[Guide] How to Set Up Two Monitors in Microsoft Remote Desktop

Dual monitor setup has become quite popular lately, especially in the corporate sector. Developers, designers, researchers, IT personnel, and others are using dual screens for enhanced productivity. However, it brings one common challenge, i.e., how to configure Microsoft Remote Desktop with two monitors.

Although it is easy to remotely configure one monitor in Remote Desktop, many users are unaware of how to access two monitors in the remote connection. Therefore, we have designed this guide to clarify this doubt and present a few of the best ways to configure dual screens on Remote Desktop. So, let's head right to it!

Part 1. How Do I Use Dual Monitors with Remote Desktop?

Luckily, Microsoft Remote Desktop has built-in support for connecting dual monitors. All you have to do is customize a few settings and access dual monitors with Remote Desktop. Below, we have shortlisted three methods to have Remote Desktop two monitors setup:

Method 1. Change Settings in Remote Desktop Connection

The easiest way to use dual monitors on Remote Desktop is to change settings within the tool. Follow the below steps to do so:

Step 1.Open the Windows Start menu, search for remote desktop connection, and select the best match option.

Step 2.Click Show Options.

Step 3.Go to the Display tab from the top and tick Use all my monitors for the remote session checkbox.

Step 4.Enter the remote computer's IP address and click Connect.

Step 5.Enter the credentials and click OK.

That's it! This way, you can easily use dual screens with Remote Desktop without any complications.

Method 2. Use Shortcut Commands

You can also have Remote Desktop two monitors configuration using shortcut commands via Command Prompt. Here's how to do it:

Step 1.Click Windows Key + R and type cmd.

Step 2.In the Command Prompt, type mstsc.exe -multimon and hit Enter.

Step 3.Enter the remote computer's IP address and click Connect.
Step 4.Enter the credentials and click OK.

Once done, you will be able to access two monitors with Remote Desktop.

Alternatively, you can also use the mstsc /span command to enable dual monitors. To do so, click Windows Key + R and type mstsc /span. Once done, follow the above step 3 and step 4 to set up dual monitors on the Remote Desktop.

Method 3. Use RDP File

You can also create an RDP file to set up Remote Desktop two monitors. Follow the below steps to learn how to use the RDP file for dual screens on Remote Desktop:

Step 1.Launch Remote Desktop Connection on the client's PC. From the General tab, click the Save As button.

Step 2.Enter the file name of your choice and save the file in your preferred location on the PC.
Step 3.Right-click the file and open it with Notepad. Type use Multimon:i:1 and save the file.

Step 4.Launch Remote Desktop Connection, enter the remote computer's IP address, and click Connect.
Step 5.Enter the credentials and click OK.

Part 2. Troubleshooting for Using Multiple Screens in Remote Desktop

Although it looks easy to connect dual screens on Remote Desktop, some users face issues while configuring and using multiple screens. So, some of those issues and their solutions are as follows:

1. How do I make Remote Desktop full screen on my second monitor?

You have to use a smart tactic to make Remote Desktop full screen on your second monitor. Follow the below steps to do so:

Step 1.In the Remote Desktop display settings, set the screen resolution the same as the second monitor dimensions.
Step 2.Log into the remote connection.
Step 3.Drag the window from the primary monitor to the secondary monitor and maximize it.
This way, the Remote Desktop will display as full screen on your second monitor.

2. Why is my 2nd monitor not displaying?

Some of the possible reasons your 2nd monitor is not displaying include:

The monitor is not connected to the power supply.
The cable connection is loose.
The cable is faulty.
Interference by other peripheral devices.
Incorrect connection port.
Outdated graphics driver.

To fix the 2nd monitor not displaying issue, follow the below measures:

Make sure the monitor is connected to the power supply.
The monitor is powered on.
Verify the cable connection.
Use the right manufacturer-provided cable.
Remove other peripheral devices and connect again.
Plug the cable into the right connection port.
Update graphics driver.

If none of the above solutions fix the issue, then connect another working monitor to see if the issue is in the monitor.

3. How do I switch between two screens?

You can switch between two screens and set anyone as your primary screen using the display setting. Here's how to switch between two screens:

Step 1.From the desktop, right-click and select Display settings.
Step 2.In the display settings, you will see the position of two screens. You can drag and drop their positions as you want.
Step 3.To set any screen as primary, select that screen. Scroll down, tick the Make this my main display checkbox and click Apply.

This way, you can switch between two screens. Alternatively, you can also use the Win + Shift + Right/Left arrow keys to move the window to the right/left monitor.

Part 3. Other Remote Desktop That Supports Dual Screen

Other than Microsoft Remote Desktop two monitors functionality, you can also get dual-screen support from other remote desktop software. Below are a few of those software you can use:

AnyViewer

AnyViewer is a popular remote desktop software that can support remote access for dual or even more screens. It provides a convenient multiple-monitor switch, i.e., you can view all monitors at once or a specified one. On top of that, it can remotely connect multiple PCs and their multiple monitors at once. This makes it a reliable tool to remotely control computers with multiple screens.

Splashtop

Splashtop is another well-known remote access software. It provides easy, secure, and fast access to remote desktops. It provides three ways to access multiple monitors, i.e., one monitor at a time, multiple monitors on one screen, and multiple monitors to multiple monitors. So, you can use Splashtop and easily access remote PCs with multiple monitors the way you want.

RemotePC

RemotePC is an easy-to-use remote desktop software to remotely control computers for file sharing, screen mirroring, troubleshooting, and more. It also supports remote desktop two monitors monitoring. Once the connection is made with the remote desktop, it allows you to switch between multiple monitors with a simple click. Moreover, you can also set it to view a single monitor, all monitors in one window, or all monitors in multiple windows.

Part 4. Best Application for Remote Desktop Two Monitors

There are many benefits of using dual screens in a remote desktop environment, such as:

Enhanced productivity
Reduced Window switching
Replicate office setup environment at home or remote location
Maintain workflow
Save time reconfiguring the work environment

In short, Remote Desktop two monitors configuration plays a key role in productivity boost, operational efficiency, and effective workflow management.

The dual screens Remote Desktop setup is useful in many practical applications, including:

Facilitate graphic designers in crafting and evaluating designs side by side.
Facilitate IT support representatives to troubleshoot technical issues on one screen and open resourceful materials on another.
Empower software developers to code on one screen and open reference material on another.
Assist financial analysts in comparing charts, reports, and other data side by side.
Support engineers in reviewing designs, project specifications, and other documentation side by side.

Overall, dual screens Remote Desktop setup has many applications in various industrial sectors. Therefore, professionals must leverage it wherever possible.

Conclusion

Considering the growing use of dual monitors, Microsoft Remote Desktop offers a seamless way to use dual screens of remote computers. Above, we have discussed three ways to configure Remote Desktop two monitors setup. You can choose either of the ways and get dual screens with Remote Desktop. Besides that, you can also use other remote desktop software for dual monitor access.

However, if you are running an organization and looking for a comprehensive remote access and remote support solution to Android devices, then AirDroid Remote Support is one top-notch option. To wrap up, evaluate your needs and leverage remote access for two monitors effectively.