To use a second monitor as extra desktop space, choose Extend rather than Duplicate or Mirror. On Windows, press Windows+P and select Extend. On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays, select the external display, and choose the option to extend the desktop. Then arrange the on-screen display icons to match the monitors’ positions on your desk.
What does Extend mode do?
Extend mode spreads your desktop across multiple displays, giving you separate screen space for windows and apps. You can move items between screens. Duplicate on Windows, or Mirror on macOS, shows the same content on more than one display instead.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Use Extend when you want to work with different windows on each screen. If you need a presentation or shared view to appear identically on both, choose Duplicate or Mirror instead.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How to extend your display in Windows 11 or Windows 10
- Connect the monitor to your PC or dock and make sure the cable is secure.
- Press Windows+P, then select Extend.
- To arrange the screens, open Settings > System > Display. Select Identify to see which number corresponds to each screen.
- Drag the display icons to match the monitors’ physical positions, then select Apply. This helps the pointer move naturally between screens.
If the connected monitor does not appear in Display settings, open Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays and select Detect. The steps are covered by Microsoft’s multiple-monitor guide, which applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; it no longer receives free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
How to extend your Mac desktop
- Connect and power on the external display. Use a compatible video cable; if the Mac and monitor have different ports, you may need an adapter.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays.
- Select the external display and use the Use as option to extend the desktop rather than mirror it.
- Arrange the display layout in Displays settings so it matches the screens’ positions on your desk.
Apple’s instructions for connecting a display to your Mac cover cables, adapters, and model-specific display support. The available controls can vary by Mac model, macOS version, and connected display. The number of external displays a Mac supports depends on its model, resolution, and refresh rate.
Fix common extend-mode problems
The monitor is missing in Windows
Check that the cable is secure at the computer, dock, and monitor. Then open Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Detect. Microsoft’s external-monitor troubleshooting guide recommends checking the connection and using Display settings to detect a screen.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
The Windows screens still show the same image
Press Windows+P and select Extend. Confirm that you did not select Duplicate, which displays the same content on both screens.
A splitter gives you duplicate screens instead of two extended displays
A display splitter duplicates one signal; it does not create two independent extended displays. For separate desktops, the computer must support the required display outputs. If you have only one video output, a compatible dock or USB video adapter may provide another, but compatibility depends on the computer’s hardware and manufacturer guidance.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
The Mac does not detect the display or offers limited resolution or refresh rate
Check the cable and connections, confirm that any adapter supports the connection, and consult the Mac model’s display specifications. The Mac’s supported display count and capabilities depend on the model and the resolution and refresh rate in use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Before adding another monitor or buying an adapter
There is no universal cable, dock, or adapter that works with every computer and display. Check these details for your specific setup:
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
- The video ports available on the computer, dock, and monitor, and whether their connectors match.
- Whether an adapter is needed and whether it supports the connection you intend to use.
- The computer’s maximum external-display count at your chosen resolution and refresh rate.
- Whether the connection supports independent extended displays rather than duplicating one signal.
For a Mac, check Apple’s model-specific display guidance. For a Windows PC, consult the computer or dock manufacturer’s specifications if a port, adapter, or dock does not behave as expected.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
