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I'm using a PC running Windows 10 which unfortunately has only one VGA and no HDMI outputs. I recently went down to my nearest generic electronics store and asked them how I could split it across two monitors. They sold me a VGA splitter. Now I've got it setup it's displaying duplicates OK but when I went to setup continuous screen in display settings it can't detect the second monitor. Is there any way I can maybe setup a virtual monitor or something so I can use continuous screen with the second monitor, which is physically there, but it can't detect?

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    No, there isn't a way to do what you want from the same video output.
    – user931000
    May 19, 2019 at 23:40
  • Return the splitter, Never goto any store for ANYTHING unless you do your research first. They all lie. They all want your monies.
    – Outdated Computer Tech
    May 20, 2019 at 1:08
  • @GabrielaGarcia The Matrox DualHead2Go or TripleHead2Go adapters can do it pretty well. You can probably still get one if you're willing to go second-hand/eBay
    – SHawarden
    May 20, 2019 at 1:12
  • Is it a laptop or desktop?
    – Moab
    May 20, 2019 at 2:33
  • @SHawarden No, they can't, they're just overpriced splitters. You should read the comments on Amazon and have a modicum of common sense.
    – user931000
    May 20, 2019 at 10:57

2 Answers 2

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A VGA splitter creates a second connection to a monitor, but only for the purpose of duplicating the original image. This would be useful if your second "monitor" was a projector that required VGA input, but is not useful for your objective.

If your computer has a set of PCI-e slots, you can purchase an additional graphics adapter compatible with Windows 10. You also have an option to use a USB-HDMI adapter if your second monitor has an HDMI input.

If your computer has a currently installed graphics adapter and also has an on-board video output, you can re-enable the on-board video to provide for the objective you seek. This is not as likely in today's systems.

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If there is no option for adding internal components to your PC, you will want something along the lines of the now out-of-production Matrox DualHead2Go or TripleHead2Go adapters that will take two roughly identical compatible monitors and connect them to a single port on your computer. The box does the 2-to-1 conversion for you and you get a single, multi-monitor spanning desktop. The box does not take the monitor bezels into account.

It will be a single desktop though, so by default, maximizing a window will cause it to span both monitors. It originally shipped with some software to fix this but I doubt that it's Windows 10 compatible. Fortunately windows 10 has a built in feature where dragging a window to the left or right side of your screen will arrange it side-by-side.

There are some available on ebay I'm sure.

If you go this route, make sure you get one that connects to VGA and whatever your monitor's have. There are various input & output combinations of VGA, DVI and DisplayPort out there.

Its also worth noting the specs of your monitor. They will need to support the resolutions and refresh rates available.

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    Your product recommendations are a complete rip off. It would be far cheaper for him to buy a PCI-E video card with 2 or 3 ports for 1/10th price.
    – Outdated Computer Tech
    May 20, 2019 at 1:10
  • That assumes 1) the computer is not a laptop 2) the computer has space for it 3) OP is able to open the computer and dig around inside 4) OP is willing to and 5) OP can find a graphics card that fits whatever form factor is required and costs... 1/10th of 30GBP is... 3GBP or about 6US$
    – SHawarden
    May 20, 2019 at 1:22
  • He said PC. Not laptop. So I don't see it as an assumption. He also says 2 monitors. More of a reason to assume it's a PC. Just saying. Even an ITX case as room for a PCI-E video card with low profile bracket. Your entire answer is literally just a product recommendation, Fred_dot_u and GabrielaGarcia have given the same information that you just repeated.
    – Outdated Computer Tech
    May 20, 2019 at 1:24
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    Lastly a computer that only has 1 VGA is probably worth next to nothing since it's so old. So dropping $200+ on anything to solve this problem is ridiculous to even suggest.
    – Outdated Computer Tech
    May 20, 2019 at 1:27
  • Where'd you magic up that 200$?
    – SHawarden
    May 20, 2019 at 1:28

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