7 Windows 8 Tips to Maximize Dual Monitor Setup
Everybody loves dual monitor and multiple monitor setups on their desk. Fortunately for all of us, Windows 8 have made it even more lovable as the added dual monitor feature makes two non-touch screens more useful and enjoyable than ever. If you’re using Windows 8 computer and are looking for ways to better maximize your dual monitor setup, then here are some helpful tips for you.
Show Different Wallpapers on Each Screen
(image from NextofWindows)
When choosing wallpapers from the Personalization theme, Windows 8 is capable of putting different wallpapers on each screen. You can also choose a specific pictures and set which one shows on which screen.
From the Desktop Background window, right click the picture and choose which monitor you want it to show off.
(image from NextofWindows)
What’s even better is that, if users choose images of different sizes, Windows 8 will automatically pick the best suited images to fit with each monitor screen.
Span Wallpaper Across the Dual Monitor Screen
Windows 7 don’t have this feature, but you can work around it by downloading an image that has the resolution to stretch across dual monitor setup, or use the image for both displays.
The Span settings in Windows 8 lets you choose an image with wide-enough resolution to cover both monitors for Desktop Background.
Taskbar on Both Monitors
Make your taskbar easily accessible in both screens. The “Show taskbar on all displays” is enabled by default, with 3 settings to choose from. You can change them from the Taskbar properties (right click at the taskbar and choose properties).
The three options are:
- Set by default, which shows the taskbar with taskbar buttons
- Shows taskbar buttons on a taskbar where windows is open
- Shows taskbar buttons and main taskbar where windows is open
Have the Start Screen on Any of the Monitors Attached
(image from NextofWindows)
The Start screen is Windows 8’s unique feature that compiles everything you need in one page in your desktop. It’s the heart of the Windows 8 PC, as it’s the convenient place to open your favorite apps, desktop programs, access your documents, media files and go straight to different websites. The tiles also show news and weather updates, updates from your friends, emails, app notifications, calendar, etc., making all accessible in one glance. Having this in one of your dual monitor screen makes it even more convenient, as you will have everything you need in one glance.
You can bring up the Start screen on any of your monitor from the bottom left corner of the Charm bar. Launch the Start screen by clicking the Windows key on the last monitor where the Start screen shows.
Drag and Drop
To move around apps, simply hover your mouse to the top edge of your app, drag and drop them across your monitor. This is a nice feature that works pretty well with full screen and snapped applications. For desktop apps, simply drag the top window frame between the two monitors.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Aside from the usual Windows shortcuts, there are new Windows 8 shortcuts that add quite a convenience. The two new apps lets you move apps across the dual screen.
Win + Pg Up & Win + Pg Down
The Win + Arrow and Win + Shift + Arrow still continue to work on desktop apps for snapping and moving desktop windows across monitors.
Bottom Line
Windows 8 is not so different from its previous version Windows 7, rather, it is an improved version. This may be true if you are only using one monitor as your display. However, the second you attach your second monitor to your PC and make a dual monitor setup using Windows 8, you will find that this OS indeed makes everything a lot easier for computer users. The app snapping, running multiple apps across displays all make way for more convenient multi-tasking. Many users even attach third display for triple monitor setup and dedicate one screen for Windows 8 apps, while the other two screens support the rest of the desktop apps.
