The best ways to configure a dual monitor setup with your Surface laptop

Key takeaways

Utilizing a dual monitor setup with your Surface laptop can significantly boost productivity and multitasking efficiency.
For an optimal dual monitor experience, use additional screens with resolutions close to your Surface laptop to prevent eye strain and enhance viewing quality.
Use adapters like USB-C® to HDMI or VGA to connect your Surface laptop to a second monitor.

It can be difficult to see everything on your laptop or tablet screen without scrolling or managing several windows. However, multiple monitors can help you streamline your view. Learn how you can use a dual monitor setup with your Surface laptop so you can work smarter, not harder.

Why a dual monitor desk setup is beneficial

If you’ve ever felt the need for a larger desktop screen, a dual monitor setup might be for you. This specialized setup allows you to use a single computer or laptop across multiple screens. This can help you increase productivity; multitask amongst programs, apps, and web pages; and organize your screen so you have a better view of your open windows.

Tips for making your dual monitor desk setup work

There are a number of things you can do to configure the best dual monitor desk setup for your home or work office. You’ll want your setup to include similar screens and an overall design that helps you use the dual monitors in a safe and convenient manner.

Use similar screen resolutions

Although it’s not a requirement for dual screens to have the same resolution, there are benefits to using an additional screen with a resolution that’s close to your Surface laptop’s resolution. In addition to a consistent viewing experience, having similar resolutions will prevent you from straining your eyes while looking at a poor-quality screen. Good screen resolution can also reduce the need to enlarge text and windows, which means you’ll be able to fit more on both screens.

Keep cords hidden

Depending on how you set up your dual monitors, you may have long cords connecting different devices. These can be a trip hazard and/or get snagged and damaged in the wheels of your computer chair. It’s important to place the cords behind your dual screens and tie them, using zip ties or other options, so they don’t get tangled.

Use ergonomics

Configuring the perfect physical setup for your needs can help you get the most out of using dual monitors. It also prevents you from having to adjust your monitors each time you sit down. Here are some tips of an ergonomic setup:

Place your primary monitor directly in front of you
If one of your eyes is more dominant than the other, place your second monitor by your dominant eye
Turn the second monitor at an angle toward you

How to use dual monitors with your Surface laptop

If you have a Surface Laptop 3 (or higher), Surface Pro 7 (or higher), or any Surface device that uses Windows 11, like Surface Pro 9, you’ll need a USB-C® to HDMI or a USB-C® to VGA adapter to connect your Surface laptop to a second monitor. Depending on which Surface device you have, you may also be able to use the Surface Dock 2, Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub, Surface USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, or Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter. The adapter you’ll need depends on what type of connection your second monitor requires. Once you have the adapter:

Plug in the power cord of your second monitor
Connect one end of the video cable into your second monitor’s port
Plug in the other end of the video cable into the video adapter
Connect the adapter to your Surface device’s input

Once you’ve set up your dual monitors, you can go into the Network Project settings on your Surface device to start using both monitors. You can duplicate both screens, extend your entire screen, or use only your Surface screen.