Connect 2 Monitors To 1 Computer With One VGA Port
By Robert Jones · 2022-04-13
Got a lonely VGA port but crave a second screen? As an audio engineer, I've wrestled with this myself. Let's get your dual monitors working without a fuss.
Right, let's get stuck into something a bit different for SpeakersMag. You might be wondering why an audio engineer like me is waffling on about connecting monitors. Well, let me tell you, I've spent countless hours in front of various screens, both in the workshop and for writing up reviews. And nothing grinds my gears more than a clunky setup. If you're staring at a single VGA port on your computer and dreaming of a dual-screen wonderland, you've come to the right place. We're going to sort this out, properly. **Quick Verdict:** It's fiddly, but you *can* get two screens working from one VGA port if you know the tricks and have the right kit.  *Connect 2 Monitors To 1 Computer With One VGA Port — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Can You Even Do This? The Short Answer Honestly, when I first heard someone ask about running two monitors from one *single* VGA port, my immediate thought was, "You're having a laugh, mate, aren't you?" VGA, bless its old heart, is an analogue connection. It was designed for one display, plain and simple. It sends one signal, for one screen. That's its job. However, and it's a big 'however', the world of computers is full of clever bodges and workarounds. While you can't magically split a single VGA signal into two *independent* signals for two separate extended desktops – not without some serious, expensive, and frankly, daft industrial kit – you *can* achieve a dual-monitor setup if your computer has some hidden talents or you're willing to throw a bit of hardware at it. It's not always pretty, but it's possible. Think of it like trying to get a vintage Mini Cooper to do 150mph; you can, but you'll need a new engine and it won't be a Mini anymore. ## The Real Challenge: One VGA, No Other Video Outs Now, let's be clear about what we're discussing here. We're not talking about a scenario where your computer has a VGA port *and* an HDMI port, or a DisplayPort, or a DVI-D. If you've got those, then honestly, stop reading this and just plug your second monitor into one of those! That's the easy, proper way to do it. You'll get an extended desktop, proper resolution on both, and no fuss. No, we're tackling the proper old-school scenario: your desktop PC or even some ancient laptop only has that lonely, blue, 15-pin VGA connector sticking out the back. Nothing else. Zip. Nada. That's the tricky bit, and that's where we need to get a bit creative with our solutions. ## Why Even Bother with VGA in 2024? Good question! Most modern monitors don't even have VGA inputs anymore, or if they do, they're an afterthought. DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C – these are the common connections now. But sometimes, you're stuck with older kit. Maybe it's a hand-me-down PC, a trusty old workhorse that just keeps going, or an industrial machine that's expensive to replace. Perhaps you've got a couple of decent older monitors kicking about that you don't want to bin. Throwing away perfectly good, if slightly dated, hardware always feels a bit wrong to me. Resourceful, that's what we are. Make do and mend, as my nan used to say. ## The "Splitter" Myth: Not What You Think Right, let's clear up a common misunderstanding. You might see something called a "VGA splitter" online. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? One in, two out! Boom, dual monitors. Not quite, I'm afraid. A passive VGA splitter – just a cable with one male VGA connector and two female VGA connectors – will only ever *duplicate* your display. What you see on Monitor 1, you'll see exactly the same thing on Monitor 2. It's handy if you're doing a presentation and want the audience to see the same thing you do, or maybe you're hooking up two TVs in different rooms to watch the same football match. But for an *extended* desktop, where you can drag windows from one screen to the other? Forget about it. It just mirrors the signal. The resolution will be limited by the lowest common denominator, too, so if one screen is 1920x1080 and the other is 1024x768, both will probably end up at 1024x768. Not ideal. There are *active* VGA splitters, which have their own power supply and circuitry. These can sometimes handle higher resolutions across two displays, but again, they're almost exclusively for mirroring. They amplify the signal, but they don't create two independent video streams. So, if your goal is an extended desktop, a VGA splitter, passive or active, is a dead end. ## Actual Solutions for an Extended Desktop with One VGA Port Now we're getting to the meat of it. If you truly only have one VGA port and want an *extended* desktop, you'll need to introduce some new hardware to your system. There are a few main approaches, each with its own pros and cons, and certainly, its own price tag. ### 1. The USB External Graphics Adapter (The Most Common & Easiest) This is, by far, the most sensible and common solution for older machines with limited video outputs. You plug a USB graphics adapter into an available USB port on your computer, and this adapter then provides a new video output – often HDMI, DVI, or even another VGA. Your operating system sees this as a second, independent graphics card, even though it's just a little box connected via USB. #### How it Works: * **Connection:** Your primary monitor connects to your existing VGA port. The second monitor connects to the new port (e.g., HDMI or VGA) on the USB adapter. * **Drivers:** You'll almost certainly need to install drivers for the USB graphics adapter. These usually come on a mini-CD or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Don't skip this step; it's crucial. * **Configuration:** Once the drivers are installed and both monitors are connected, your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) should detect the second display. You can then go into your display settings and arrange them as an extended desktop, just like you would with a regular multi-monitor setup. #### What to Look For: * **USB Version:** If your PC has USB 3.0 ports (usually blue), go for a USB 3.0 adapter. They offer much better bandwidth and less lag, especially at higher resolutions. USB 2.0 adapters work, but they can be a bit sluggish, particularly for anything with movement like video. * **Output Type:** Match the output port on the adapter to the input on your second monitor. HDMI is usually best for modern screens, but DVI or even another VGA output are common. * **Resolution Support:** Check that the adapter supports the resolution of your second monitor (e.g., 1080p/Full HD is a common target). * **Brand Reputation:** Stick to reputable brands. I've seen some really dodgy, cheap ones that promise the earth but deliver a flaky, headache-inducing experience. StarTech, Cable Matters, and even some of the better-known unbranded ones on Amazon (read the reviews!) can be decent. #### Robert's Thoughts on USB Adapters: I've used quite a few of these over the years, mostly when I've had an older work laptop that the company didn't want to spring for an upgrade. For basic office work – emails, spreadsheets, web browsing – they're absolutely fine. You get that precious extra screen real estate. For anything graphically intensive, like video editing, CAD, or even fast-paced gaming, they're not ideal. You'll notice input lag and lower frame rates. But for productivity, they're a lifesaver. Expect to pay anywhere from £25 to £60 for a decent one. Don't go much cheaper unless you like gambling. * **Pros:** Relatively inexpensive, easy to set up, works with almost any PC with a USB port, provides an *extended* desktop. * **Cons:** Not suitable for gaming or heavy graphics, can introduce some lag, requires driver installation, uses up a USB port. ### 2. Add an Internal Graphics Card (Desktop PCs Only) If you're working with a desktop PC that has an available PCI Express (PCIe) slot, this is usually a much better solution than a USB adapter for performance. Even a very basic, cheap graphics card will offer dedicated processing for video output, meaning a smoother experience and less strain on your CPU. #### How it Works: * **Installation:** You physically install the graphics card into an open PCIe slot on your motherboard. This usually involves opening the PC case, slotting the card in, and securing it. It's not as scary as it sounds, but if you've never opened a PC before, maybe watch a YouTube video or get a tech-savvy mate to help. * **Connection:** Your primary monitor still uses the existing VGA port (either on your motherboard or from an older, integrated GPU). The second monitor connects to one of the new ports (HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, or even VGA) on your newly installed graphics card. * **Drivers:** You'll need to install the drivers for the new graphics card. Again, crucial. Windows might install generic ones, but always get the manufacturer's specific drivers for the best performance. #### What to Look For: * **PCIe Slot:** Ensure your motherboard has a free PCIe x16 or even an x1 slot if you're just looking for basic display output. Most motherboards will have at least one. * **Low Profile/Half-Height:** If it's a smaller desktop PC (a 'slimline' or 'SFF' case), you'll need a 'low profile' card that comes with a half-height bracket. Don't buy a full-size card if you have a small case; it simply won't fit. * **Passive Cooling:** For a basic display card, a passively cooled (no fan) card is great. Silent, no moving parts to break. Just make sure your PC has decent airflow. * **Outputs:** Get a card with the output type you need for your second monitor. HDMI is usually a safe bet. #### Robert's Thoughts on Internal Graphics Cards: This is my preferred method if the PC is a desktop. Even a £30-£50 passively cooled card from NVIDIA (like a GT 710 or 1030) or AMD (like an RX 550) will provide a far superior experience to a USB adapter. You get dedicated video memory, proper acceleration, and less CPU overhead. It's a bit more effort to install, but the payoff in terms of stability and performance is worth it. Plus, you might even gain some extra ports for a *third* monitor down the line if you get a decent card. * **Pros:** Best performance for the money, dedicated hardware, no CPU strain, silent (if passively cooled options are chosen), provides an *extended* desktop. * **Cons:** Only for desktop PCs, requires opening the PC case, a bit more involved to install, might require specific slot types (PCIe). ### 3. DisplayLink Docking Stations (More Advanced, Often USB-C/3.0) While typically associated with laptops and often utilising USB-C, some DisplayLink docking stations can connect via older USB 3.0 ports. These are essentially glorified USB graphics adapters but usually with more features like Ethernet, extra USB ports, and multiple video outputs. The key here is the *DisplayLink* technology, which uses software compression to send video over a standard USB data channel. #### How it Works: * **Connection:** Connect the dock to your PC via a USB 3.0 (or USB-C) cable. Your primary monitor uses the existing VGA. Your second monitor connects to one of the video outputs on the dock (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, sometimes VGA). * **Drivers:** DisplayLink drivers are absolutely essential here. The dock won't work properly without them. They're usually installed automatically by Windows if you connect to the internet, or you can download them from the DisplayLink website or the dock manufacturer. * **Features:** Beyond video, these docks often give you a whole host of extra ports, turning a limited laptop or desktop into a proper workstation. #### What to Look For: * **Compatibility:** Ensure it's compatible with your operating system and, crucially, your PC's USB port type (USB 3.0 is a minimum for decent performance). * **Video Outputs:** Make sure it has the right video output for your second monitor. * **Power:** Many DisplayLink docks need their own power adapter, so factor that into your setup. #### Robert's Thoughts on DisplayLink Docks: I've used these extensively for laptops, especially when working remotely and needing to replicate my office setup. They're fantastic for turning a single USB port into a full workstation hub. For our specific scenario – single VGA on a desktop – it's a bit overkill and often more expensive than just a simple USB graphics adapter or an internal card. But if you also need extra USB ports, Ethernet, and audio out, and you've got a decent USB 3.0 port, it's a very versatile solution. Just remember, they rely heavily on DisplayLink's software, so performance isn't quite 'native' like a dedicated graphics card. * **Pros:** Multi-functional (video, USB, Ethernet, audio), provides an *extended* desktop, good for consolidating connections. * **Cons:** More expensive, still relies on USB bandwidth (performance limitations), requires specific drivers, can be overkill for just one extra monitor. ## Setting Up Your Dual Monitors (Once You Have the Hardware) Once you've got your extra video output sorted, whether it's via a USB adapter, an internal card, or a dock, the setup process in your operating system is pretty much the same. I'll focus on Windows, as that's what most people are running with older kit. 1. **Connect Everything:** Ensure both monitors are plugged into their respective video ports and powered on. 2. **Power On PC:** Boot up your computer. 3. **Install Drivers (if needed):** If you've added new hardware, install any necessary drivers for your USB adapter, graphics card, or dock. Sometimes, Windows will do this automatically; sometimes, you'll need to download them from the manufacturer's website. 4. **Access Display Settings:** * **Windows 10/11:** Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select "Display settings." * **Windows 7/8:** Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select "Screen resolution." 5. **Detect Displays:** In the display settings, you should see two monitor icons, usually labelled "1" and "2". If you only see one, click the "Detect" button (or "Identify" in older Windows versions). If they still don't show up, check all your cables and drivers again. 6. **Arrange Displays:** Drag and drop the monitor icons to match their physical arrangement on your desk. This makes moving your mouse between screens feel natural. 7. **Choose Display Mode:** Under the "Multiple displays" or "Orientation" section, choose "Extend these displays." This is the crucial step for an extended desktop. You'll also see options for "Duplicate these displays" (mirroring) or "Show only 1" or "Show only 2". 8. **Set Resolutions:** For each monitor (click on its icon to select it), make sure the "Display resolution" is set to its native resolution for the sharpest picture. 9. **Set Primary Display:** Choose which monitor you want as your main screen (where your taskbar and desktop icons will primarily appear). Click on the desired monitor icon and then tick the box that says "Make this my main display" or similar. 10. **Apply Changes:** Click "Apply" or "OK" to save your settings. That's it! You should now have an extended desktop, allowing you to drag windows between your primary VGA-connected screen and your new second screen. ## What if My PC Doesn't Even Have USB 3.0 or a PCIe Slot? Okay, now we're really scraping the barrel, aren't we? If your machine is *that* old that it only has VGA and, say, only USB 2.0 ports and no free PCIe slots (perhaps it's an ancient thin client or a very early all-in-one), then your options become severely limited and frankly, a bit painful. * **USB 2.0 Graphics Adapters:** You *can* get them. They're cheap, but they're painfully slow. Even basic web browsing with video can be a slideshow. They're really only good for static content like documents or perhaps a second screen for chat windows. Honestly, for anything else, you're better off sticking to one screen or considering if it's time for a proper upgrade. * **Upgrade the PC:** At this point, I'd be seriously considering if it's time to put that old box out to pasture. The cost of a really old, specific adapter for a very limited experience might be better put towards a second-hand, slightly newer PC with proper multi-monitor support. A ten-year-old Dell Optiplex with an i5 and a few display ports can be had for under £100 these days, and it'll run rings around what you're trying to achieve with an ancient single-VGA machine. ## Comparison Table: Solutions at a Glance | Solution | Cost (approx. £) | Ease of Installation | Performance | Who It's For | Who Should Skip It | Notes | | :---------------------------- | :--------------- | :------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **USB Graphics Adapter** (USB 3.0) | 25-60 | Easy | Good for productivity | Most users, laptops, basic office tasks, web browsing | Gamers, video editors, graphic designers, those needing zero lag | Best for adding a second screen cheaply. Get USB 3.0 if you can. | | **Internal Graphics Card** (PCIe) | 30-80 | Moderate | Excellent | Desktop PC users, light gaming, better general performance, future-proofing | Laptop users, those uncomfortable opening their PC, very small form factor PCs | Best overall performance/cost for desktops. Check case size for low-profile cards. | | **DisplayLink Dock** (USB 3.0/C) | 70-150 | Easy | Good for productivity | Laptop users needing many ports, desktop users needing a full hub | Those only needing a second monitor, users on a tight budget | More than just video; great for creating a full workstation. | | **USB 2.0 Graphics Adapter** | 15-30 | Easy | Poor | Desperate situations, very static content, chat windows | Anyone expecting smooth video or fast interaction, gamers | Only as a last resort. Performance is a real struggle. | ## FAQs: Getting Your Head Around It ### Q: My computer has a VGA port and an HDMI port. Can I use both for two monitors? A: Absolutely! That's the ideal scenario. Just plug one monitor into VGA and the other into HDMI. Your operating system should detect both automatically, and you can set up an extended desktop without needing any extra adapters or graphics cards. Simple as pie. ### Q: Will using an adapter reduce the quality of my display? A: It depends on the adapter. A decent USB 3.0 graphics adapter or an internal graphics card should maintain good quality, especially for standard resolutions like 1080p. Very cheap USB 2.0 adapters might show some blurring or lag, and you definitely won't get 4K or ultra-high refresh rates from a VGA setup anyway. Make sure your adapter supports the native resolution of your monitor for the best picture. ### Q: Can I run three monitors if I only have one VGA port? A: Potentially, yes, but it gets more complex and more expensive. You'd typically need a more advanced internal graphics card with multiple outputs, or perhaps two separate USB graphics adapters. At this point, you're really pushing the limits of older hardware, and you're probably better off upgrading your core PC if you need that much screen real estate. Two monitors is usually the sweet spot for productivity before things get unwieldy. ### Q: Do I need special cables for the second monitor? A: Yes, you'll need the appropriate cable for whatever output your new adapter or graphics card provides. If it's an HDMI output, you need an HDMI cable. If it's DVI, a DVI cable. If it's another VGA output, then another VGA cable. Always try to use the shortest practical cable length to minimise any signal degradation, especially with analogue VGA. ### Q: Will this setup work for gaming? A: Short answer: No, not really. Especially not with a USB graphics adapter. For gaming, you need dedicated, powerful graphics processing that's integrated directly into your system, not routed over USB or relying on ancient motherboard VGA. If you're into gaming, you need a modern graphics card and probably a PC that's built for it. Trying to game on a single-VGA setup with an adapter is like trying to drive a nail with a banana – you might eventually get there, but it'll be messy and ineffective. ## Final Word So there you have it. If you're staring down that solitary VGA port, don't despair just yet. While you can't just 'split' the signal for an extended desktop, there are definitely ways to get that coveted second screen up and running. For most folks, a simple USB 3.0 graphics adapter is the easiest way to go. If you're handy with a screwdriver and have a desktop PC, an internal graphics card is going to give you the best bang for your buck in terms of performance and stability. Remember, we're talking about older tech here. Don't expect miracles, especially for anything graphically intensive. But for boosting your productivity, getting more spreadsheets on screen, or just having a dedicated chat window while you work, these solutions are perfectly viable. Don't let that blue port tell you what to do – take control of your digital workspace, even if it means a bit of clever kit! Happy multi-tasking, folks. Robert out.