Most laptop users try to connect two laptops or two monitors together, but you can connect multiple laptops depending on the specifications, laptop model, or number of ports available on the laptop. Usually, laptops have one video output port where you can connect an external monitor. If your laptop comes with an additional video output port, then you can connect an additional monitor as well.
There are many other specifications that you need to meet so that you can connect more than two monitors without any incompatibility issues. So, let’s walk through the specifications that you must look for if you want to connect multiple monitors.
Resolution or Refresh rate
The primary laptop’s resolution is going to influence the monitors that you are going to connect with, so the display might become stretched or distorted if the resolution does not match. In this case, your laptop should support 1080p resolution, and the external monitor should support 1440p resolution.
Also, the resolution of the primary laptop should be in a compatible range with an external laptop. Moreover, the refresh rate should be 65 Hz, and in case the monitor is quite large, it should be over 120 Hz.
You can also connect the two laptops to the display port connector, which will offer 120 Hz. Otherwise, your laptop might fail to provide a 4K display on the external monitor.
Connectivity or ports
You might have seen laptops have a display port, USB C type or Thunderbolt port, VGA, HDMI, and DVI. Here you can connect external devices. To connect one external monitor, you can join the cables with the display board.
If you are using an older model, then the VGA port should be able to connect one external monitor. But, at present most laptops have 2 display ports so that you can connect three laptops together.
If your laptop has only a USB port, then you can use that as a video output. In such cases, you can connect the USB cable to the Video adapter and then connect the monitor using the USB port.
Also, if the laptop has a USB C Type, then it won’t be able to transmit video output, so it needs additional support. On the other hand, USB Type C Thunderbolt provides easy accessibility, and you can connect multiple laptops through an HDMI cable
Graphics card and video card
The GPU and the video card are also quite crucial in deciding on multiple monitor connectivity. You need to get a graphics card that supports high-quality images or is compatible enough to support multiple monitors.
If you get the latest video card, then they are efficient enough to run multiple monitors. However, the previous versions might not be as much support as you can think. You must check whether the one installed on your computer is integrated graphics or not. Also, check whether the graphics model is 1600 or equivalent.
You can easily upgrade the graphics card. Try installing a discrete graphics card with dedicated memory. It will reduce the workload, improve picture quality and prevent computer lag. However, you cannot rely on both integrated and external graphics cards. So, you need to choose any one of them before you connect an additional laptop.
Display adapter
The display adapter is also known as a video expansion card, which is added to the laptop to provide visual image output. You can connect external monitors based on the features available, and if the laptop video output does not match the monitor’s port, then the display adapter is quite helpful. It might have certain restrictions, but you have to go through the manual to understand everything about video card expansion.
Laptop CPU and processor
The laptop processor does not act as a restriction while you are trying to connect multiple monitors. However, if you attach multiple monitors or laptops, then the CPU and processor usage might rise because it can increase the workload on the computer. It will also drain out your processor and might even cause internal damage. The work pressure might also increase if you are connecting the external monitor using USB C Type, other than the prescribed VGA or HDMI ports.
Can you connect 3 Monitors to a laptop?
Yes, you can connect 3 monitors together if your laptop has 3 graphics ports. However, even if your laptop lacks a graphic port, then you can use an adapter or a docking station to connect the laptops.
How to Connect 3 monitors to a laptop?
After checking the specifications mentioned above, you need to follow these steps to connect 3 monitors to a laptop.
Step 1
Verify the video ports of your laptop and check if connecting 3 monitors is permissible. Check the condition of the monitor cable and connect them accordingly. If you lack proper cables then use a docking station or adapter. Try to use external hardware that has multiple ports.
Step 2
Connect all the cables, from cable to ports, and check the Display settings. You need to right-click on the Desktop to get to the Display settings and configure the changes. Go through the menu and see whether the monitors are plugged in accurately.
Step 3
If the connection is not stable, then you get a message on the screen “Didn’t detect another display”. In this case, you need to reconfigure the entire setup. You can also change the display of the monitors. After ensuring a stable connection, drag the boxes displayed on the screen to complete the setup.
Step 4
The major reason behind the missing monitor notification is that the cables are not connected properly. So, Try to change the orientation, resolution, and also the size of the images. Also, verify that you have selected the option “Extend desktop to this display”, which is present under the Multiple Display section. You can also choose the duplicate display option.
So, after you have gone through these steps, you can connect multiple laptops without any further technical glitches.
Why does the laptop fail to connect with multiple laptops?
If you haven’t connected the cables appropriately, then the connection between multiple laptops might fail. To fix the issue – Either use a compatible cable or opt for a certified replacement. The monitors should be connected end to end securely for a stable connection. You can also try to reboot the laptop and use adapters that make the monitors easily detected by the system. Also, you must use an up-to-date graphics card and configure the display settings to connect multiple laptops together.
Are there any limitations to connecting the number of external monitors?
No, there is no limit to connecting external monitor numbers. You can set up as many monitors as you want with your laptop. However, they should have appropriate specifications, and compatibility should be checked. If you have a dedicated video extender, then the quality of the video can be improved. You can also extend the resolution of the monitors, as mentioned earlier.
