Dual monitors can significantly improve your computer’s viewing experience, but with only one HDMI port on your computer, how can you extend the display to an additional monitor? While there are several options you could look into, for many people, a splitter is the first thing they think of.
When only using a single monitor, you’ll miss out benefits of a dual monitor setup such as increased productivity and more workspace. With only one HDMI port available on your computer, how can you stretch the screen to two monitors?
You may want to increase your computer’s display to an additional monitor using an HDMI splitter. If that is your first thought, it’s time to think again. Fortunately, this article is here to help you out.
Can an HDMI Splitter Extend the Display to 2 Monitors? Will an HDMI splitter work for dual monitors?
An HDMI splitter is designed to duplicate or mirror an image onto other displays, and will not work to extend your display to additional monitors. An HDMI splitter will send the same signal to two displays. For dual monitors, a second video output or adapter is needed.
A splitter may appear to be the ideal solution for extending your display, but it isn’t. Splitters do have their purpose and are excellent for duplicating displays. For example, churches use them to project the same image on multiple projectors.
Fortunately, most modern computers, both desktops and laptops, will support a minimum of two displays. Some, such as those with dedicated graphics cards, can support even more.
How Do I Use Two Monitors With One HDMI Port?
With two monitors you can view more information at once and finish tasks faster. Additionally, some people find that the extra screen space makes them feel less stressed or overwhelmed because they are not constantly switching between windows on one monitor.
How do you set up dual monitors with only one HDMI port?
Three ways to add a display when you only have one HDMI port:
- If available, use another display port on your computer (such as VGA, DVI, or Display Port)
- Add a graphics card
- Use a USB display adapter or docking station
Additional Display Ports
Your computer may only have one HDMI output, but it almost certainly has another output that may be used at the same time.
An older computer’s VGA port may work at the same time as the HDMI one. Some monitors lack VGA ports, so you’ll need a VGA to HDMI converter to connect them.
A modern computer may have a DVI or DisplayPort connection in addition to an HDMI port. You’ll need a DVI or DisplayPort to HDMI converter or cable to connect them.
Graphics Card
If your desktop only supports a single display, you may add a graphics card. Even the cheapest graphics cards these days can handle two displays. Higher-end cards can even drive four or more monitors.
Laptops can also have two displays. However, one of the displays is built-in, so they typically only support one external display.
That’s true even if the laptop has more than one display port. VGA and HDMI used to be a popular combination, but unless your computer has a dedicated GPU, you won’t be able to utilize both at the same time.
A laptop with a discrete GPU can usually support multiple external displays. My computer has a USB-C output which drives my dual monitors, in addition to my laptop monitor for a total of three screens.
DisplayPort is a special case where, if you have the right cable, a single DisplayPort output may support two monitors.
Use a USB display adapter or docking station
Lastly, you can add an additional display adapter via USB. USB 2.0 will have a noticeable log since it cannot handle the bandwidth that video requires, but USB 3.0 and beyond should be fine.
Use a USB docking station
A docking station is what I use while I’m at my desk. I plug it into my USB-C port, and it drives my dual monitors, as well as my keyboard.
If you have a permanent setup for your dual displays, you might want to invest in a USB docking station.
The USB docking station will probably stay close to your monitor setup, but they are small enough to be portable if needed. They connect to your computer’s USB port and handle multiple types of connections and ports. A USB dock, for example, will have more USB connections, a 3.5 mm audio output, Display ports, USB-C ports, and a maybe few other features such as a power button.
While a USB adapter may solve the problem, I find a docking station to be useful for more than just dual monitors. They include all of the necessary HDMI ports and come with a variety of other connections that I use often.
There are a plethora of simple and trustworthy adapters on the market. There are a lot of options that can be found on Amazon (Click here to see). Adapters are simple to install and operate, and they require no setup. What this means in practice is a straightforward solution for your issue
If you don’t have enough USB ports available, consider getting a USB hub. Those can also be found on Amazon. (Click here to see)
One word of advice though is to not have a lot of data-intensive devices running at the same time if you are not using USB 3.0. Sending video takes a lot of data, and you will run into issues trying to use other devices.
Extending the Display with a USB-Dock
If you have a permanent setup for your dual displays, you might want to invest in a USB docking station.
The USB docking station will probably stay close to your monitor setup, but they are small enough to be portable if needed. They connect to your computer’s USB port and handle multiple types of connections and ports. A USB dock, for example, will have more USB connections, a 3.5 mm audio output, Display ports, USB-C ports, and a maybe few other features such as a power button.
While a USB adapter may solve the problem, I find a docking station to be useful for more than just dual monitors. They include all of the necessary HDMI ports and come with a variety of other connections that I use often.
It’s also a more viable option if your system is mostly stationary. A USB hub may be placed on your desk and used with a laptop when required. If you are constantly on the go, a USB adapter may be more practical.
A couple of great options for the Mac and PC are the Lention USB-C Multi-Port Hub (on Amazon) as well as the Plugable USB 3.0 Docking Station (on Amazon).
It’s worth noting that most USB hubs are universal, working with both Macs and PCs.
Look for the kind of USB ports your computer has. You will need to Identify if your computer has USB 3.0 ports.
Take a close look at your computer’s physical ports. A USB 3.0 port will be marked with either a blue color on the port or markings next to it, which indicates “SS” (SuperSpeed) or “3.0.” Alternatively, it will be a USB Type-C port, which is the small one with rounded edges.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy way to add a second display to your computer, there are plenty of options available. You can use a graphics card, USB adapter or docking station, or even multiple displays connected via USB. Whichever route you choose, be sure to do your research first to make sure you get the best product for your needs.
My recommended option would be to consider using a USB docking station or hub. They are simple to use and provide all the port connections you might need. Make sure your computer has USB 3.0 ports before purchasing, as this is required for some of the higher-bandwidth activities such as video streaming.
There are a variety of great options when it comes to using a USB docking station or hub for extending your display. They are simple to install and use, making them a great choice for those who want an easy way to add a second screen. If you’re looking for an adapter that can handle multiple port connections, a USB docking station is the way to go.