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How to Set Up Multiple Monitors for an Optimised Workflow
Jamie Finch
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November 6, 2023
Modern monitors are valuable assets in homes and offices throughout the world. Monitors help workers work productively and efficiently and enhance collaboration with others.
You can get more from computer monitors by connecting more than one to your machine simultaneously, giving you more screen space to work with. This might sound technical at first, but the process is thankfully straightforward and to help, we created this article on how to set up multiple monitors.
Benefits of a multi-monitor setup
A multi-monitor setup offers numerous benefits over single-monitor options, including:
Enhances multitasking
Having multiple monitors is ideal for multi-tasking because it makes it easier to open documents and apps separately from each other. For example, you can have a report open on one screen and use the other screen to input data from the report.
Reduces tab switching
Online workers will often have numerous tabs open on websites and other platforms. This will often lead to frequent tab switching which can become confusing and time consuming. However, a multiple monitor setup will let you have apps open simultaneously on different displays, reducing the need for tab switching.
Enhances comfort
A multi-task display can help you streamline your workflows, boosting efficiency and productivity. Not only that but using multiple monitors can help you work more comfortably, keeping you productive for longer.
Which monitors work best with multi-setup displays?
If you want to use a multiple-setup display then you should look for particular features that are important to you for the best results. Which features you need depend largely on how you will use the monitors and your budget.
Regardless of your requirements, some features are important for any multiple monitor setup, including:
Screen size
Larger monitors tend to be easier to work from because they offer more space, even with a single-monitor setup. On the other hand, large monitors can take up a lot of room, potentially making them impractical for most users. Bear in mind that you can use a set-up with different-sized monitors, giving you flexibility for your needs.
Resolution
A monitor’s resolution refers to the detail offered in images. Those with a higher resolution offer better image quality, making them an important tool for workers or gamers who rely on high-quality graphics. You should also bear in mind that you will need an appropriate graphics processor unit (GPU) and supporting central processor unit (CPU) to create high-resolution images.
Mounts and stands
Mounting multiple monitors in a single set-up can be tricky, especially if space is limited. It’s best to bear this in mind when looking for monitors so you can be confident everything will fit neatly. Some monitors are designed with multi-screen setups in mind, such as using thin bezels to reduce the gap between screen space.
Ports and connectivity
Having ports compatible with your computer is essential if your machine is to work, but that’s not the only benefit they bring. For example, multiple ports on a monitor can help you set up a multi-screen display or connect you with other useful tools. Using adapters and docking stations can also help make it easier to connect multiple monitors and other devices.
How to set up multiple monitors
Before you start, it’s best to ensure that your monitors are compatible with the rest of your hardware and have the appropriate ports as mentioned, you will need a powerful enough GPU and other supporting components. Depending on how you will use the monitor, graphic quality is not important, but the GPU still needs to be able to support multiple monitors.
Plugging in your monitors is easy, with no more than 2 cables per monitor in most cases. You will usually find the ports you need at the rear of the monitor and computer, with each port clearly labelled. Once your monitors and the rest of your hardware are ready to go, you can turn the computer on and complete the process.
In most cases, your computer will automatically detect additional monitors and add them to your workspace. If your machine doesn’t detect them automatically then there might be a connection problem, so double check everything is plugged in as it should be.
You have more control over your setup in the Display Setting menu, which you see in the context menu that appears when you right click on the desktop. Here, you will find options such as choosing which order the monitors are placed and between duplicate or extended displays. You can also adjust the resolution and orientation for each display, helping you set up your workstation so it works best for you.
HP offers a range of monitors ideal for multi-display setups, including:
HP E27q G5 (27”) QHD IPS Business Monitor
The HP E27q G5 Business Monitor offers a 27-inch quad high definition (QHD) screen that offers all the image quality most people could need. A 75 Hz refresh rate also provides a smooth experience, which is good enough for most games. This monitor is also easy to set up with others thanks to the OSD joypad button and ergonomic setup guide.
HP Eye Ease technology will help keep your eyes comfortable even during long shifts and in-plane switching (IPS) technology means you can see the screen from wide angles. This monitor also offers plenty of connectivity thanks to multiple ports, including a DisplayPort™, HDMI port, and several USB ports.
HP Display Manager helps make it easier to manage your setup and gives you more control over your setup. You can also adjust the angle of the monitors in numerous ways, helping you get each one at the height and angle you need it. This monitor has a sleek, professional design with 3 micro-edge bezel sides that are ideal for multi-monitor setups.
HP M24h (23.8”) FHD IPS Height Adjust Monitor
The HP M24h Height Adjust Monitor offers a 23.8-inch screen with a full high definition (FHD) display. It also offers various adjustment options that will help you get comfortable and work productively. A 5 ms response time makes this monitor fast enough for most professional tasks and is also suitable for most games.
Height and tilt adjustability mean you can get each monitor in the ideal position for you and the HP Display Center gives you even more control over your setup. A 75 Hz refreshment rate provides smooth images that are suitable for working and gaming, while HP Eye Ease technology helps protect you from eyestrain when working long hours.
AMD FreeSync™ technology helps you maximise your monitor’s performance by helping it work in tandem with your GPU. This monitor also offers slim bezels and integrated cable management that make for a tidy workstation.
HP M22f (21.5") FHD IPS Monitor
The HP M22f Monitor has a 21.5-inch FHD screen with numerous adjustment options to help you get your set up to your liking. HP also designed this monitor with cable management in mind, allowing cables to pass up through the stand.
This monitor offers a 75 Hz rate that’s more than most professionals could need and a 5 ms GtG (Grey-to-Grey) response time helps you work quickly. AMD FreeSync helps your monitor work in tandem with your graphics card, providing higher quality and smoother images.
HP Eye Ease technology helps reduce blue light levels, reducing eyestrain. The anti-glare mode is also ideal for working or gaming long hours, and you can adjust each display’s features like adjusting brightness and creating partitions. This monitor also features a seamless design with no bezels that makes it perfect for placing alongside other monitors.
Summary
Using dual monitors can help you get work done thoroughly and quickly, giving you more time for other tasks. Having more than one screen helps you work much more efficiently than if you had one screen.
Setting up multiple screens might sound technical at first but, as our guide on how to set up multiple monitors explains, it’s quite straightforward. Bear in mind that it is essential you consider your available hardware first and whether a particular monitor is compatible with your machine.
Not only does HP offer a range of quality monitors that can help optimise your workflow, but we also use sustainable practices where possible. For example, many of our parts are made from recyclable materials, while we also use the latest tech to keep your monitor running as efficiently as possible. As such, you can get the tools you need while doing your part to help protect our environment.
