Audience: Fullerton College faculty and staff
Overview: Fullerton College staff using Windows computers may need to set up multiple monitors. This article explains how to extend displays, rearrange monitors, set a main display, and adjust text/app scaling or resolution.
Prerequisites
- A Windows computer (desktop or laptop) managed by Fullerton College with administrative rights to adjust settings.
- Two or more monitors connected to your computer via HDMI, DisplayPort, or other compatible cables.
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
2. Scroll to the area above Multiple displays and select Extend these displays from the dropdown menu. (May already be default)
3. Click Keep changes to confirm.
4. When the changes take effect, the settings of the selected monitor appearing in blue will be displayed.
1. In Display settings, locate the monitor layout (boxes labeled [1], [2], etc.).
2. Click Identify to show numbers on each monitor, indicating their assigned labels.
3. Drag the boxes to match the physical position of your monitors (e.g., [1] left, [2] right) and click Apply.
4. To set the main display (where the taskbar, Quick Settings, and calendar appear):
- Select the desired monitor (e.g., [1]).
- Scroll to Multiple displays and check Make this my main display.
- Click Apply.
1. In Display settings, under Scale & layout, view the current Scale percentage (e.g., 100%, recommended for optimal size).
- To adjust, click Scale, select a percentage (e.g., 125%), and click Apply.
2. To change resolution, under Display resolution, select a resolution (e.g., 1920x1080, recommended) from the dropdown and click Apply.
Windows has the ability to change the text size without making the icons bigger. To do this, follow the accessibility instructions below:
1. Search "Text Size" and choose open.
2. Here they can make the text bigger without making the icons bigger. (May not work for most, but not all applications on your device.)
Troubleshooting
Display alignment incorrect?
- Use Identify to confirm monitor numbers, then drag boxes in Display settings to match physical layout.
- Verify both monitors are set to the same resolution and scale.
- Text/apps too small or large?
- Adjust Scale percentage in Scale & layout (e.g., 125% for larger text).
- Ensure the recommended resolution is selected under Display resolution.
Monitors not detected?
- Ensure all cables (HDMI, DisplayPort) are securely connected.
- In Display settings, click Detect under Multiple displays.
- Turn off computer, unplug all cables to the monitor, plug cables back in accordingly, restart your computer and retry.
- Submit an ACT ticket for assistance.