computer hardware
Connecting two monitors: This is how it works with a USB-C hub
A concentrated view, increased productivity – if you want to connect two monitors, you usually need a USB-C hub or adapter.
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One laptop, two monitors, one problem: how do I get the image on both screens? Lighter than expected thanks to the USB-C hub. But what to do if the laptop doesn’t have a USB-C?
Squatting at the kitchen table in front of the laptop is 2020: By now, even the last employee should have set up a comfortable home office workplace. And little offers more comfort in the workplace than a lot of screen space. It is logical that most home office workers connect their laptops to a screen. And because more is better in this context, there are quite a few who need two screens at the same time. It becomes problematic if the laptop only has one HDMI or USB-C port.
Don’t worry, it’s still possible to connect two monitors to the laptop. This can be done using a USB-C hub that offers multiple HDMI or DVI inputs. But before you rush to buy such a hub, you should check which and how many outputs your laptop has and which and how many inputs the monitors to which you want to transmit an image have. Then you have to decide which type of connection you want to use to connect the laptop and screens and which USB-C hub you need. Important: Also, check if your laptop can pass its image to two displays via a USB-C port!
These transmission types are available for laptops and monitors:
- HDMI: Is now probably the most common monitor connection. Most consumers know him from television. It offers the most extensive comfort features and converters to VGA and DVI. Transmits audio signals and is therefore a true all-rounder.
- DisplayPort: Mainly used for the connection between PC and monitor. Enables high refresh rates and is therefore interesting for gamers. Transmits audio signals.
- USB-C: If the USB-C connector via the USB protocol 3.2 generation 2 can usually be used to transmit image signals. This is usually the case with newer laptops, but not necessarily with monitors with USB-C. If the monitor or laptop has a USB-C interface, consumers can tell from a “DP” above the socket whether it is transmitting image signals. If the monitor does not have a USB-C interface but only HDMI or DVI, a USB-C to HDMI dongle is usually suitable. Read, worother things to look out for in USB-C monitors.
- VGA: Analog connector, still present on many laptops and monitors, but should be deprecated when more modern alternatives become available. Unfortunately, no audio signals are transmitted. Can transmit signals to HDMI via a connector.
- DVI: Analog connection that harmonises with HDMI via a connector. Thanks to a plug, it is possible to connect older screens to the laptop via HMDI. Unfortunately, DVI does not allow audio transmission.
Here you will find a detailed overview of the individual monitor connections.
Connect two monitors to MacBooks with M1 chip
Danger: Many laptops can only forward their image to one monitor via USB-C dongle. Check it beforewhether your laptop can pass its image to two monitors via just one USB-C port. MacBooks with an M1 chip in particular cause problems. Here you need in a special docking station invest to take on this task. Also, you have to DisplayLink software install for macOS.
Whenever you connect two monitors to an M1 Mac, the program must be running. So it’s a good idea to let it start automatically when you boot up. After installation, you must also turn on “Screen Recording” for DisplayLink in your Mac’s System Preferences under “Security & Privacy”. Then connect the monitors to the docking station and laptop and you can start enjoying two monitors.
USB-C dongle for Windows
Manufacturers like to use USB-C for particularly modern and flat laptops 3.2 generation 2. Computers not only receive data via the interface, they also forward image signals or charge themselves. What saves a lot of cable clutter on the one hand is a problem on the other: If you connect the laptop to the monitors via USB-C, all USB-C ports are quickly used up and the notebook may no longer be able to be charged.
This scenario prevents a USB-C dongle. Note that it has two HDMI inputs if you want to connect the laptop to two monitors. Important: The laptop must be able to send images to two monitors via just one USB-C port. If not, grab a USB-C dongle with only one HDMI input. To connect a second monitor, there is another workaround in the form of USB to HDMI adapters.
Connect two monitors: HDMI adapter
If your laptop can only target one monitor via USB-C, or you don’t have a USB-C port on your laptop but have multiple USB-A sockets, a Adapter for USB-A or USB-C to HDMI help connect a laptop with two monitors. If the monitor to be connected has a DP, VGA or DVI input, suitable adapters are also available.
Important: You need to install additional software for the image transfer between HDMI and USB-A to succeed. However, this does not work smoothly with every computer. In addition, the resolution of the monitor must not exceed 1080p because the USB 3.0 protocol does not offer enough data throughput for 4K. With USB 2.0 the resolution is even lower! And for macOS and Linux is the software unavailable.
If you already own a USB-C dock with two HDMI inputs, but both monitors only have DVI connections, you have two options: Either, you buy two DVI to HDMI cable or matching adapter for existing HDMI cables.
A notice: The article was first published in July 2021.
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