How to use extended desktop display in Windows XP
Windows XP is a very popular operating system that still has many users around the world. One of its most useful features is extended desktop display, which allows you to expand the desktop area across multiple monitors.
This feature is particularly useful for those who work with applications that require a large amount of screen space, such as graphic designers or software developers.
In this article, we will show you how to use extended desktop display in Windows XP and how to properly configure your system to get the most out of this feature.
What is extended desktop display?
Extended desktop display is a feature of Windows XP that allows users to extend their workspace across two or more monitors, creating a wider workspace and improving efficiency.
With extended desktop display, users can use their computer as if they had one large screen. For example, if you have two monitors, you can have one window open on one monitor and simultaneously work on another window on the second monitor. This means that users can perform multiple tasks at once without having to constantly switch between windows.
In addition, extended desktop display is particularly useful for people who work with graphic or video applications. Users can use one screen for the main program and the other screen for controls or real-time viewing of changes made.
To use extended desktop display in Windows XP, you need to have two or more monitors connected to your computer and configure them correctly. Once the monitors are configured, users can access extended desktop display options through the screen settings.
- To access screen settings in Windows XP, right-click on the desktop background and select "Properties".
- In the Screen Properties window, select the "Settings" tab.
- Select the second monitor and enable the option "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor".
- Configure monitor settings such as resolution and refresh rate.
- Click "Apply" to save changes.
After properly configuring the monitors, users can use extended desktop display to improve productivity and simplify the use of graphic or video applications.
How to enable extended desktop display
Once you have connected your second monitor to your computer, you need to enable extended desktop display to use it.
Step 1: Open display settings
- Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Enable extended desktop display
- Under the "Multiple displays" section, select the second monitor by clicking on its icon.
- Make sure that the option "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" is selected.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK". Your second monitor should now show an extension of your main desktop.
You can now drag windows between the two monitors to expand your workspace. For example, you can keep documents or spreadsheets open on one monitor while using the other to browse the internet or watch videos.
How to configure extended desktop display
To use extended desktop display in Windows XP, you need to properly configure your system settings. Here's how:
Step 1: Connect the second monitor to your computer
Firstly, connect your second monitor to your computer using a VGA or DVI cable. Make sure it is securely connected and both monitors are turned on.
Step 2: Access display settings
Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu. Go to the "Settings" tab. Here you will see two boxes representing your two monitors.
Step 3: Configure extended desktop display
Select the second box (the one with number 2) and enable the option "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor". This will extend the image to the second screen.
You can also choose which of the two monitors will be your primary display. By selecting the option "Use this device as the primary monitor", all programs will open on the selected screen.
Step 4: Configure advanced settings
If you want to further configure advanced settings for extended desktop display, click on the "Advanced" button. Here you can adjust resolution, refresh rate, and other options.
Make sure to save your settings before exiting the Properties menu. This will save your configuration and allow you to use extended desktop display in Windows XP without any issues.
- Connect the second monitor to your computer using a VGA or DVI cable
- Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu
- Select the second box (the one with number 2) and enable the option "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor"
- Configure advanced settings if necessary
- Save your settings before exiting the Properties menu
By following these simple steps, you can fully utilize extended desktop display in Windows XP. This feature will help increase your productivity and enhance your computer's user experience.
How to Use Extended Desktop View to Increase Productivity
The extended desktop view is a feature of Windows XP that allows you to use two or more monitors simultaneously. This functionality can be particularly useful for those who work with many windows open at the same time, such as programmers or graphic designers.
Steps to Enable Extended Desktop View in Windows XP
- Make sure you have two or more monitors connected to your computer.
- Right-click on the desktop and select "Properties".
- In the "Display Properties" dialog box, select the "Settings" tab.
- Click the "Identify" button to identify your monitors.
- Select the second monitor and make sure the option "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" is selected.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the settings.
How to Increase Productivity with Extended Desktop View
Once you have enabled extended desktop view, you can use it to increase your productivity in various ways:
- Improving organization: You can organize windows from different applications on different monitors according to your needs, without having to constantly overlap or resize them. For example, you could use the first monitor for your text editor window and the second monitor for your web browser window.
- Facilitating multitasking: With two or more monitors, you can work on multiple projects simultaneously without having to switch between windows. For example, you could use the first monitor to work on a graphic design project and the second one to manage emails or work documents.
- Improving display: The extended desktop view allows you to have more workspace available, which can be particularly useful when working with applications that require a lot of screen space, such as CAD programs.
In general, extended desktop view offers many opportunities to increase productivity in the workplace. If you are a professional who frequently uses the computer for work, it is definitely worth considering using this feature.
Conclusion
The extended desktop view is a very useful feature of Windows XP that allows you to make the most of the available space on your monitors. By using this feature effectively, you can improve work organization, facilitate multitasking, and increase productivity in general. If you have never used extended desktop view before, we recommend trying it out and discovering all the benefits it can offer.

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





