Display modes when connecting to an external display

When you connect your laptop to an external display (such as a projector or monitor), you can choose how your screen content is shown. The two most common modes are Duplicate and Extend, but there are other options too. Here’s what they mean and how to select them on Windows and macOS.

Display Modes Explained

• Duplicate (Mirror): Shows the same content on both your laptop screen and the external display. Ideal for presentations where you want the audience to see exactly what you see.
• Extend: Treats the external display as extra screen space. You can move windows between screens, useful for multitasking or using presenter view.
• Second Screen Only (Windows only): Turns off your laptop screen and uses only the external display.

How to Change Display Modes

On Windows (10 & 11)

Quick Method:

1. Press Windows + P.
2. Choose one of the following:
   • PC screen only
   • Duplicate
   • Extend
   • Second screen only

Settings Method:

1. Right-click the desktop and select Display settings.
2. Scroll to Multiple displays.
3. Select your preferred mode from the dropdown.

More details on Windows display settings

On macOS (Ventura and later)

1. Open Apple menu → System Settings → Displays.
2. To mirror: Check Mirror Displays.
3. To extend: Uncheck the Mirror Displays button and arrange the display tiles by dragging them into position.

Shortcut: Press Command + F1 to toggle mirroring on/off.

Apple guide: Extend or mirror your Mac desktop

Tips

• For presentations, Duplicate/Mirror mode is usually best – what you see, your audience will also see.
• For extra workspace, choose Extend. Some presentation software such as Powerpoint often uses a presentation mode which uses the extended desktop.
• Always check your audio output settings if using HDMI, as sound may default to the external display.