Full Tutorial: How to Configure Remote Desktop Multiple Monitors

This post outlines the methods for configuring Remote Desktop multiple monitors on Windows 11 and 10. If you encounter any confusion regarding this process, feel free to refer to this guide for helpful advice.

Ellie

By Ellie / Updated on April 7, 2024

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Can you Remote Desktop with two monitors?

 

I own a laptop with a single monitor, while my work computer has two. When using other remote desktop software, my laptop shows both screens of my work computer. How can I achieve this with Windows RDP?"

- Question from Reddit

Multiple Monitors

Thanks to technology, you can now access another computer from afar using Windows Remote Desktop Connection. This brings a lot of convenience, especially for work and study. But can you Remote Desktop multiple monitors on Windows 11 and 10? Yes, you can. Using RDP multiple monitors while remotely accessing a computer makes it easier to handle tasks, making work and study more efficient. 

How to configure Remote Desktop multiple monitors [4 ways]

Below are four ways to configure Remote Desktop multiple monitors on Windows 11 and 10.

Note: Please be aware that Remote Desktop multiple monitors feature is not supported in Windows 7 Professional. To access this functionality, users need to upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise or Ultimate editions or opt for a newer Windows version.

Way 1. Configure RDP display settings 

Configuring RDP settings is quite easy. But it only can be operated on Windows 11,10, and 8. If your PC is Windows 7 and earlier, then resorting to the next solution may be more effective to use RDP with multiple monitors.

Step 1. On the local computer, search "remote desktop connection" in the search box and then open it.

RDC

Step 2. Click on "Show Options".

Show Options

Step 3. Locate the "Display" tab and then check "Use all my monitors for the remote session".

Use All Monitors for Remote Session

Step 4. Enter the IP address of the remote computer and then click on "Connect".

Computer

Step 5. Enter the credentials of the remote computer, and then click on "OK".

Enter the Credentials Access

Now, using a Remote Desktop with multiple monitors can be achieved successfully.

Way 2. Run RDP multi-monitor command line

Apart from that, you can also run the command line to achieve a remote desktop connection with multiple monitors.

Step 1. Press "Win" + "R" and then enter "cmd".

Step 2. Input "mstsc.exe -multimon", and then hit "Enter".

Set up Remote Desktop

Step 3. Enter the IP address of the remote PC and then click on "Connect".

Computer

Step 4. Type in the credentials of the remote computer and then the remote connection will be established successfully. And you can view multiple monitors with Remote Desktop at the same time.

Control Multiple Monitors

You can also run the command line "mstsc /l" in Command Prompt to check the list of the monitors of the remote computer.

List All Displays

Way 3. Create RDP file with multi-monitor

We can also create the RDP file to realize Remote Desktop multiple monitors. Now follow me to learn how to operate.

Step 1. On the client's PC, go to the "General" tab, and click "Save As" under Connection settings.

Save as RDP File

Step 2. Enter the file name you want.

Remote Desktop Files

Step 3. Find the saved RDP file, right-click it, and then choose "Open with Notepad". Enter "use Multimon:i:1" and save it. In this way, you can directly enable multiple monitors.

Notepad

Step 4. Search remote desktop connection in the search box and open it. Enter the IP address of the remote PC and then click on "Connect". Type in the credentials and then you can view multiple monitors with Remote Desktop.

Way 4. Run RDP with multiple monitors

Invoking a dialog box and running commands is also a good idea to connect the remote computer with multiple monitors on Remote Desktop.

Step 1. Press "Win" + "R" and then type in "mstsc /span" and then press the "Enter" key.

MSTSC Span

Step 2. Input the IP address of the remote PC and then click on "Connect". Enter the credentials. Then remote access to a PC with multiple monitors is successfully realized.

Computer

Bonus tip: Remotely access multiple monitors with AnyViewer

With the ongoing evolution of work, it's crucial to have a straightforward method for accessing remote devices when necessary. AnyViewer is a simple and intuitive remote desktop software that grants you the flexibility to employ multiple monitors with a remote desktop.

Why opt for AnyViewer over Remote Desktop for remote access to multiple monitors? Here are several advantages of AnyViewer that position it as the top alternative to Remote Desktop:

  • Ease of use: AnyViewer is easy to use because it's simple to set up and operate. It's easier than RDP because you don't have to mess with complicated settings. Just install AnyViewer, and you can connect to remote devices without any hassle.
  • Windows compatibility: AnyViewer works with all versions of Windows, whether it's Home or Standard. This means you can control remote devices no matter what version of Windows they're using.
  • Versatility: Besides just accessing remote desktops, AnyViewer has extra features to help teams work together better. You can share files, and screens, and have multiple users working at once, even if they're far apart.
  • Security: When it comes to security, AnyViewer takes it seriously. It keeps your remote sessions safe from hackers with encryption and extra verification steps.

Step 1. Free download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both computers. To access from mobile devices, download the AnyViewer mobile app from App Store or Google Play.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Step 2. Go to Log in > Sign up to create an AnyViewer account.

Log in AnyViewer

Step 3. Log into the same account on both computers. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Free Editions

Step 4. On your local device, go to Device, then you can achieve unattended access by clicking One-click control.

Connect to My Devices

Step 5. Now you can control a remote computer with dual or multiple monitors. You can click Screen and choose to show all screens or the specified one on the window.

Connect Computer with Multiple Monitors

Important note: It's recommended to upgrade to a Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights, including connecting in privacy mode, multiple concurrent sessions, screen wall, faster file transfer, group management, mass deployment, and so on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accessing another computer remotely through Windows Remote Desktop Connection offers significant convenience, particularly for work and study. The ability to utilize multiple monitors while remotely accessing a computer enhances productivity and task management. Configuring Remote Desktop multiple monitors on Windows 11 and 10 is achievable through various methods outlined above.

Additionally, alternative software like AnyViewer provides a user-friendly and versatile solution, allowing for seamless remote access with multiple monitors across different Windows versions. Embracing these technological advancements enhances collaboration, efficiency, and security in remote work environments.