Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

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  • Current: Connecting Dell Monitors to Computers

Connecting Dell Monitors to Computers

This article explains how to set up your Dell monitor, connect it to your computer, and adjust display settings.

Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

The monitor recommended by ITS has a ThunderBolt dock built into it, giving it more functionality than a regular monitor. This monitor replaces the traditional, stand-alone ThunderBolt dock**. The monitor has an internal USB-hub and can "daisy chain" a signal to a second monitor. The following diagram will help to explain this functionality.

Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

*Depending on the monitor model, you may need an Ethernet-to-USB adapter in order to connect the Ethernet cable. Look at the "USB A Ethernet adapter" in the Adapters tab of theRecommended Equipment for Offices guide if needed.
**To learn more about the older style docks, see Laptop Docking Stations.

Video Tutorials

  • Laptop
  • Desktop

Laptop & Dual Monitor Installation

  1. Unboxing and assembling your monitors

  2. Monitor Cables and Connections

  3. Final Connections and Settings

Desktop & Dual Monitor Installation

  1. Unboxing and assembling your monitors

  2. Monitor Cables and Connections

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  3. Final Connections and Settings

Written Instructions

Assemble the monitor stand

Monitor Stand Assembly
  1. Connect the monitor stand into the two tabs of the monitor base.
  2. Flip the base over and tighten the set screw until snug.
  3. Place the two top tabs from the monitor stand into the holes at the back of the monitor until it clicks into place.
  4. Repeat steps for your second monitor.

    Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

    Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

    Monitor BaseMonitor Stand


Connect Your Monitor Cables

Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

If you need a cable-type (name) refresher, see Identifying Common Cables.

  1. Rotate your primary monitor counterclockwise on its stand to access all the ports at the bottom of the monitor.
  2. If using with a laptop, plug a USB-C cable into the USB-C port (6 in the figure below).This is the cable that will connect to your Laptop.
  3. If using with a desktop, plug a DisplayPort cable intoDisplayPort In (4 in the figure below). This is the cable that will connect to your Desktop.
  4. Remove the silicone cover from the DisplayPort Out (5 in the figure below), and plug a DisplayPort cable into this port. Plug the other endof this DisplayPort cableinto the DisplayPort In (4 in the figure below) on your second monitor.
    1. This will create the "daisy chain" setup shown in the diagram at the top of this guide.
  5. Plug an IECC power cord into both of your monitors (1 in the figure below).
Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

Ports & Slots:
1. Power Connector | 2. HDMI Port | 3. Stand Lock Feature | 4. DisplayPort (In) | 5. DisplayPort (Out) | 6. USB-C Port | 7. USB-A Ports | 8. USB-A Ports

Continue by choosing the tab below for your device:

  • Laptop
  • Desktop

Connecting Your Laptop

  1. Login to your laptop with your UConn NetID credentials.
  2. Power on each monitor.
    1. The power button is located at the bottom right of the monitor.
    2. On the monitor, you may be prompted for the USB C charging option. Using the directional buttons at the bottom of the monitor, choose Yes.
  3. Plug the USB-C cable coming from your primary monitor into a ThunderBolt port on your laptop. This port is USB-C with a lightning bolt icon.
    Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI
  4. To ensure the daisy-chain works, check that Multiple-Stream Transport (MST) is is enabled on the primary monitor.
    1. Using the physical buttons at the bottom right of the monitor, open the monitor's menu.
    2. Navigate to the display option.
    3. Navigate to MST, and choose on.
  5. On your laptop, type "settings" into the Windows search bar at the bottom left, click to open the Settings app. Then choose System, and then Display.
  6. Scroll down to the Multiple Displays section and select Extend These Displays.
  7. Scroll back to the top. Under the Select and Rearrange Displays section, drag and drop each display to rearrange them according to their physical layout on your desktop.
    Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

Connecting Your Desktop

  1. Ensure that your PC has power by plugging in its power cable (15 in the figure below).
  2. Plug the DisplayPort cable coming from your primary monitor into a DisplayPort port (14 in the figure below) on the back of your desktop PC.
  3. Plug your mouse, keyboard, and webcam into USB ports (9 and 10 in the figure below) on the back of your PC.
  4. Power on each monitor.
    1. The power button is located at the bottom right of the monitor.
    2. On the monitor, you may be prompted for the USB C charging option. Using the directional buttons at the bottom of the monitor, choose Yes.
  5. To ensure the daisy-chain works, check that Multiple-Stream Transport (MST) is is enabled on the primary monitor.
    1. Using the physical buttons at the bottom right of the monitor, open the monitor's menu.
    2. Navigate to the Display option.
    3. Navigate to MST, and chooseOn.
  6. Log onto your desktop with your UConn NetID credentials.
  7. On your keyboard, type "settings" into the Windows search bar at the bottom left, click to open the Settings app. Then choose System, and then Display.
  8. Scroll down to the Multiple Displays section and select Extend These Displays.
  9. Scroll back to the top. Under the Select and Rearrange Displays section, drag and drop each display to rearrange them according to their physical layout on your desktop.
    Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

Connect Dell laptop to monitor with HDMI

Ports & Slots:
1. Power Button | 2. Universal Audio Jack | 3. Line Out | 4. USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port | 5. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (with PowerShare) | 6. Wireless Antenna Slots | 7. Optional: Serial RS232/PS/2 Ports/DP1.4/HDMI 2.0b/VGA/USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C with DP Alt Mode | 8. RJ-45 | 9. 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Ports (1 with Smart Power on) | 10. 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Ports | 11. Cable Clip | 12. Thumbscrew | 13. Kensington lock slot | 14. 2 DisplayPort 1.4 | 15. Power Connection (DC-in)

The last monitor in the chain does not need to support Dell MST (daisy-chaining). Any DisplayPort monitor will work.


Quick Troubleshooting

If you have issues seeing an image on the monitors, be sure to check:

  1. Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu,EnableDisplayPort 1.2 on your primary monitor.
  2. Ensure that the last monitor in the chain has DisplayPort 1.2 modeDisabled.
  3. Use the DisplayPort cables that came with your monitor(s).

If you've followed all the steps in this guide but still require assistance installing your PC workstation in your office, please submit a ticket to the Technology Support Center.

Related Articles

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  • Page:
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