How To Extend Your Laptop Screen

Are you looking to extend your working space? You’re not alone!

According to Jon Peddie Research, the number of users switching to dual display setups has jumped from 20% in 2002 to 90% just 15 years later—and we’re not surprised. A multi-monitor setup brings a range of benefits. Add to that, it is very easy to make the switch; you don’t need Miracast or Airplay, which can be limiting in more ways than one.
Allow us to introduce a game-changer: plug-and-play solutions from Mobile Pixels.

Available in two size options and compatible with macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, and Samsung Dex, these screen extenders will change how you work for the better.

Why Extend Your Laptop Screen?

Extending your laptop screen has several benefits, chief among them being enhanced visibility and readability of content given the increased screen real estate.

Because “the more you can see, the more you can do,” it will help you unlock productivity and efficiency like never before. For starters, you can access multiple apps, software, and files simultaneously for a seamless workflow. Users switch windows 15% less frequently with dual screens; while this may not seem significant, consider this: every time you context switch, it takes 23.15 minutes to refocus.  

So yes, laptop extenders work. And when you use them, you can also benefit from the following:

• Superior ergonomics. You can change the brightness levels and adjust screen height and angle to reduce neck and back pain and relieve eye strain.
• A more practical and immersive way to collaborate and communicate with team members. You can make changes in real time, and your colleagues can review them pronto.
• You can be productive while traveling to different cities, exploring new cultures, and basking in nature—the possibilities are endless.

And you get to tap into all this without shelling out a pretty penny!

What You Need?

This is a plug-and-play solution, which means you’ll only need to connect the device to your laptop to get it up and running in no time—with no frantic calls made to the technician.

To set up screen extender, you’ll only need one cable, which can be:

• USB-C
• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
• VGA (Video Graphics Array)
• DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

How to Extend Your Laptop Screen for Windows

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to extend screen on Windows 11:

1. Connect your new monitor(s) to your laptop using the appropriate cable.
2. Use the Windows Key+P shortcut or right-click on your desktop to open “Display Settings.”
3. Scroll down to “Multiple displays” and select how you’d like to project the displays from the drop-down menu that appears. You can choose to see ‘PC screen only,’ ‘extend,’ ‘duplicate,’ or ‘second screen only.’
4. Once you’ve chosen your preferred projection method, click “Apply “and “Keep changes” to save your settings.

*Using an older version of Windows? Click on Screen Resolution instead of “Display Settings.”

How to Extend Your Laptop Screen for MacOS

Here’s a step-by-step guide for extending your display on Mac:

1. Connect your new monitor(s) to your laptop using the appropriate cable.
2. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Settings.”
3. Click on “Displays” in the sidebar and then “Arrangement.”
4. Click the “Use as” pop-up menu and choose how the screens will project.

If you check the “Mirror Displays” option, you will get an exact replica of your monitor on the external display. This provides an ultra-wide experience, perfect for graphic-intensive work and gaming. If you leave the box unchecked, it will extend the display, treating each screen as a separate entity to increase your workspace.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Multi-monitors don’t always work as expected. Here are some issues you may face when you extend your laptop screen and what you can do to fix them:

The Monitor is Not Detected

If your device does not recognize your second display:

• Right-click the desktop and select “Display Settings” from the pop-up menu.
• Click the “Detect” button to connect your external screen.

*Note that in Windows 11, this feature is available under “Multiple Displays”.

The Resolution is Off

Before purchasing a second screen, you should check the specs (brightness, resolution, refresh rate, etc.) on your current setup.

If you have a monitor with high resolution, it may not be possible to get a close enough match in your extended display for seamless viewing.

Here’s how you can tackle this problem:

• Right-click the desktop and choose “Display settings” or “Screen resolution,” “Personalize,” or “Properties,” depending on your software version.
• Locate “Display Resolution” under “Scale and Layout.”
• Choose the best resolution for you, then click “Apply” or “Keep changes.”

If this doesn’t help, update your graphic driver.

Remember that because the two displays have different resolutions, there will be discrepancies, with instances of blurring, pixelation, distortion, and discoloration. It may be best to accept them as part and parcel of your setup.

The Displays are Mirrored Instead of Extended

When you connect an external screen to your device, the operating system will duplicate it by default. But don’t worry; you can easily change that view in three simple steps:

• Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select “Display Settings.”
• Click ‘Identify’ to see how your operating system is arranging the displays, then select your secondary screen.
• Scroll down to “Multiple Displays” to switch between ‘mirror’ and ‘extend,’ then select “Extend Desktop to This Display” from the drop-down menu.

You can also use your mouse to drag your second screen to the left or right of your primary screen to customize your work setup to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to extend display on Mac and Windows, start creating the perfect workspace with Mobile Pixels today. No matter your industry, you can boost your productivity (and gaming prowess!) with our innovative tech solutions.

Visit our website today to find your holy grails!