Dual Monitor Hacks

Working with multiple monitors can improve both your productivity and your health. In this blog post, you will learn how to configure multiple monitors as well as useful shortcuts and applications that help you to take full advantage of every inch.

(This is a continuation of last weeks blog post How multiple monitors boost productivity.)

Setting up multiple monitors

Mar 06, 2014 Featured Hack: How Dual Computer Monitors Increase Productivity. March 6, 2014; Featured Hacks; When I first graduated college with my degree in architecture, the last thing I was worried about was having dual computer monitors. In fact, I was looking for anyone that would just take a chance on me. Jul 16, 2018 One way of working with multiple monitors when traveling is to use your phone, tablet or iPad as the second monitor. I use an app called iDisplay that connects my laptop to my Samsung tablet using WIFI. IDisplay works on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

This video tells you all you need to know to get ready to start working with multiple monitors.

If you are using dual +24” monitors, some monitor arms might not work properly. This is especially true for users that want the flexibility of a gas/spring arm system. While these are nice for users that are making frequent height adjustments, they will oftentimes offer lower weight capacities than a post system.
As the trusted dual monitor tool, UltraMon has an extensive package of tools to set up the dual monitor display on your Windows PC. You can use this dual monitor software for your 32 and 64-bit Windows system. It can also operate on Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10. In order to use this dual monitor tool, you will have to purchase it for $39.95.

Not enough video connectors on your computer?

What do you do if you do not have enough video connectors? No problem!

There are loads of USB adaptors that enables you to add an extra monitor using a USB port. A search on Amazon shoves that by spending 30 to 50 dollars, you get an adapter with good reviews.

This USB 2.0 to VGA / DVI / HDMI Video Graphics Adapter for Multiple Monitors up to 1920×1080 costs $35 on Amazon.com.

Configuring your mouse pointer and taskbar

Show the location of the mouse pointer

With multiple monitors, finding your mouse pointer can be a challenge. A smart trick is to tick off the checkbox at the bottom of the below picture. Then the location of the mouse pointer will be shown when you hit the Ctrl key. You find the Mouse Properties under Mouse in the Control Panel.

Extend the taskbar (Windows 8 and Windows 10)

By showing the Windows taskbar on all monitors, you can save a lot of mouse movements. Right-click on the taskbar, choose Properties.

Keyboard shortcuts for working with multiple monitors

Win + Home: Minimize all except the active window.
Win + Up-arrow: Maximize the active window.
Win + Down-arrow: Minimize the window/Restore the window if it’s maximized.
Win + Left arrow: Move the active window to the left side of the current monitor. If you continue with the same shortcut, you will move the window to the right side of the monitor at your left. Additional keystrokes will move the application further left. This will continue in the same pattern for all available monitors.
Win + Right arrow: Move the active window to the right side of the current monitor. If you continue with the same shortcut, you will move the window to the left side of the monitor at your right. Additional keystrokes will move the application further right. This will continue in the same pattern for all available monitors.

Useful applications for multiple monitors

With bigger monitors, you sometimes want to arrange windows differently than just the left half or the right half of the screen. For years, I have been using WinSplit Revolution.

Dual Monitor Hacks Minecraft

When writing this blog post, I found that this product is now discontinued. However, it can still be downloaded from the link above. There is a lot of alternatives, but I have not yet tested any of them. One name that shows up a lot of places is MaxTo. I will have to test these different alternatives and make a blog-post when I have concluded on the best alternative.

Using your phone or tablet as a second monitor

One way of working with multiple monitors when traveling is to use your phone, tablet or iPad as the second monitor. I use an app called iDisplay that connects my laptop to my Samsung tablet using WIFI. iDisplay works on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

So far I have used a cover with a built-in stand to get the tablet to stay upright, but during the research for this blog post, I found a company that is selling a clip for attaching your tablet and phone to your laptop. I have not yet tried Mountie myself, but I think this will make my setup more user-friendly and will order one shortly.