Can you split an ultrawide monitor into two screens?

Are you excited about your new 42” Ultrawide Monitor but can’t seem to get the most out of it? While your monitor is very spacious, not many apps are designed to fill the whole space. So what happens? You wind up using just a small portion of your monitor and the rest is only there for display. 

What you could do is split screen of your ultrawide monitor. Then the next question would be: How do I split my ultrawide monitor into two? It’s quite easy! To split ultrawide monitors into 2, you simply need either the right tools or the right software. 

Take note, these methods depend on your goal. Before we dive into the different ways, ask yourself these questions.

1. Do you want to use the whole monitor for your PC but you want to maximize the space? If so, then you can maximize your monitor by using your computer’s multitasking feature. 
2. Do you want to connect other multimedia devices to your monitor and split the display into two? To do this, you’re going to need an HDMI Switch. 
3. Do you want to use your ultrawide monitor as an extended display for your laptop or PC and use the other half for a different multimedia device? For this, you’ll need an HDMI Cable and an HDMI Splitter.

Continue reading for a more detailed explanation of how you can split your ultrawide monitor into two screens. 

Multitasking Feature

For users who want to multitask on their ultrawide monitor using one computer or input device, here are some ways to do it.

Use the multitasking feature of your device. The multitasking feature allows you to split your monitor into separate tiles so you can better manage your work. However, one demerit of this feature is that not all apps support it. 

On Windows:

Use the Snap Windows Feature

The Snap Windows feature allows you to display 2 to 4 apps side-by-side. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Locate the multitasking feature in your computer settings under the system.
2. Enable the snap windows feature.
3. You may now drag your apps to one side and select the other app to appear on the opposite side. You can also click your Windows Key + Arrow Keys for a more seamless experience.

Alternatively, you may also use an ultrawide monitor split screen software such as Microsoft PowerToys to customize your layout. To use this:

1. Download the Microsoft PowerToys app on the Microsoft Store.
2. Open Microsoft PowerToys on your computer and turn on FancyZones. 
3. Click on Launch Layout and select other available layouts you want to use, or create one based on your needs.

On Mac:

Use the Split View Feature

The Split View is Apple’s version of the Snap Windows feature. Similarly, you can split your monitor into separate tiles. Again, not all apps support Split View. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open an app that supports Split View.
2. Locate the green button on the top left of your app and click.
3. On the drop-down menu, select if you want to tile left or tile right.
4. Open your 2nd app and place it on the opposite side.

Multiple Input Devices

For users who will be using multiple input devices on one ultrawide monitor, you’re going to need an HDMI switch. HDMI Switches allow you to connect multiple input devices, such as your PC, Laptop, Blu-ray player, Playstation, and Xbox, to an output device, such as your ultrawide monitor. 

HDMI Switches work best for monitors with limited HDMI ports. Most ultrawide monitors only have 2 HDMI ports. Using an HDMI Switch helps you prevent constant plugging and unplugging on your monitor, protecting your monitor from unwanted and costly repairs. 

How to connect multiple input devices to your Ultrawide monitor

1. Connect your main input device directly to your monitor.
2. On another HDMI port, connect your HDMI Switch.
3. Connect your other input devices to your HDMI Switch.
4. Turn on your ultrawide monitor.
5. Navigate to the Picture-By-Picture or Picture-In-Picture and activate it. 
6. Fix your display settings by choosing which input device shows up on which side of the screen.
7. Adjust the aspect ratio of your monitor. You may have to experiment a bit to get your preferred ratio. 

Secondary Display + Another Input Device

For users who want to use their ultrawide monitor as a secondary display for their laptop or PC but will still be using another input device for the other half of the screen, here's what you can do:

1. Connect your monitor or laptop using an HDMI Cable. Make sure you plug it in a separate port on your monitor and not on your HDMI Splitter.
2. Turn both devices on. 
3. On your monitor, complete the steps mentioned above.
4. On your laptop or PC, navigate to the display settings and set up multiple displays. 

For Windows

1. Go to your system settings and locate your display settings.
2. Select multiple settings and click detect.
3. Adjust multiple display settings to your preference.

For Mac

1. Go to the Apple menu and navigate to your display settings.
2. Select your display and click “use as,’ it will prompt a pop-up menu.
3. Select whether you want an extended or mirrored display.

Here’s one last tip. For gamers who like playing offline multiplayer games, you can use an HDMI Splitter to duplicate your screen so you don’t have to share one monitor with your buddies! Simply connect your input device to a 1 x 2 HDMI Splitter and connect it to both HDMI ports on your monitor. 

Before buying an HDMI Switch, make sure you read the fine print. In our shop, you can check all the technical specifications you’ll need to make an informed decision. HDMI Switches may be costly, so it’s best to make sure that you get the right one immediately. You may also read through our product reviews and sample applications, as well as compare each product side-by-side. Here are some things you may want to check before buying one.

1. Input device specifications
1. Check your devices’ resolution and refresh rate. To get the most out of your ultrawide monitor and input devices, your HDMI splitter must be able to support it.
2. If you’re going to stream digital content on your monitor through one of your input devices, you need an HDMI Splitter that’s HDCP compliant. To know if you need this, check your input device’s settings. 

1. Number of input devices
1. When getting an HDMI Switch for your Ultrawide monitor, it’s best to consider the number of ports you’ll need. Take note, constant plugging and unplugging of your cables may cause them to break. Some HDMI Switches support up to 8 input devices.

By fully utilizing every corner of your ultrawide monitor, you’ll surely get more done. You can work on one side of your monitor while watching your stock investments on the other. Or you can let someone play your Xbox on one side of the screen while you watch your favorite TV series or movie on the other. 

Did you find this article useful? Make sure you check out other great reads from our blog to learn more about HDMI or any A/V devices and how you can use each for different scenarios. Don’t forget to share what you learned with your friends!

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