Windows 10: Can I use a single monitor connected to 2 different computers?

Not at the same time, just for convenience...

I am almost ready to fire up my new system build for the first time. The only things that will be transferred to the new computer from the old is the 5TB data drive and my monitor. I won't be installing the data drive (or the Optane Memory stick that will make it faster) until after I get the new machine up running and updated.

The old system will still be used until I am finally ready to switch the data drive to the new machine. I won't be able to use both computers at the same time because I have only one monitor. But I would like to make switching back and forth between computers easier by attaching 2 display adapter cables to the monitor, with one (the current DVI-D cable) attached to the old system and a HDMI cable attached to the new system. My monitor has both connectors.

My question is, can I keep both cables attached to the monitor and to each computer? As I said, I will not be using (powering up) both computers at the same time. Only one computer will be on at a time. Space is tight and there will still be some crawling under my desk, but I would like to minimize it as much as I can. I decided my new system deserves a new keyboard and mouse (trackball), so I won't need to disconnect/reconnect those. There's still power plugs and Internet (maybe the speakers, but I prob'ly won't worry about those until last). Not having to mess with the display port connectors would save me some exertion.

For those who are curious, here's the new system's specs and some photos of progress:

Case: Fractal Design Define R6 USB-C
PSU: EVGA Supernova 750 G3
Mobo: Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro
CPU: Intel i7-8700K
Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 4
RAM: Ballistix 64GB Sport LT Series DDR4 2666MHz
Display: PNY NVidia Quadro P2000
Drive C: Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 1TB
Drive D: WD Black 5TB HDD
D Helper: Intel Optane Memory M10 Series 64GB M.2
Drive E: Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW
Monitor: ASUS PA248Q 24" LED Backlit IPS
Keyboard: Varmilo VA87M Forest Fairy TKL
Trackball: Kensington Cordless Expert Mouse












:)

 

i have a problem to connect 2 monitors.

Hi Ron,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

• What changes did you make in the BIOS? As making the changes in the BIOS is only recommended by Microsoft if done by the manufacturer.
  

• How are you connecting to the 2nd monitor?

I suggest you to follow the steps from this article below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/how-connect-multiple-monitors

[Applies to Windows 10 as well]

Regards.

 

Computer works only with 2 monitors

I have a computer with 2 monitors, connected to the single GTS 250 video card. One with DVI and one with HDMI. Once I unplug one of these monitors, my screen goes black and in few additional seconds, my PC freezes.

Here's what I tried:

1. Reinstall Windows 10
   
2. Install different versions of NVidia driver
   
3. Plug the single monitor to VGA
   

And they did not work.

But what worked was:

1. Use Ubuntu 16.04
   
2. Use low-resolution mode (F3)
   

My configuration:

CPU: Intel Core i7 950 @ 3.07GHz

VGA: NVIDIA Geforce GTS 250

A minute before each freeze I have this warning:

What could be the reason of this issue and how do I make my PC work with single monitor?

 

Trouble with 2 monitors

Hi Tim,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to change the settings to Extended Monitor and check if it helps.

Please follow below steps:

• Right Click any ware of the Desktop, and launch Personalization.
• Go to dual monitor settings under personalization, and change it Extended Monitor.

Please get back to us for future support, we’ll be glad to assist you further.



Thank you.