7 Tips to Make a Two-Monitor Setup Much Better

Two-monitor setups have recently gained popularity, and it is not difficult to understand why. In previous times, switching between two individual monitors meant two separate computers. Today, the introduction of a two-monitor setup has greatly improved the level of individual performance.

A survey conducted by Dr. Jon Peddie, President of Jon Peddie Research, found that a two-monitor setup increased productivity by 42%. While numerous ways to improve productivity at work exist, the two-monitor setup assures an upgrade to work efficiently and productively.

However, the big question is, are you setting up your two monitors the right way? It is important to note that a lot goes into setting up dual screens. Maximizing the benefits of a two-monitor setup requires careful planning. You could do it yourself or get a computer professional help to help with the setup.

This article highlights seven essential tips to make your setup much better. 

7 Tips to Make a Dual-Screen Setup Much Better

A simple two-monitor setup can greatly enhance your computing experience. Below are some tips to improve dual monitor setup;

1. Arrange the monitors

When working with two monitors, it is crucial to set them up in the most comfortable viewing angles for numerous displays. You can employ the use of monitor arms to maximize available desk space. However, irrespective of how you may decide to arrange your monitors, spend some time properly wiring everything up using cable ties or a cable wrap.

Also, it is essential to note that by arranging your monitors correctly, you evade issues when moving the cursor between the two-monitor screens, as the cursor will appear on the same spot on the other monitor rather than moving pointlessly on the other screen.

2. Line up the displays

To achieve a successful two-monitor setup, ensure your displays are appropriately aligned. Lining up your displays goes beyond placing your monitors side by side. You have to choose the monitors you want to use carefully.

If your monitors are identical, lining them up is easy as they are of the same make and model. However, if your monitors are different, take the time to modify their alignment. Adjusting the display settings on Windows or Mac will prevent cursor issues and ensure a seamless transition between screens, providing a more unswerving user experience.

3. Master shortcuts

On two-monitors, it is much easier to view multiple windows at once. However, manually resizing windows can be time-consuming; as a result, the use of shortcuts will make navigation easier and faster.

Below are some of the shortcuts to master to aid navigation:

• Use the Win+Down/Win+Up buttons to maximize or minimize the currently selected window.
• Use the Shift+Win+Right/Shift+Win+Left buttons to move the active window without snapping it to the edge.
• Use the Shift+Win+Up buttons to maximize the window vertically, especially if your secondary display lacks a taskbar.
• Use the Win+Home buttons to minimize all windows except the one you are working on. Click it again to restore all windows.
• Use the Win+Left/Win+Right buttons to snap the active window to the left/right of the current monitor.

Mastering shortcuts can streamline your workflow and productivity and save time.

4. Adjust the taskbar

In a two-monitor setup, it’s essential to adjust the taskbar. Windows 10, by default, extends the taskbar across the two displays. It’s a convenient feature, but customizing it a bit further would make it way better. 

To access taskbar settings, go to Settings, then search for the taskbar settings. Scroll down and select the multiple display sections. You can decide where icons appear on your taskbar for a more personalized experience.

5. Use display optimizing tools 

Multiple display management can be tricky, but several third-party tools can make your multi-display easier. With Display Fusion, you can have greater control over how windows are managed across two-monitor screens, such as snapping applications to the edges of the screen and launching specific applications on specific screens if necessary. Display Fusion offers a lot more than just that. 

6. Adjust your mouse settings

Searching for the mouse cursor can be tricky when you have two monitors to check. It would help if you endeavored to turn on mouse acceleration for your two-monitor system setup. When quick mouse swipes are recognized, mouse acceleration greatly quickens the speed of the mouse pointer. It is very practical for swiftly switching between several monitors. 

You can alter your mouse pointer’s size and color to make it stand out more, among other mouse-related adjustments.

7. Seek out wide wallpapers

Although gorgeous wallpaper won’t boost your productivity, they are one of the trendiest features to improve your two-monitor setup. It would be awkward to have two different wallpapers on your two monitors. Therefore, the solution is to seek our super-wide wallpapers that will fit both screens.

Find out which wallpapers are the broadest, as large wallpapers look so stunning on device screens.

Benefits of Using Two Screens

The advantages of setting up a two-monitor workflow are numerous and can transform your work. Here are some strong benefits to think about;

Productivity

The two-monitor setup gives more screen space and therefore allows for viewing multiple applications at the same time on two different screens. There would be no need to switch from one application to the other as you can simply drag and drop across both screens. In this way, you are able to get more done in half the time. 

Referencing

Referencing between applications is significantly simpler on two monitors while working. You can view the video of the person you are conversing with while referring to files or sharing the other screen using a video-sharing tool like Skype or Zoom. Also, comparing data between the two apps is simple with two screens.

Improved Focus

With a two-monitor setup, the focus on different tasks is enhanced. You can use one monitor for the primary task or project while using the other for referencing, communicating, or entertainment.

Need Expert Advice on Setting Up Your PCs and Monitors?

The team at Quantum Technologies can effectively set up various computing hardware to optimize your office workflows. 

Contact us today to learn more! Call 920-256-1214 or reach us online.