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Question from Marie: I have a two year old all-in-one Windows PC and its screen has just gone out.
This computer runs well and it has all my files on it so I’d like to keep using it if I can.
I’d really prefer a larger screen if that’s a viable option.
Is it possible to connect an external monitor to an all-in-one computer or will I need to just have the bad screen replaced?
Rick’s answer: Marie, assuming that the rest of the machine is still in working order (and it most likely is if it still powers up) you can easily attach an external monitor to it and keep using that PC until it completely dies on you.
Without knowing your computer’s brand and model I can’t give you a specific recommendation for a new monitor. The monitors you can choose from will depend on which type of video port(s) your computer is equipped with.
Just check to see which types of video ports your machine has and pick out a monitor with the same type of connection (along with a compatible cable to connect them together).
After you have the monitor and cable, simply plug the monitor into the PC and turn them both on.
If the external monitor’s screen stays blank after Windows has finished booting up, do the following to switch the video output to the external screen:
1 – Press the Windows+P key combination.
2 – Press the down arrow on your keyboard four times.
3 – Press the Enter key.
That’s all there is to it. Your computer should now be using the external monitor as its primary display.
Now that that’s out of the way, let me make one quick suggestion…
This situation is a perfect example of why it’s a good idea to always have a recent backup on hand.
I strongly recommend that you create a System Image backup just as soon as you get your machine back up and running. That way the next time something goes wrong with your computer you’ll be able to restore your files after you get the problem straightened out.
I hope this helps, Marie. Good luck!