computer display or the external device.Press to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously.Setting Display Resolution and Refresh RateTo display a program at a specific resolution, both the graphics card and the display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must beinstalled.Before you change any of the default display settings, make a note of the default settings for future reference.If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.2. Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.3. Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Display.4. In the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab.5. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.If the video resolution setting is higher than that supported by the display, the computer enters pan mode. In pan mode, the entire screen cannot bedisplayed at one time. For example, the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen,use the touch pad or track stick to pan up, down, left, and right.Dual Independent Display ModeYou can attach an external monitor or projector to your computer and use it as an extension of your display (known as "dual independent display" or"extended desktop" mode). This mode allows you to use both screens independently and drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling theamount of viewable work space.1. Connect the external monitor, TV, or projector to the computer.2. Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.3. Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Display.4. In the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab.5. Click the monitor 2 icon, click the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box, and then click Apply.6. Change Screen resolution to the appropriate sizes for both displays and click Apply.7. If prompted to restart the computer, click Apply the new color setting without restarting and click OK.8. If prompted, click OK to resize your desktop.9. If prompted, click Yes to keep the settings.10. Click OK to close the Display Properties window.To disable dual independent display mode:1. Click the Settings tab in the Display Properties window.2. Click the monitor 2 icon, uncheck the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor option, and then click Apply.NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the best performance with your Dell-installed operating system.NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.NOTICE: You can damage an external monitor by using an unsupported refresh rate. Before adjusting the refresh rate on an external monitor, see theuser's guide for the monitor.NOTE: If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supportedvalues. For more information, see your operating system documentation.
