transmit data in either digital or analog formats. Digital video ports support the playback of protected (encrypted) data, whereas analog video ports do not. DVI, VGA/SVGA, Composite Video, and S-video are all examples of analog video connectors.
Connect a Dell Laptop to a Monitor Display by Using FN+ F8 keys
- Determine whether your Dell laptop model includes an S-Video, VGA, or DVI connector. Examine the ports on the rear of the external device and an LCD monitor to determine the sort of port it utilizes.
- Acquire the necessary cable. Link one end of the power cord to the Dell laptop’s port and the other edge to the external Monitor’s port.
- To switch to the external Monitor, simultaneously press the “FN” and “F8” keys. Press the keys together to display your computer’s screen simultaneously on the external Monitor and the Laptop’s LCD screen.
- Tap the keys a third time to revert to the Dell laptop’s LCD screen-only mode.
- If the “FN” and “F8” keyboard combinations are modified, and you no longer know the right combination, open the Start menu. Select “Personalization” from the “Control Panel” menu.
- “Display Options” should be clicked. To find the external Monitor, select “Identify Monitors.” To change the display, click the drop-down box and select the external Monitor.
Connect a Dell Laptop to a Monitor Display by Using Windows + I keys
- Begin by ascertaining whether your GPU supports secondary monitors. Following that, you may access Dell’s website and view the GPU details for your Laptop. This information refers to as ‘Number of Displays’ or something similar.
- Navigate to the ‘Dell Drivers and Downloads website to obtain the most up-to-date graphic drivers and improve your video. The website should automatically recognize your PC model, and you can pick it up under ‘This PC’ to get the latest drivers if you do not install them.
- Link the Monitor to your computer and a power outlet, then turn it on. Specific external monitors require you to select an input source before the display turns on. Before proceeding, double-check that the cords are securely attached.
- Then, on your keyboard, tap and hold Windows + I. The Windows button is the one bearing the Windows operating system’s logo. Assure that you tap and hold the keys simultaneously. Then select ‘System.’
- Following that, click on ‘Display’; this option locates in the left-hand sidebar. Then, click on’ Extend these Displays’ under the ‘Multiple Displays’ area.’ Additionally, you can choose to display the content exclusively on the first or second Monitor, or even mirror the content of your Laptop’s screen onto the external Monitor.
- Then, scroll up to rearrange your screens in the’ Display’ option. If the second Monitor is connected correctly, you will see two boxes with numbers at the top.
- If you cannot see both monitors, click the “Detect” button below. Then, click the ‘Identify’ button to see the display that each box represents.
- Next, drag the boxes to rearrange them according to your physical configuration. It is critical to ensure that your mouse moves correctly across both monitors. Finally, click the ‘Apply’ button.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do I Connect My Dell Laptop to a Monitor Using HDMI?
Attach the VGA or HDMI cable to the VGA or HDMI port on your Laptop. If you’re using an HDMI or VGA adapter, plug it into your Laptop and attach the adapter’s other end to the provided cable.
Why Won’t My Dell Laptop Connect to My Monitor?
If your Dell monitor does not connect to your Laptop or PC, perform a cable check. If the wires are correctly attached, you should attempt to update your PC and restore the Monitor’s factory default settings. Otherwise, you’ll need to consult the troubleshooting instructions included in your Dell manual.
How Do I Connect My Laptop to a External Monitor?
The most straightforward approach is to locate a cable that connects two standards. For instance, if your Laptop’s USB-C connection supports DisplayPort and your Monitor also supports DisplayPort, you can purchase a USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable. A standard HDMI cable will work if your Laptop and display support HDMI.
Is It Worth It to Connect a Monitor to a Laptop?
Connecting a laptop to an external monitor has many benefits. It will assist them in resolving their productivity and comfort issues. By attaching an extra display to a laptop, users can modify documents concurrently, enhancing multitasking in any work area.
Conclusion
Connecting a Dell laptop to an external display has various benefits and purposes, including watching movies, playing online games, presenting group research, presenting a business plan, or simply monitoring forex market price action.
As you can see, connecting your Dell laptop to an external monitor is quite simple. Once your dual monitor setup is complete, you may customize it by altering the resolution, applying a taskbar to the second monitor screen, and altering the background color of each Monitor.
