Question:

How to extend the display of a laptop with one HDMI port to two external monitors without installing drivers?

I have a HP EliteBook 840 G8 Notebook with one HDMI port and I want to use it with two external monitors, in addition to the laptop screen. I want to extend the display, not duplicate it, so that I can use different applications on each screen. However, I do not have admin rights to install any drivers on the laptop, so I cannot use a HDMI to USB converter. I have tried some switchboxes, but they only let me use one monitor at a time or duplicate the display. Is there a way to achieve this setup without installing drivers or using a different kind of switchbox?

Answer:

If you have a laptop with one HDMI port and you want to use it with two external monitors, you might face some challenges. You might want to extend the display, not duplicate it, so that you can use different applications on each screen. However, you might not have admin rights to install any drivers on the laptop, so you cannot use a HDMI to USB converter. You might have tried some switchboxes, but they only let you use one monitor at a time or duplicate the display. Is there a way to achieve this setup without installing drivers or using a different kind of switchbox?

The answer is yes, but it depends on the specifications of your laptop and monitors. There are some possible solutions that you can try, depending on what you have available. Here are some of them:

• Use a HDMI splitter: A HDMI splitter is a device that splits the HDMI signal from one source to multiple outputs. You can connect your laptop to the splitter, and then connect the splitter to two monitors. However, this will only duplicate the display, not extend it. If you want to extend the display, you will need a splitter that supports Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). EDID is a protocol that allows the source device to communicate with the display device and determine its capabilities. A splitter that supports EDID can send different signals to different monitors, allowing you to extend the display. However, not all splitters support EDID, and not all laptops and monitors are compatible with EDID. You will need to check the specifications of your devices and the splitter before buying one. You will also need to adjust the display settings on your laptop to enable the extended mode.
• Use a docking station: A docking station is a device that connects to your laptop and provides additional ports and features. Some docking stations have multiple video outputs, such as HDMI, VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort. You can connect your laptop to the docking station, and then connect the docking station to two monitors. This will allow you to extend the display, as long as the docking station supports it. However, not all docking stations are compatible with all laptops, and some docking stations might require drivers to work properly. You will need to check the compatibility and requirements of the docking station before buying one. You will also need to adjust the display settings on your laptop to enable the extended mode.
• Use a wireless display adapter: A wireless display adapter is a device that connects to your laptop via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and allows you to mirror or extend your screen to a TV or monitor. You can connect your laptop to the wireless display adapter, and then connect the adapter to one monitor. You can then use the HDMI port on your laptop to connect to another monitor. This will allow you to extend the display, as long as the wireless display adapter supports it. However, not all wireless display adapters are compatible with all laptops and monitors, and some wireless display adapters might require drivers or apps to work properly. You will need to check the compatibility and requirements of the wireless display adapter before buying one. You will also need to adjust the display settings on your laptop and the adapter to enable the extended mode.

These

are some of the possible solutions that you can try to extend the display of a laptop with one HDMI port to two external monitors without installing drivers. However, none of them are guaranteed to work, and they might have some limitations or drawbacks. You might experience lower resolution, lag, or compatibility issues. You might also need to buy additional cables or adapters. Therefore, you should do some research and testing before choosing a solution that suits your needs and preferences. Alternatively, you might consider upgrading your laptop or monitors to have more ports and features that support multiple displays.