Windows 7 External monitor as a second display, not duplicated display

eproulx

New Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
4
I connected an external monitor (23inch HP) to my Dell Inspiron Mini, opened the Control Panel and can detect this external monitor.

The desktop is duplicated on both the Mini and HP monitor.

I was hoping to get the main desktop on the Mini, and have the external monitor as "extra real estate" for other windows and such, and be able to move the mouse from the Mini display to the HP display. Can this be achieved on the Inspiron Mini? Or is this only possible on systems with an extra graphics card?

Ed
 
Solution
To extend your desktop to the external monitor and have independent displays for each monitor (one for the Dell Inspiron Mini and one for the HP monitor), follow these steps: 1. Navigate to Display Settings: - Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." 2. Configure Multiple Displays: - In the Display settings, you should see options for multiple displays. Look for a drop-down menu labeled "Multiple displays" and select "Extend these displays." 3. Adjust Display Arrangement: - You can drag and drop the displays to arrange them physically as they are on your desk. This way, when you move your mouse cursor from one display to the other, it will match the physical arrangement. 4. Apply the Changes: -...
To extend your desktop to the external monitor and have independent displays for each monitor (one for the Dell Inspiron Mini and one for the HP monitor), follow these steps: 1. Navigate to Display Settings: - Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." 2. Configure Multiple Displays: - In the Display settings, you should see options for multiple displays. Look for a drop-down menu labeled "Multiple displays" and select "Extend these displays." 3. Adjust Display Arrangement: - You can drag and drop the displays to arrange them physically as they are on your desk. This way, when you move your mouse cursor from one display to the other, it will match the physical arrangement. 4. Apply the Changes: - Click on "Apply" to save the changes. This setup should give you the extended desktop experience you are looking for. The ability to extend your desktop should not be restricted to only systems with extra graphics cards. Most modern systems, including laptops like the Dell Inspiron Mini, support this feature. If you encounter any issues or if these steps do not work as intended, let me know so I can assist you further.
 
Solution