Adding 2 monitors to laptop - HDMI switch needed?

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PhilM85

PCHF Member
Jun 24, 2023
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Hello all!

I have a desktop PC with two monitors (HDMI connections). I will shortly be getting a work laptop and i wondered if there's a way of when using the laptop, to also use the two monitors - therefore giving 3 usable screens. I will sometimes want to use my desktop machine with just the two monitors. I don't want the hassle of changing cables every time i want to swap between PC and laptop. From what i can see online a HDMI switch is the way to go, but I'm not 100% sure! Do i need a switch with 2 inputs and 3 outputs? Or will 2 inputs/2 outputs be sufficient because when I'm using the laptop that screen will already be in use, and so just 2 outputs to the other 2 monitors is required?

Many thanks!
 
g'day Phil and welcome to the forums.

a KVM style switch, but just for HDMI cables may work in changing from desktop to laptop, but you will run into a problem getting the laptop to see both monitors in Extended mode. it should do Mirror mode fine if that is all you want (not sure why anyone would though).

to get two monitors to show independent output from one video source from a laptop, you'll need a docking station.
at least that's how I have done it. (y)
 
Interesting, thanks for your thoughts. Sounds like a combined switch/docking station might be required. Not sure if they exist though!
 
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