Several monitors are useful for different tasks. For example, a programmer might have one monitor displaying the code they are working on, another showing the output of that code, and third displaying reference material. Or, if you are a heavy multitasker, you might find it helpful to have email, a web browser, and a word processor open on separate monitors so you can see everything at once.
No matter what your reasoning is for wanting to use multiple monitors, it’s actually quite easy to do if you have the right setup. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to set up three monitors on your laptop.
Different Ways To Setup 3 Monitors On Laptop
Image Source: pcworld.com
DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport
One popular way to connect several monitors to a laptop is to use DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport. MST works by splitting the video signal into multiple streams, each of which can be sent to a different monitor.
- To use MST, you’ll need a laptop with DisplayPort output and two or more DisplayPort inputs. You’ll also need a DisplayPort cable that supports MST.
- To connect your monitors, simply plug one end of the cable into the DisplayPort output on your laptop and plug the other end into the first monitor. Then, take another DisplayPort cable and connect it from the first monitor to the second monitor. Repeat this process for each additional monitor.
- Once your monitors are connected, you’ll need to configure them so that support MST).Windows. To do this, open the Control Panel and go to “Display.” Under “Settings,” click “Detect.” Windows should detect your multiple monitors and display a grid representing your display setup.
- If everything looks good, click “Apply” to save your changes. Your monitors should now be working in extended mode, giving you a larger desktop to work with.
USB 3.0 Display Adapters
Image Source: reviewgeek.com
Another way to connect several monitors to a laptop is to use a USB 3.0 display adapter. These adapters work by converting the video signal from your laptop into a format that can be displayed on an external monitor.
To use a USB 3.0 display adapter, you’ll need a laptop with a USB 3.0 port and two or more monitors with HDMI, DVI, or VGA inputs. You’ll also need a USB 3.0 cable and the appropriate adapters for your monitors.
- To connect the monitors, first, connect the USB 3.0 cable from the display adapter to your laptop. Then, connect the first monitor to the display adapter using an HDMI, DVI, or VGA cable. Finally, connect the second monitor to the display adapter in the same way.
- Once all of the connections are made, you should see your laptop’s display on both monitors. To configure the settings for your multiple monitors, right-click on the desktop and select “Display Settings.”
- In the Display Settings window, you’ll see a list of all the displays that are connected to your laptop. To configure the settings for each display, click on the drop-down menu next to “Multiple displays” and select “Extend these displays.”
- You can then use the options in the Display Settings window to adjust the resolution, position, and other settings for each of your monitors.
Using a Laptop Dock
If you have a laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port, you can use a docking station to connect multiple monitors. Docking stations work by providing additional ports for your laptop, allowing you to connect multiple displays and other peripherals.If you have a Thunderbolt 3 dock, you can connect up to two 4K displays or one 5K display. For USB-C docks, you can usually connect one or two 1080p displays.
- To use a docking station, simply connect it to your laptop and then connect your monitors to the dock. You may need to install drivers for the dock, and you may need to adjust your display settings.
- Most docks will come with their own software that you can use to manage your displays. This can be helpful if you want to use different profiles for different situations. For example, you might have a work profile that uses both monitors, and a home profile that just uses one.
Reasons To Setup 3 Monitors On Laptop
Image Source: salisonline.org
There are a few reasons why you should set up three monitors on your laptop. The most common reason is for productivity purposes as it allows you to have more screen real estate to work with. This can be incredibly helpful if you are someone who has to juggle multiple tasks or needs to reference different materials often.
Another common reason is for gaming purposes. Many gamers prefer to have a wider field of view and setting up three monitors can give you that. It can also be helpful for those who like to stream their gameplay as it gives your viewers a better look at what’s going on.
Image Source: drivereasy.com
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to set up three monitors on your laptop, it’s time to get started. With a little bit of patience and planning, you can have a fully functional triple monitor setup up and running in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start enjoying the benefits of a multi-monitor setup today!

My name is Nicholas Boucher and I am the founder of fitlaptops.com, a blog dedicated to providing helpful reviews and information on laptop technology. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, I strive to provide comprehensive coverage for tech enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments. My passion lies in helping readers make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing the best laptop for their needs. I invite you to explore my blog and join me on this journey into the world of laptop technology.