Every business wants its employees to be as efficient and productive as possible. The question is, how do you create a workspace that encourages this? While there are several ways to boost workplace performance, the many benefits of dual monitors make switching to this setup one of the smartest and most affordable tactics. Plus, it’s easy to do.
We’ll cover the benefits of dual monitors, ways that you can incorporate them into your workflow, and what to consider before making the switch.
What is a dual monitor setup?
Dual monitor setups allow you to use two screens that operate from a single computer. Think of it as a visual extension of your workspace . There are many applications where having a dual monitor setup offers practically unlimited advantages, and almost all computers are capable of handling two monitors.
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How to install a dual monitor setup
There’s not much that you need to install dual monitors other than a computer and the two monitors that you want to use. Monitors and computers have multiple ways to connect to each other, and there are a few different types of cables you may need. Your monitors will connect with one [or more] of these:
Set up dual monitors in a few easy steps
- Connect the second monitor to a power source and your computer.
- In your computer’s display settings, choose “Extend these displays” in the multiple displays window.
- Choose the monitor order and primary display.
That’s it–you’re ready to use your dual monitor setup!
How dual monitors affect productivity
Many things can help improve performance, and having a dual monitors is one such way. It offers more screen space and dual pages to be shown. This type of setup is perfect for increasing productivity in learning applications, office work, graphic manipulation, and many other types of work.
Reduce downtime
Dual monitor setups are inherently redundant; if something happens to one monitor, employees can continue to work using the working one without any productivity or data loss. There is no other monitor setup that can offer that type of flexibility. Plus, dual monitors are extremely easy to maintain.
Increase workflow on computer
When using two monitors from a single computer, each employee can easily run multiple applications at once without having to change windows—this basically doubles the amount of available workspace. Dual monitors also make it simple to drag and drop data from one application to another.
Optimizes work performance
Other than increasing productivity, there are a few other benefits of having dual monitors:
- Helps display more content
- Swap between applications quickly
- Easily navigate multiple windows
- View documents side-by-side
Helps you maintain focus by reducing distractions
You might think that having two screens in front of you would provide more distractions than only having one. However, the opposite is true. With a dual monitor setup, you no longer have to switch between tabs while you are working and can view everything at once without interrupting your workflow.
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Benefits of dual monitors
There are many benefits to using a dual monitor setup. Despite the apparent increase in productivity, there are other ways that this type of setup can help your computer experience.
They are simple to use
Dual monitors are extremely easy to use, especially considering the many advantages that they can provide.
Most computers and laptops inherently support dual monitors and don’t require any additional software to set up. Using two monitors is no different than using a single–anyone who can already use a computer can instantly adapt to having an extra screen.
Moving a window or application from one monitor to another is as simple as dragging it from one screen to the next. Most applications will typically remember which monitor you use it on so, after the initial setup, the computer will know what programs you want to open on each monitor.
Using dual monitors lets you move and see multiple windows at once.
Dual monitor setups work well with laptops
One massive advantage of dual monitors is that they are compatible with laptops and mobile devices. Laptops typically have small screens that can be more challenging to work on. But when you easily attach a second monitor, you more than double your workspace. You can even work from your mobile device by using a docking station to cast your phone screen onto a second monitor.
Organize your desktop
Dual monitors essentially give you double the desktop space, which reduces the cluttering on your screen. Is your desktop full of pinned apps and documents? You can move some of them to the second screen and free up some of the space that they take up. It’s easier to stay organized when you have all of that extra room.
Related: How to Build a Collaborative Workspace [And Why You Should]
What can I do with dual monitors?
Having a dual monitor setup opens up a whole new world of possibilities. And anything you can do with one monitor, you can still do with a dual setup. However, the real benefit comes from some cool features that having a second monitor allows for. Here are some things you can do with a dual monitor setup.
Zoom calls
Video sharing apps, like Zoom, often allow screen sharing during a video call. This allows your employees to participate in a video conference while simultaneously collaborating on their projects. Dual monitors also allow you to have one screen up with reference materials during Zoom calls and meetings.
Comparing critical data
One of the biggest advantages of dual monitors is that you can have critical information pulled up on one screen to reference while you work on the second screen. Dual monitor setups allow you to compare different files and projects easily. You can also view instructional videos and tutorials while repeating the steps on your second screen to learn more efficiently.
Increase collaboration
Dual monitors make collaboration between employees easier than ever. You can communicate with team members on one screen while working on a project on the other one. Having a second monitor gives you a lot of additional space to collaborate with the rest of the organization.
Increase communication
Communication becomes easier with dual monitors because you can keep in touch with other employees, customers, and management without interrupting your work. You can use communication tools like Zoom, Skype, or Slack while having your project open on the second screen to reference during team discussions.
They’re excellent for gaming
What about when you’re not working? Dual monitors give you a better, enhanced gaming experience. You can easily have a video, music, or chat opened on the second screen while gaming. And a second monitor is essential for anyone who plans on live streaming — dual monitors allow you to chat and interact with viewers without interrupting your gameplay.
A dual monitor setup is ideal for work and gaming.
While having a dual monitor setup is great, there are some things that you should consider when looking to add a second or third monitor to your current system.
Does having two monitors slow down your computer?
While having two monitors can cause a slight lag in high-quality video or gaming, most people won’t notice a difference. This lag is because a single computer has to split the processing of pixels.
You can minimize this by ensuring that both monitors are set to the same color format and resolutions. Installing dual monitor software onto your driver can also help alleviate significant lag. Making sure your graphic drivers are up to date. Often they miss an automatic update.
Are dual monitors good for studying?
There can be many good reasons to invest in a second monitor, and many people agree that adding the extra screen can be helpful for school work. Even at jobs, it can help increase productivity by 42% . Rather than switching between open tabs, having study material on one screen and your current project on your main can help speed up tasks.
Related: The Best Time to Buy a Laptop and Other Office Essentials
Should you invest in dual monitors?
Want to go super size? Vibe’s 55” touchscreen display can be used as a second screen. Connect your computer wirelessly by screencasting or use the HDMI-In for a wired connection.
A dual monitor setup is one of many ways to boost productivity, collaboration, and communication in the workplace. There are rarely any situations when one monitor is better than two.
If you want to learn about other ways to increase collaboration in your business, Vibe offers multiple solutions for enhanced workplace engagement and efficiency. Check out the rest of the Vibe blog for even more great information.
[Editor’s note: This post was originally published on November 19, 2020 and updated on July 12, 2021.]
Vibe offers a collaborative solution combining an interactive digital whiteboard and innovative smart software. Increase engagement and efficiency at your brainstorming sessions, virtual training, and classroom sessions by integrating your favorite applications with video conferencing and an infinite, mess-free writing canvas. Collaborate today with Vibe.
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