Connecting Dell Monitors to Computers

Owned by Dan Jakubiak
Last updated: Mar 17, 2023
6 min read

This article explains how to set up your Dell monitor, connect it to your computer, and adjust display settings. 

The monitor recommended by ITS has a ThunderBolt dock built into it, giving it more functionality than a regular monitor. This monitor replaces the traditional, stand-alone ThunderBolt dock**. The monitor has an internal USB hub and can "daisy chain" a signal to a second monitor. The following diagram will help to explain this functionality.

flowchart diagram

You may close your laptop during this use case. See Keep Laptop Awake while Closed to configure your laptop to stay awake while plugged in.

*Depending on the monitor model, you may need an Ethernet-to-USB adapter in order to connect the Ethernet cable. Look at the "USB A → Ethernet adapter" in the Adapters tab of the Recommended Equipment for Offices guide if needed.

**Laptop Docking Station

Video Tutorials

Laptop & Dual Monitor Installation

  • Unboxing and assembling your monitors

  • Monitor Cables and Connections

  • Final Connections and Settings

Desktop & Dual Monitor Installation

  • Unboxing and assembling your monitors

  • Monitors and Cables

  • Final Connections and Settings

Written Instructions

Assembling the Monitor Stand

  1. Connect the monitor stand into the two tabs of the monitor base.

  2. Flip the base over and tighten the set screw until snug.

  3. Place the two top tabs from the monitor stand into the holes at the back of the monitor until it clicks into place.

  4. Repeat steps for your second monitor.

monitor base

 

 

Monitor Base

Monitor Stand


Connecting Your Monitor Cables

If you need a cable-type (name) refresher, see Identifying Common Cables.

  1. Rotate your primary monitor counterclockwise on its stand to access all the ports at the bottom of the monitor.

  2. If using with a laptop, plug a USB-C cable into the USB-C port (6 in the figure below). This is the cable that will connect to your laptop.

  3. If using with a desktop, plug a DisplayPort cable into DisplayPort In (4 in the figure below). This is the cable that will connect to your desktop.

  4. Remove the silicone cover from the DisplayPort Out (5 in the figure below) and plug a DisplayPort cable into this port. Plug the other end of this DisplayPort cable into the DisplayPort In (4 in the figure below) on your second monitor.

    1. This will create the "daisy chain" setup shown in the diagram at the top of this guide.

  5. Plug an IECC power cord into both of your monitors (1 in the figure below).

Continue by expanding the instructions below for your device:

  1. Log in to your laptop with your UConn NetID credentials.

  2. Power on each monitor.

    1. The power button is located at the bottom right of the monitor.

    2. On the monitor, you may be prompted for the USB C charging option. Using the directional buttons at the bottom of the monitor, choose Yes.

  3. Plug the USB-C cable coming from your primary monitor into a ThunderBolt port on your laptop. This port is USB-C with a lightning bolt icon.

  4. To ensure the daisy-chain works, check that Multiple-Stream Transport (MST) is enabled on the primary monitor.

    1. Using the physical buttons at the bottom right of the monitor, open the monitor's menu.

    2. Navigate to the display option.

    3. Navigate to MST, and choose on.

  5. On your laptop, type "settings" into the Windows search bar at the bottom left, click to open the Settings app. Then choose System, and then Display.

  6. Scroll down to the Multiple Displays section and select Extend These Displays.

  7. Scroll back to the top. Under the Select and Rearrange Displays section, drag and drop each display to rearrange them according to their physical layout on your desktop.

  1. Ensure that your PC has power by plugging in its power cable (15 in the figure below).

  2. Plug the DisplayPort cable coming from your primary monitor into a DisplayPort port (14 in the figure below) on the back of your desktop PC.

  3. Plug your mouse, keyboard, and webcam into USB ports (9 and 10 in the figure below) on the back of your PC. 

  4. Power on each monitor.

    1. The power button is located at the bottom right of the monitor.

    2. On the monitor, you may be prompted for the USB C charging option. Using the directional buttons at the bottom of the monitor, choose Yes.

  5. To ensure the daisy-chain works, check that Multiple-Stream Transport (MST) is enabled on the primary monitor.

    1. Using the physical buttons at the bottom right of the monitor, open the monitor's menu.

    2. Navigate to the Display option.

    3. Navigate to MST, and choose On.

  6. Log onto your desktop with your UConn NetID credentials.

  7. On your keyboard, type "settings" into the Windows search bar at the bottom left, click to open the Settings app. Then choose System, and then Display.

  8. Scroll down to the Multiple Displays section and select Extend These Displays.

  9. Scroll back to the top. Under the Select and Rearrange Displays section, drag and drop each display to rearrange them according to their physical layout on your desktop.

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