Member Avatar for Zak_1

Hello. I have coem across a problem where both of my monitors are detecting as monitor 1. They arae also displaying the same exact picture and I cannot seem to fix it. I am using a Blackweb "HDMI Splitter 1 In 4 Out" splitter and nothing is working how it should. I have tried using a VGA cable and there was no response on my second monitor. Plz help

Edited by happygeek because: moved
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Brief note: the behavior reported by is expected when using an HDMI "1 in 4 out" splitter. Those devices present a single source/EDID to the PC and simply replicate the same frame to every output, so the operating system sees one monitor. The posts from and point in the right direction; the next step is targeted diagnosis and picking the correct hardware for an extended desktop.

Steps to diagnose and fix the setup:

  • Confirm the splitter type: look for an external DC power jack or "active/powered" marking. Passive splitters mirror by design; powered/active units handle handshakes and may be more reliable but still usually mirror.
  • Test each monitor and cable directly on the PC (one at a time) to verify they work.
  • Inspect available PC outputs (HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, VGA). Connecting each monitor to a separate physical output is the standard way to get independent displays.
  • Note on HDMI-to-VGA: HDMI is digital; a passive cable will not convert to analogue VGA. An active HDMI-to-VGA converter is required.
  • Update GPU drivers and use Windows Settings > System > Display (Detect / Identify) or the GPU control panel to check whether multiple outputs are recognized and whether "Extend" is selected instead of "Duplicate".
  • If only one physical output exists but independent screens are needed, consider a proper multi-output solution: a DisplayPort MST hub (requires DP output with MST support) or a USB video adapter/docking solution that provides its own video outputs and drivers.

Final tips: cheaper splitters may introduce HDCP/EDID issues or limit resolution/refresh. For a lasting solution, use separate GPU outputs or a dock/adapter designed to provide independent displays. For deeper troubleshooting, useful details are GPU model, OS, and the exact splitter model.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

That's not a problem but how splitters should work. Both displays should show same content and in Windows show as "monitor 1."

I get the feeling you want more displays, not duplicate displays. For that, you do not buy splitters.

Member Avatar for happygeek

As rproffitt says, that's what a splitter is meant to do: 'split' the image into two, not display two different images.

Assuming your computer has the necessary graphics oomph to drive two monitor displays, and pretty much any decently specced kit will do these days, then take a look at a DisplayLink-driven option. This drives the two displays via a single USB port on the computer. Google for options, there are plenty out there at vall price points. I'm using a Plugable USB 3 'docking station' (although technically it's actually a port replicator) to drive two displays (and my ethernet, keyboard, mouse all plug into it from just the one USB port) from my laptop here.

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