How to Connect Two Monitors to One Computer With One VGA Port?

Evan Ruiz
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I am a professional laptop and computer troubleshooter, tech editor who loves to talk about technology and software. My passion is electronics devices. Follow me...Read more

As a programmer, an artist, technical trader, or even a gamer, there are a couple of reasons why you can choose to project your computer on two monitors. One major reason to use multiple displays is that it allows you to view all your apps and access multiple screens at once. But, How To Connect Two Monitors To One Computer with One VGA Port?

You can connect two monitors to your laptop using one VGA port via a video splitter or by expanding the video card. This is a great alternative if your laptop has only one port and you want to connect two monitors for display at once.

Here in this article, we have outlined all you need to know about connecting your computer to two monitors using one VGA port. If you’re ready to find out more, then read on!

How to Connect Two Monitors to One Computer With One VGA Port

If you have one VGA port but you want to  connect two monitors to one computer you will need a USB-to-VGA adapter or VGA splitter. Usually, most desktop computers come with two or more VGA ports to allow you to connect them to various monitors. However, if you are using a laptop or computer with only one VGA port, it’s not only possible but easy to do. 

How to Connect Two Monitors to One Computer With One VGA Port

Apart from the USB adapter there are more authentic ways to connect two monitors with one computer. The following section includes all the possible ways.

Upgrading the Video Card

The first thing you need to do is ensure that your laptop or desktop computer has a video graphics card that supports two monitors. This is very important because it modifies your computer to run in a high-quality graphics resolution for both monitors. Alternatively, If you’re using a laptop and two monitors, then it will allow your computer to facilitate high-quality graphics on all monitors.

Moreover, you need to know that this process may cost you money, human skill, and time. So, if you’re ready to go on, we suggest that you change your computer’s video card. Remember that this is a permanent but rather costly action, especially if you’re using an older computer.

Using a VGA Splitter

The only device to allow you to connect two monitors to one computer is the VGA splitter. This small but highly-effective device bridges the gap between two of your computer and several monitors. It usually comes in a “Y” shaped chord that connects to your computer’s VGA port and also connects to the VGS ports of two monitors. This kind of chord comes with one male connector and two female VGA connectors on the other ends.

Using a VGA Splitter

Moreover, some VGA splitters can connect more than two monitors to one computer. Also, some other VGA splitters aren’t chord-like but devices that enable you to split your view between multiple monitors. Also, note that when you purchase a VGA splitter, it usually doesn’t come with the VGA cables. Rather, you have to purchase them separately as they are pricey.

It’s very easy to install and connect your computer to more than one monitor using only one VGA port. Let’s head over to the next section, where we’d talk more about how to set up dual monitors on your computer using only one VGA port.

In this video, Programming Hut explained how to connect two monitors with one VGA port.

What Do You Need To Connect Two Monitors To One VGA Port?

The tools you’ll need when connecting two monitors to one VGA port include a VGA port, a VGA splitter, your computer, and the monitors. As we’ve stated earlier, most computers come with only one VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, which acts as a limitation for users who want to use more than one monitor at once. This is where the VGA splitter comes into the party.

The VGA splitter is a low-power gadget and doesn’t require much power. Typically, you can power the splitter (if you are using the VGA splitting device, not the splitting cable only) by connecting it to your USB port.

How to Setup Dual Monitors with one VGA Output?

To set up dual monitors with one VGA output on your computer, you can start by purchasing a VGA splitter. After that, proceed on to follow the next steps.

  • The first thing to do is to power off your computer, monitor inclusive.
  • Unplug the VGA cable from the computer.
  • On the VGA splitter, connect the female VGA ports of the cables from the two monitors to the splitter.
  • Then, connect the male end to the VGA ports of the monitors.
  • After that, connect the VGA splitter to your computer. You do this by connecting your splitter cable to the computer.
  • Now, you can power on your computer (laptop, desktop) and monitors.

After you’ve finished doing this, you’d also need to configure the connection. We have specially drafted a segment for that below. Join us as we progress.

How to Configure the Two Monitors

Now that you’ve successfully connected the two monitors to your computer, it’s time to do the configuration and enable them to work properly. On we go!

  • Navigate to the Start Menu and click on the Control Panel section. Alternatively, you can search for Control Panel if you can’t find it. Then open the Control panel.
  • Go to Personalization.
  • Choose the Adjust Screen Resolution option provided there. This feature will enable you to set the monitors according to your requirements.
  • Select the Detect option shown there to see your connected monitors. The monitors will be tagged Monitor 1 and Monitor 2. Then, choose the Multiple Display button and click the Extend Displays feature. Notably, this action will extend your original monitor’s view to the other connected monitors.
  • Moreover, if you want to mirror your screen on the two monitors, select the Duplicate Display option rather than Extended. Also, if you have chosen the Extend Display option, you can reorganize your connected monitors. All you have to do is drag and reposition the monitors’ icons.

Also, we have got another essential suggestion for you. You can change the orientation and resolution of the two connected monitors. To do this, select each monitor and change its orientation and resolution. This is a very useful process if you want to view some pictures or graphs in landscape and portrait mode.

As we’ve seen, you can connect two monitors to your computer using only one VGA port.

Are there Other Ways to Connect Two Monitors with One VGA Port?

There are other ways to connect two monitors to one computer using only one VGA port. Notably, we know that the computer has some other display ports like the HDMI and DVI ports integrated on your computer. Here are some options you can take into account.

DVI port

The DVI (or Digital Visual Interface) is a more advanced and newer port compared to the VGA port. It incorporates a 29-pin and helps you connect your computer to LCD monitors. Additionally, you can connect one computer to two monitors using a DVI splitter. But, it’s important to know that using a DVI splitter will mirror your original computer’s screen.

DVI port

Also, if your monitors don’t have a DVI port but a VGA, you can still connect your computer to the monitors. How do you do this? Simply use a DVI-to-VGA converter. Connect the male end of the DVI port to the female end of the VGA port.

Typically, the DVI-to-VGA converts digital signals to analog. This is possible because DVI pins can transmit both digital and analog signals. In contrast, VGA pins transfer only analog signals from the VGA to the DVI.

Some pricey and efficient DVI cables include the StarTech.com DMS 59 to Dual DVI I and DTECH 2 Port DVI Video Splitter Dual Monitor.

HDMI

The HDMI port is the latest visual interface that facilitates high-definition graphics to connected monitors. It is more advanced than DVI and allows you to connect a large array of computing devices. The devices that support the HDMI connectors include televisions, recent monitors, projectors, play stations, DVDs, desktops, and laptop computers.

HDMI

Additionally, the HDMI allows you to connect multiple monitors to your computer. All you have to do is connect one end of the multiple-end cable to the computer while the other end to your monitors. You can also connect your computer to a projector with the HDMI instead of using the popular VGA It’s also important to note that you will need to configure the monitors connected via HDMI as you would when using a VGA cable.

In this video, SSTEC teaches how to connect dual monitors to a computer without using a VGA port,

Conclusion

How To Connect Two Monitors To One Computer with One VGA Port? At first, ensure to get the right tools ready, which comprises a VGA splitter. Then, connect the male end of the connector to the female VGA port. After that, power on your computer and monitors.

Also, it’s important to note that you’d need to configure the monitors if you don’t want them to mirror your screen display. You can do this by clicking the Win + P on your computer keyboard and choosing from any options.

I am a professional laptop and computer troubleshooter, tech editor who loves to talk about technology and software. My passion is electronics devices. Follow me on social media.

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