7 Tips to How to Setup Multiple Monitors Using a Laptop

Are you an avid desktop user or do you only ever use laptops? A desktop clearly has more space for extra hardware such as processor cores. In reality, you won’t see the difference with a laptop anymore. Even when it comes to RAM, you can get as high as 64GB with a laptop for your multiple monitors. Either way, check out these top-of-the-range laptops for your amazing 6 monitor setup. 

Optimising your 6 Monitor Setup and Laptop 

There are several ways you can optimise your multi monitor system. This is regardless of whether you choose dual monitor setups or go for the full 6 monitor setup. Of course, the first decision is whether your own computer has enough power. 

Buying a new computer is a personal choice that depends on your budget, how many multiple monitors you want and how much extra space you need to find in your house. You might also want to think about whether your 6 monitor setup is simply for working if you’re going to start playing games with it. 

All those decision points will help you plan ahead as you consider the following tips for your 6 monitor setup: 

1- Check Input Ports 

Most laptops have at least two video ports. Then again, if you have some of the newer macs, for example, you’ll see that they’ve opted for the thin design. So, they only have the more recent USB-C ports that need a special DisplayPort connector. 

Other ports you might see on your computer are HDMI, VGA, DVI and DisplayPort. Depending on your monitors, you might then need some conversion cables. These include, for example, DVI to HDMI, DisplayPort to DVI, amongst others. 

Simply note that a VGA port is an analog connector that can cause a performance drop. In that case, you’ll want a VGA to DVI or HDMI port for a higher resolution. Moreover, if you don’t have any ports, you’ll need a pluggable adapter to connect your 6 monitor setup. 

2- Connect Monitors

Before you start connecting everything, you might need to actually buy your perfect monitor. Although, don’t over worry about this one. That’s because most of the mid-range and fairly cheap display screens are more than enough for any 6 monitor setup. 

The main features you need to review for your multi monitor setup are screen resolution and refresh rate. Most users with more than two monitors are very happy with a resolution of 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. Although, as a gamer, you might want to look at the higher end of the range 

3- Good Graphics Card or Update Driver 

The video card is an important piece of hardware for your 6 monitor setup. Graphics cards, sometimes known as display adapters, enable all the images across your display screens. Most computers have an integrated graphics card but you might need to check if it will suit your monitor screens. 

If you don’t have a powerful graphics card, you can either get a discrete graphics card and choose your specifications or try updating your driver. As part of the software update, you’ll get a boost in power and even some extra features. 

4- Display Settings

Now that you’re ready to put your 6 monitor setup together, you can first turn on your laptop. Your computer will notice your monitor screens as you plug them in. Then, you just need to go into display settings and either click ‘extend display’ or ‘duplicate display’. This makes your screens operate as one in the first instance or as two displays of the same in the second option. 

You can also adjust the resolution and rearrange your displays as required and according to orientation. Many users are increasingly finding it useful to have both horizontal and vertical orientation depending on what they’re doing with their 6 monitor setup. 

5- Learn Your Shortcuts 

Working with a 6 monitor setup is an amazing experience because of all the extra space. Your mind will feel liberated. Nevertheless, you also have a few struggles such as losing your cursor all the time. That’s why you can download various apps such as DisplayFusion. This optimises your experience and makes it easier for you to find your cursor instantly. 

Keyboard shortcuts are another way to make working with your 6 monitor setup more efficient. You can even print off an overlay for your keyboard if you find that easier. 

6- Laptop Settings 

Perhaps you have a complex multi monitor system with more than one computer? In that case, you might want to work with your laptop closed whilst still accessing its contents. A useful tip for windows is to go into your system settings. From there, you can set your laptop to do nothing when you close the lid. In other words, it will not shut down. 

7- iPad Secondary Display 

Another option is to connect your iPad wirelessly to your 6 monitor setup via your computer. This gives you extra freedom and it’s so easy to do without lots of extra cables. 

Final Recommendations for your 6 Monitor Setup on your Laptop 

The good news is that you can pretty much do what you want with your laptop and your 6 monitor setup. Laptops have all the power and capacity you need. So, simply get the right cables, adapters and graphics cards. Then, leverage the shortcuts and enjoy having all the benefits of digital technology at your fingertips.