How to connect two monitors to a Dual display setup to your Chromebox

How to connect two monitors to a Dual display setup to your Chromebox

I love using my Chromebox when I need to be productive. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Chromebook too but when it comes to work that is serious don’t think you can beat a Chromebox setup. Find out more about the benefits of a Chromebox compared to a Chromebook.

When I first started Chrome Computing just over a year ago I was using a Chromebook. It was fine but I soon realised I could be more productive with a desktop PC setup. I purchased an Asus Chromebox 3 and connected it to my existing 27-inch display. My productivity increased, which I think is a complete lot to do with your mindset. Find out if a Chromebox is right for you.

I recently decided to create a second Chromebox setup in my living room, so thought it was the perfect opportunity to go for a dual display setup. I knew this would improve my productivity even more.

HOW TO CREATE A DUAL DISPLAY SETUP FOR A CHROMEBOX

The first thing you need is a Chromebox that supports display that is dual. Not all Chromebox computers do, so it’s important you check with your manufacturer. A USB is needed by you Type-C port that supports DisplayPort.

There are different ways you can achieve a dual-display setup and this depends on the PC monitors you choose. The setup in this post explains how to achieve it monitors that are using an HDMI connection.

To create a setup that is dual-display need the following:

The Asus Chromebox 3 comes with one HDMI port to connect a display to your computer. You connect the display that is first normal using one of the HDMI leads.

The monitor that is second connected via the USB Type-C connection, which must support ‘DisplayPort’. The Asus Chromebox 3 supports DisplayPort, which makes connecting a display that is second. Most monitors only come with an HDMI connection and not a Type C. To resolve this you need the USB C to HDMI adapter, which will allow you to add a display that is further your Chromebox. I’ve listed two adapters below from Amazon for both UK and USA readers.

Connect the second HDMI lead to the monitor that is second normal. You then connect the other end of the HDMI lead into the HDMI socket on the adapter. You should then be left with a USB Type-C on the other end of the adapter, which you simply insert into the USB C DisplayPort on your Chromebox. That’s it!

ADJUSTING THE SETTINGS FOR YOUR DUAL DISPLAY SETUP

Once you’ve added both monitors to your Chromebox you’ll want to adjust the display settings for each monitor. To do this go to your settings menu. Settings>Device>Displays.

There are a few different settings available but we’ll take a look at the two you will be most interested in at first.

MIRROR

You’ll notice above there is a tick box with ‘Mirror HP 24f’ next to it. The ‘HP 24f’ is the name of the monitor, if you’re using different monitors to what I’ve used so it will differ. The mirror option, when ticked, simply means whatever is being seen on one monitor will be seen on the other.

I’m sure there are many reasons why you may want to do this, but most of us add an display that is extra have the ability to have different windows showing on each monitor. To do this you simply leave the mirror option unticked. This will then allow you to have windows that are different on each monitor.

Two displays with the mirror option unticked

ARRANGEMENT

This is an important option you to let Chrome OS know how you have your monitors positioned because it allows. Most people choose to have their monitors side by side, but some may decide to have one monitor on top of the other.

It’s impossible for Chrome OS to know how you have positioned your displays, so you need to adjust the arrangement settings.

Above you can see two monitors side by side. If you have your displays side-by-side then this may appear set up correctly. If they are set up correctly the mouse cursor should move over to the second monitor in a direction that is natural. Moving from the monitor that is right the left should simply mean https://besthookupwebsites.net/her-review/ moving your mouse cursor to the left.

If this does not happen, try moving your mouse cursor to the edge that is opposite of monitor. You should then see the mouse cursor move onto the second display. If this does happen, you need to drag one of the displays to swap there position. Once you’ve done this your mouse cursor should naturally move from one display to the other.

CONCLUSION

Having a Dual-Display is a great benefit of Chrome OS and the Chromebox computer. You just need to ensure the Chromebox you have supports DisplayPort. Then i would definitely recommend the Asus Chromebox 3. Why the Asus Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox if you’ve not yet bought a Chromebox.

Once you’ve used two displays you’ll struggle to move back to a computer with one display. It makes tasks that are daily easier and is ideal for anyone who needs to use more than one application at a time.