So, you’ve got a laptop, but one screen just isn’t enough for you? Maybe you need more screen space to work, or you’d like to play your video games on a bigger monitor, and the old laptop just isn’t enough. 

Either way, with this article, you’ll become a professional in just five minutes. 

Check out the best ways to Connect a Laptop to a Monitor with ease, and more.

How to Connect Laptop to Monitor

With so many good options on the market these days, how do you know what’s best laptop for you? Most laptops have at least one port that can be used to successfully connect them to a monitor. Depending on the port, there are different ways to do it:

1. Use an HDMI Cable to Connect Your Laptop to the Monitor

How do I connect my laptop to a monitor using HDMI? The answer is – easily! Your laptop probably  has an HDMI port that will fit a standard HDMI cable to it. Modern monitors have them as well, so connecting via an HDMI cable is the quickest method. The process is simple – just connect both sides of the HDMI cable to the devices. That’s it!

2. Extend Your Display with a DisplayPort Cable

DisplayPort cables are available in a variety of lengths, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs. Also, make sure that the cable specifications meet the ones of your laptop and monitor. The connection is the same as with the HDMI cable.

Modern monitors come with HDMI ports, so if you want to connect your laptop and monitor via a DisplayPort cable, you’ll need to purchase an adapter. Always check beforehand. 

3. Connect with a USB-C Cable

Some laptops have a USB-C cable port. You can use it in two ways. You either connect the USB-C cable directly to the ports on your laptop and monitor, or you use an adapter to connect an HDMI cable to the monitor. 

4. Use a DVI Cable

DVI is a digital video interface that was commonly used with computers in the past. Modern laptops rarely have a DVI post nowadays. You connect one end of the cable to the monitor and the other one to the laptop. Once the cord is connected, you will be able to use your laptop with the monitor.

5. Get an Adapter

As mentioned, if your laptop owns a different port than your monitor, you can always use an adapter to make your cable fit the port. This will typically turn your cable into an HDMI cable, as most monitors use HDMI ports to connect.

How to Connect a Laptop (Mac) To a Monitor

The laptop monitor setup should be simple, right? But, Apple has changed the ports on their laptops so many times, that you need to check to see what kind of cord you’ll need. 

How to Connect Monitor to a Laptop and Use Both Screens

Once you’ve connected your monitor to the laptop, you can choose how to use the second screen. The simplest and fastest method is pressing F10. You can choose from four options:

  • Check your Mac ports. The port depends on your Mac type, and if you’re not sure, check the information about your laptop, as it will state the type as well.

  • Get the right cord

  • Connect the mac to the monitor. You’ll most likely need an HDMI cable or a USB-C cord to connect to your Mac

  • Adjust the display. Choose whether you want to use the monitor as an extension or a copy of the laptop. You can also choose to make the monitor visible as the main screen

  • Use only the main (laptop) screen

  • Use only the attached (monitor) screen

  • Use the monitor as an extension to the laptop screen

  • Use the monitor screen as a dupe to the laptop screen

How to Use a Tablet as a Monitor

If you have a tablet somewhere in your house, you can use it as a monitor. All it needs is to be compatible with your computer and to have internet access. Best of all is that you can connect them completely wireless, just make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

  • On the device that you’ll use as a screen, go to Settings -> System -> Available everywhere
  • On your desktop, select ‘connect to a wireless display’

Some tablets have this option integrated, while with others, you’ll need to get a third-party app to make it work.

If you plan on using a tablet as a second screen, you should keep it plugged in, because the battery will probably run out fast. Use a normal or portable charger.

 How to Connect PC to a Monitor

Even though we’re on the topic of laptops, maybe you’d be interested in learning how to connect a PC to a monitor as well.

The most common ways to connect a computer to a monitor are either by an HDMI cable or a DVI cable.

Make sure that you check both ports of the PC and the monitor before purchasing either cable. After that, you’ll simply connect the PC and the monitor with the cable. 

Once the cord is connected, you should see your PC’s display on the monitor. If not, you may need to adjust your monitor’s settings.

Bottom Line

There comes a time in life when one screen just isn’t enough. Before deciding whether to replace your laptop or repurpose it, you can easily solve this problem by getting a second monitor. If you need extra help, we’ve given you some of the best ways to connect laptop to a monitor and much more!

1. Can all laptop connect to a monitor?

Yes, all new laptops can connect to a monitor and use it as a second/extended display. The only difference is in the ports and the cable that you’ll need to use. The process of connecting all laptops to another monitor is the same.

2. Can you connect a monitor to a laptop without HDMI?

There are ways to connect a laptop to a monitor even if you’re missing an HDMI port. First check if at least one of the devices uses the HDMI port, and then you can easily buy an adapter. Otherwise, check out our guide to find another option.