Manage a 3 Monitor Setup on Windows 10 – Full Tutorial

Windows 10 can support multiple monitors and, depending on the number of ports on the system, you can connect quite a few monitors to a system. The OS will be able to detect them easily since monitors are plug & play.

Most users opt for two monitors but Windows 10 can support more than two screens. 

3 Monitor Setup on Windows 10

If you’re looking to use three monitors with a Windows 10 system, you need a few things in terms of hardware. You also need to check if your system has the right number of ports.

• Check ports on the monitor you will be using. Most have a VGA, DVI, and HDMI port.
• Check if you have ports on your system for each monitor to connect.
• You will need cables to connect each monitor.
• If you don’t have enough ports, you may be able to use the USB-C port on your system with an adapter.

Check graphics card specifications 

Your graphics card plays a major role in whether or not you can use three monitors. You can have the right number of ports but your graphics chip has the last say.

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task manager from the context menu.
2. Go to the Performance tab.
3. Select GPU 0 from the column on the left.
4. In the pane on the right, look at the top right for the model number of the chip.
5. Repeat for GPU 1 (if it’s listed).
6. Google the specs for the graphics chip and see how many monitors it can support.

Connecting the 3 monitor setup

If you’ve got the right number of ports, cables, and a graphics card that can support your three monitors, you’re ready to get started.

1. Connect the cables to the monitors.
2. Connect the other end of each cable to the port on your computer.
3. On your desktop, tap the Win+P keyboard shortcut.
4. From the panel on the right, select Extend.

Windows 10 Multiple Monitors (Settings)

Windows 10 allows users to customize how multiple monitors work on the system. The options are limited but worth taking a look.

Arrange monitors

You now need to arrange how Windows 10 sees your monitors.

1. Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
2. Go to System>Display.
3. Click Identify and a number will appear on each screen.
4. On the Display tab, click and drag one monitor (identified by its name) and place it to the right or left of another. The layout is up to you.

Taskbar for multiple monitors

1. Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
2. Go to Personalization>Taskbar.
3. Open the ‘Show taskbar buttons on’ dropdown and select which monitors the taskbar should appear on.

Wallpapers for multiple monitors

You can set the same or different wallpapers for each monitor.

1. Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
2. Go to Personalization>Background.
3. Click Browse and select a wallpaper.
4. Right-click it in the drawer and select which monitor you want to set it for. 
5. Repeat for each monitor. 

Triple Monitor Setup – Conclusion

A 3 monitor setup is as easy as setting up a 2 monitor setup. Many users install additional third-party apps to help manage their monitors and you can try some out yourself. They aren’t necessary unless your overwhelmed by apps and windows. 

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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