How To Use Multiple Monitors On Linux (With Xrandr)

I know that a lot of people like to use a dual or even triple monitor setup, but when you use a window manager it doesn't magically work like with a desktop environment. So today we're going to take a look at how to use Xrandr to configure dual monitor support on Linux, this should work for any system that uses an X Server but I'm sure that Wayland has an equivalent tool.

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Xrandr on Arch Linux Wiki:

Fix Intel Driver Colour Bug:

🖥️ GitHub:

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[WaylonWalker]

Did he say he's trying to get to 100 subs, great work Brodie, you've far surpassed this.

[SantiYounger]

excelent video you saved me so much time: here are a couple of time links
** 3:40 fixing scale of video
** 5:20 mirror screen
** 6:12 the different setups such as above / below / sides
** 8:00 for speakers out of 2nd monitor
** 11:00 advanced settings to rotate monitors (in case of vertical monitors)

[BrodieRobertson]

As you guys know I use an external display for holding my OBS window when I record, it also has the added benefit of taking the OBS recording icon with it which isn't too important but it's nice that it's not there.


Let me know what sort of uses you have for a 2nd or 3rd monitor

[ljvids]

Hey portrait screens are useful! XD You can see a whole page in full screen or take a long screenshot. Although I will admit I also used it for social media feeds. Thanks for this video, I'm preparing to install Arch in my main machine with i3wm and it'll be a huge help.

[eugaeta]

THANK YOU!!!! YOU HAVE SOLVED MY PROBLEMS, I WAS ALMOST KILLING MY PC BUT I FOUND YOUR VIDEO, THANKS A LOTTT! Btw sorry for my English, I'm from brazil

[aanjaneya_meaow]

damn! this guy makes some nice videos. i sure do hope he becomes a renowned linux youtuber soon

[shrimantmore]

Even after connecting HDMI I am getting below error, I used this command

Error:
xrandr --output "HDMI-1" --set audio force-dvi --mode 1920x1080

warning:
output HDMI-1 not found; ignoring
X Error of failed request: BadRROutput (invalid Output parameter)
Major opcode of failed request: 140 (RANDR)
Minor opcode of failed request: 15 (RRGetOutputProperty)
Serial number of failed request: 27
Current serial number in output stream: 27

[Dr.Cosmar]

Such clean comments. I'll sub, lets feed the algorithm blow this guy up. Also, you where mentioning changing the HDMI port to register as DVI, and it fixes overscan?

Look into pulseaudio, it causes so many other issues sometimes it's ridiculous.

[DownDance]

Me: “xrandr”
My debian: “Can’t open display”
Me: *confused*
Also me: “so what are you displaying me that message on?”

[nicomedesmadriz]

You R a genious I need that to enable hdmi out in my hybryd video csrd laptop usin batocera v32.Looks Im getting closer.

[killuminati]

just first line
xrandr --output "HDMI-1" --set audio force-dvi --mode 1920x1080

[Legion-]

How did I get this recommended? xD Bodie ya changed a lot

[caigner]

This video helped me so much! Thank you!

[queenelizabeth]

U r great 👍 thanks, I couldn’t fix the problem and I am new to Linux .Keep up the good work

[bidhanpant]

i installed kali and my external monitor doesnt display and also i used xrandr but it doesn't show any devices connected on HDMI. What can be the issue anyone can guide me plz :-(

[miladabbaszadeh]

Thanks for your video. Actually, when I connect my monitor to my laptop (both scales are 200% ). As 200 is too big for the attached scrren I need to scale down the external monitor. So I am using the "xrandr --output HDMI-1 --scale 1.5x1.5" Actually, this command is helpful. The problem is after all this, my curser starts flicking on top on my primary screen but it is fine in rest on space! could you please let me know what's the command solution?

primary screen = eDP1 = 2560*1440
sound one HDMI-1 = 1920*1080

[brianlevu]

If I try to move my mouse cursor out of my laptop screen and into the external display area, I can see the cursor leaving my laptop screen. If I keep moving my cursor further away and try to move back, it takes some time to reappear onto my laptop screen, so there is even the display 'space' for the cursor to move to.

However, the monitor keeps saying "No HDMI (MHL) 1 Cable" and therefore goes to power-saving mode. the monitor is recognized in the display settings

[BonesD]

Thanks for the information great video!

[msmr]

xrandr did not detact hdmi in my case only show edp..any help ti solve this

[GWFO]

Tutorial for if I want to use my phone as extended display, but using Garuda?😢