How to Start the New Year Fresh

After you celebrate New Year's Eve, it’s time to get to work on those New Year's resolutions! If you are looking for a way to start the new year fresh, consider changing your look, tidying up your life, and setting goals and intentions. You can do things like get a haircut, donate unworn clothing, start a workout routine, or perform more random acts of kindness. Having a schedule is also important for you to help stay on task, achieve more, have an organized day, and stay positive, which can help you feel happy, which then spreads to others, so they feel that same happiness. Little changes can affect those around you positively, so choose wisely. Whatever approach you prefer, it’s great to start the new year feeling refreshed and focused, so you are ready to take on the year ahead.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Polishing Your Look

1. Get a haircut to freshen up your face. Schedule an appointment with your stylist early into the new year. You can get a trim for a subtle upgrade or go for a bold new hairstyle for a totally different look. This way, you’ll feel fresh for the year ahead.
   
   • For instance, if you have long, straight hair, consider chopping it to shoulder-length and adding some layers.
   • If you have a short hairstyle, consider cutting the sides even shorter for a subtle change. For example, if you have a pixie cut, you can take it even shorter.
2. Experiment with your look by trying something new appearance-wise. Doing something new with your appearance can help you feel confident as you enter the new year. You can do things like rock a bold lip color, get a new facial piercing or upgrade your current glasses style. Find what works for your style and budget, and go for something new!^[1]
   
   • You can also dye your hair a bright color, go on a shopping spree for new clothing, or invest in a new pair of shoes.
3. Start a fitness routine. Think about your current health and your overall fitness goals, and make a plan to improve your health based on where you are. For instance, you can start taking a 20-minute walk after work every day, or you can train to run a marathon in the fall. Start simply and gradually so you can stick with your goals.^[2]
   
   • If you are new to exercise, you can find a gym in your area and start going 3 times a week. Walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes each time to get started.
   • If you are a fitness enthusiast, make a goal to improve your BMI or get a six-pack by the end of the year, for instance.

[Edit]Updating Your Attitude

1. Practice gratitude every day to fill your life with kindness. Practising gratitude can boost your mood overall and improve your outlook on life. Each day before you go to sleep, write down 3 things you are grateful for. In addition, express your gratitude for the people in your life by telling them you appreciate them.^[3]
   
   • For example, you can write things like, “I am grateful for my cat,” or “I am grateful for the sunshine today.”
2. Include a positive affirmation in your daily routine. Positive affirmations refer to a simple, short sentence that you can use as a reminder throughout your day. Using positive affirmations can boost your self-esteem over time, which is helpful when starting off a new year. To work with positive affirmations, find a phrase that works for you, like “I am worthy,” or “I am capable of challenges.” Tell yourself this first thing in the morning and throughout your day as you start to doubt.^[4]
   
   • Tailor your affirmation to your particular life and circumstance. For example, if you are working on being a more supportive friend, your affirmation can be “I am fun and loyal.”
3. Do random acts of kindness as often as possible. Random acts of kindness are small, deliberate actions performed to bring happiness to other people’s day. Do these actions without expecting to get anything in return, but rather to brighten someone’s day. This is a great way to start off the new year on a positive, compassionate note.^[5]
   
   • You can do things like giving generous compliments, smiling at strangers, and volunteering for charities.
   • Pick up trash on the side of the road, help an elderly citizen cross the road, or give food to the homeless.
   • You can also pay for the next person’s coffee or give your server a large tip.

[Edit]Tidying up Your Environment

1. Start your spring cleaning early to tidy up your space. Shortly into the new year, clean up your room, kitchen, bathroom, and/or basement. Tidy up any cluttered areas, throw away garbage, and put away items that are out of place. This way, you’ll enter the new year feeling neat and organized.^[6]
   
   • It is also helpful to clean out your car. Get rid of any trash, and sort through your center console and glove box, for instance.
2. Sort through your clothes and get rid of those you don’t wear often. The new year is a great time to take inventory of your wardrobe and get rid of items that no longer fit or suit your style. Take out the clothing in each of your drawers, and create 1 pile for clothing to keep and 1 pile for clothing to rehome. Then, fold your clothes neatly and return them to your dresser or closet. This helps you declutter your space and freshen up your style.^[7]
   
   • After you create a “rehome” pile, consider giving your items to your friends or family members, or donating them to a thrift store or consignment shop.
3. Add a fresh coat of paint to your walls to freshen up your room. Consider repainting the walls of your home early into the year. Cover the floor and your furniture with a drop cloth, and use a paint roller to apply indoor house paint to your walls. You can pick a new color for a change of pace, for instance.
   
4. Purchase a few new decorations to revamp your space. Visit a local thrift or home supply store, and pick out a couple of new items to redecorate with. For example, you can get 2-3 decorative throw pillows, a rug, a lamp, or a new bookshelf. Adding a few new items can make your home feel fresh and new.
   
   • You can also get small items like paperweights, vases, and magnets.

[Edit]Setting Goals and Intentions

1. Aim to try 1 new thing every month. In addition to your personal resolutions, it is helpful to strive to get out of your comfort zone at least 1 time each month. You can schedule 1 new thing each month, or you can pick a few things and choose when the time comes. Regardless, choose to do something you’ve never done before or learn about something brand-new to expand your horizons and grow as a person.^[8]
   
   • Trying a new thing can be as simple as eating a cuisine you’ve never tried before.
   • You can do active things like going kayaking, horseback riding, or skydiving.
   • Other ideas include taking a language class, joining a yoga studio, or planning a camping trip.
2. Make a bucket list of 20-50 things to try in the upcoming year. Shortly into the beginning of the year, sit down with a notebook and write out several things you want to do throughout the year. Choose simple, easy things such as “eat more vegetables” or specific, realistic goals like “Go back to college.” Add as many items to your list as you feel compelled, and check them off as you complete them throughout the year. The list provides a visual reference, helpful when trying to set goals.^[9]
   
   • You can use this list to help get ideas of new things to try each month.
   • Ideas for your bucket list could include visiting New York City, picking your own pumpkin, adopting a dog, taking a cooking class, and travelling to the beach.
3. Update your resume so you’re ready for new opportunities. Shortly into the new year, open up your resume, read it over, and look for ways to improve it. For instance, if you started a new job at the end of the year, add it under your “Employment” section. You can also update the dates to reflect the new year. This way, if you want to apply for a job, you are ready when the time comes.^[10]
   
   • You can also update your contact information or address.
4. Strive to improve your sleep habits. When the new year rolls in, getting more meaningful and restful sleep is a great goal to add to your resolution list. You can aim to relax more before you go to sleep, such as taking a bath, drinking chamomile tea, and reading a book. You can also go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day to get into a natural rhythm. Improving your sleep will, in turn, help you feel focused and energized throughout the year.^[11]
   
   • You can also use white noise or nature sounds to help you fall asleep.
   • Consider taking a melatonin supplement if you have trouble sleeping. Melatonin is a hormone produced in your brain that helps regulate sleep cycles. By adding 1-3 mg a day, you may get more restful sleep over time.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Ask a friend to do some of these things with you. This is a great way to make new year’s resolutions fun and engaging.

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid setting too many goals. Sometimes, trying to do too many things at once gets overwhelming rather than inspiring. Keep your ideas realistic in your life, and start simple so you can get stuff done!

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.yesandyes.org/2014/01/fresh-start-ideas.html
2. ↑ https://www.lifetothefullest.abbott/en/articles/fresh-start-in-new-year.html
3. ↑ https://www.lifetothefullest.abbott/en/articles/fresh-start-in-new-year.html
4. ↑ https://hellogiggles.com/lifestyle/small-ways-give-yourself-fresh-start-new-year-without-nervous-breakdown/
5. ↑ https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-kindness-blog/2943-50-kindness-ideas-for-random-acts-of-kindness-day
6. ↑ https://www.lifetothefullest.abbott/en/articles/fresh-start-in-new-year.html
7. ↑ https://www.yesandyes.org/2014/01/fresh-start-ideas.html
8. ↑ https://hellogiggles.com/lifestyle/small-ways-give-yourself-fresh-start-new-year-without-nervous-breakdown/
9. ↑ https://www.yesandyes.org/2014/01/fresh-start-ideas.html
10. ↑ https://www.yesandyes.org/2014/01/fresh-start-ideas.html
11. ↑ https://www.lifetothefullest.abbott/en/articles/fresh-start-in-new-year.html

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How to Pick a Realistic New Year's Resolution

On January 1st, New Year’s resolutions sparkle with hope and the promise of a better you. However, by the year’s end, you may find that many of those resolutions have been abandoned halfway or left completely unattempted. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry--you aren’t doomed to unfinished resolutions forever. In fact, if you pick a single, focused New Year’s resolution that’s both inspiring and manageable, you’ll be more likely to check it off come December 31.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Narrowing Your Focus

1. Pick a resolution you haven’t attempted before. If you’ve already tried a resolution and failed, you may be setting yourself up for failure again. Instead, pick a new resolution! It’ll give you a fresh start and get you a little more inspired.^[1]
   
2. Make only one resolution. You may have big plans for self-improvement, but avoid creating a to-do list-style document crammed with resolutions. Rather, focus on just one. That way, you can put all your energy into achieving it, and you won’t be disappointed when you don’t check off all 20 resolutions on your list.^[2]
   
3. Focus on one behavior. Your resolution should address a single behavior. If you address multiple, you’re more likely to get overwhelmed and throw in the towel.^[3]
   
   • Instead of committing to eating well, exercising, and drinking water, focus your attention on one of the three.
4. Make your resolution specific. Vague goals seem more abstract, and therefore are more difficult to achieve. By contrast, specific goals are more actionable.^[4]
   
   • Instead of resolving to eat better, commit to eating an extra serving of fruit and vegetables each day.
   • Don’t pick a vague resolution like “make new friends.” Instead, pick something like "make at least 2 new friends this year at my child's school.”

[Edit]Choosing a Meaningful Resolution

1. Pick a resolution that makes you feel inspired. What are you passionate about? What gets you excited? If your resolution inspires you, you’ll be more motivated to work towards it.^[5]
   
   • Think about your favorite life experiences. What do they have in common, and how can you create more of them?
   • For example, if you adore animals, consider making a resolution that involves volunteering at an animal shelter or a vet clinic.
2. Make sure your resolution aligns with your values. If your resolution is intimately connected to your values and your life plan, it’ll be more achievable.^[6]
   
   • Perhaps you value giving. Pick a resolution that incorporates this value, such as donating a certain amount of money to your favorite charity.
   • Ask yourself what you’d like to contribute to the world and how you can strengthen the important relationships in your life.
3. Go for a resolution that helps you grow as a person. The most effective and motivating resolutions are the ones that bring you closer to your ideal self. That doesn’t mean you should resolve to make a major transformation. Instead, pick a resolution that helps you grow in some way and gets you a little closer to who you want to be.^[7]
   
   • If you want to be a more fearless person, resolve to participate in an activity that scares you. For example, if you’re scared of responsibility, you might take a leadership position in a club or organization.
4. Choose a resolution for the right reasons. Make sure you pick a resolution because you genuinely want to achieve it, not because you think it would benefit someone else or make an ex jealous. If you pick a goal that means a lot to you, you’ll be more likely to follow through.^[8]
   
   • Don’t resolve to lose weight so your partner will like you more. If you decide to lose weight, it should be so you feel better.
   • Before committing to a New Year’s resolution, ask yourself, “Why do I want to do this?”

[Edit]Making Your Resolution Manageable

1. Start small. While it’s tempting to go for a life-changing resolution, you actually have a better chance of achieving a smaller one. People tend to overestimate their ability to achieve difficult resolutions. Plus, difficult resolutions are harder to stick to, increasing the likelihood that you’ll lose hope and give up completely. To avoid this, choose smaller goals that you have a good chance of achieving.
   
   • Instead of making a resolution to cut out all junk food from your diet, you might decide to limit yourself to several junk food items per week.
   • Rather than resolving to call your family every day, make a commitment to call them two times per week.
   • Remember to be honest with yourself about what’s realistic.
2. Break your resolution into smaller steps. Even if your resolution is specific and realistic, it might still be a little overwhelming. Make your resolution more manageable by dividing it into a series of subgoals. These should be measurable, concrete, and time-based.^[9]
   
   • Imagine you want to finish the novel you’ve been working on by the end of the year. A realistic subgoal would be to write ten new pages each week.
3. Make a list of potential obstacles. When making a goal for the future, people often forget about the day to day constraints that might make achieving that goal more difficult. Imagine you are going to start your New Year’s resolution tomorrow. What obstacles or inconveniences might you encounter? Write them down. Then, assess if it’s still a realistic resolution.^[10]
   
   • For example, if your resolution is to head to the gym everyday after work, consider if you’ll really want to drag a gym bag to the office each morning.
4. Choose a resolution you can share with family and friends. Social support can be super helpful in making your resolution a reality, so it’s a good idea to pick a resolution you feel comfortable sharing with family and friends. That way, they can hold you accountable, offer advice, and cheer you on!^[11]
   
5. Give yourself time. Don’t leave your resolution until New Year’s Eve. You should start planning your resolution at least a few days before the start of the new year so you have time to ensure it’s specific, meaningful, and manageable. With a little planning, you’ll feel more prepared to conquer it come January 1st!^[12]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t making progress as fast as you’d like. Making mistakes is normal. Stay positive, and stick with it!
• Reward yourself for achieving subgoals.
• Track your progress in a journal or spreadsheet.
• You don’t have to start your resolution on New Year’s Day. If you have it planned out by December 20, start it then. Or, if you aren't ready until February, you don’t have to wait until the following New Year.

[Edit]Warnings

• Don’t default to cliche New Year’s resolutions. Think outside the box to find something that’s deeply meaningful to you.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthychristmas/Pages/NewYearresolutions.aspx
2. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthychristmas/Pages/NewYearresolutions.aspx
3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-forward/201612/is-setting-new-years-resolution-waste-time-or-not
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-forward/201612/is-setting-new-years-resolution-waste-time-or-not
5. ↑ http://news.stanford.edu/2015/01/06/resolutions-succeed-mcgonigal-010615/
6. ↑ http://news.stanford.edu/2015/01/06/resolutions-succeed-mcgonigal-010615/
7. ↑ http://news.stanford.edu/2015/01/06/resolutions-succeed-mcgonigal-010615/
8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-forward/201612/is-setting-new-years-resolution-waste-time-or-not
9. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthychristmas/Pages/NewYearresolutions.aspx
10. ↑ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/mind-guest-blog/why-we-think-we-can-keep-those-new-years-resolutions/
11. ↑ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx
12. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthychristmas/Pages/NewYearresolutions.aspx

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How to Select a Bottle of Wine

Selecting a bottle of wine can seem nearly impossible when you're at the liquor store, in the grocery store, or at a restaurant. There are so many choices, like picking red or white, choosing the type of wine, selecting the year, and pairing the wine with food. Luckily, there are some basic rules that can help you select a bottle of wine for any occasion, for any purpose, and to go with any food.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Pairing Red Wine with Food

1. Pair light reds with light meat and fish. Light red wines generally have an alcohol content below 12.5 percent. They feel light in your mouth as opposed to heavy and thick.^[1] Light red wines include pinot noir, schiava, and gamay. These pair well with white meat, carbohydrates, roasted vegetables, and rich fish dishes, including:
   
   • Chicken
   • Salmon
   • Breads
2. Go for medium reds when you're eating meats and cheese. Medium bodied-reds feel a little more substantial in your mouth, and they typically have an alcohol content between 12.5 and 13.5 percent. Medium reds are merlot, cabernet, cabernet Franc, and sangiovese. These types of wines go well with a variety of meats, cheeses, and carbohydrates, including:^[2]
   
   • Bread
   • Crackers
   • Red meats
   • Pork
   • Hard cheeses
   • Cured and smoked meats
3. Pick full-bodied reds for meats and cheeses. Full-bodied reds feel full and thick in your mouth, and usually have an alcohol content above 13.5 percent. Reds that fall into this category include cabernet sauvignon, rioja, zinfandel, and shiraz. These wines complement a number of foods, including:^[3]
   
   • Lamb and steak
   • Hard cheeses
   • Stews
   • Wild game
4. Pair dry reds with pink foods. A dry wine is one that has no sugar left in it, meaning it has no sweetness. Dry red wines, such as merlot, pinot noir, and cabernets, pair well with foods that have a pinkish color, such as:^[4]
   
   • Salmon
   • Prawns or shrimp
   • Tuna

[Edit]Pairing White Wine with Food

1. Buy light whites for veggies and fish. Like light reds, light white wines generally have an alcohol content below 12.5 percent. These wines include sauvignon, pinot grigio, and pinot blanc. They are best paired with lighter foods, such as:^[5]
   
   • Salads
   • Raw and cooked green vegetables
   • Light fish
   • Seafood
   • Chicken
2. Couple sweet light whites with sweet, salty, and smoky foods. Sweet wines have more residual sugar leftover from the fermentation process. Sweet wine is the opposite of dry wine. Sweet white wines include Riesling, moscato, and Gewurztraminer. These are ideal with:^[6]
   
   • Soft cheeses like brie
   • Smoked meats
   • Cured meats
   • Desserts
   • Carbohydrates
   • Chicken and pork
3. Complement full-bodied whites with rich foods. Full-bodied whites generally have an alcohol content above 13.5 percent. Wines in this category include chardonnay, white rioja, and marsanne. The bold flavor of the wine and high alcohol content goes well with rich foods, including:^[7]
   
   • Salmon
   • Lobster
   • Chicken and pork
   • Potatoes
   • Breads
   • Roasted vegetables
4. Opt for sparkling wine for light foods and cheese. Sparkling wine has a high carbon dioxide content, and this gas makes the wine fizzy. Examples of sparkling wine include Prosecco, brut, and Champagne. These types of wines are great compliments for foods like:^[8]
   
   • Hard and soft cheeses
   • Salads
   • Raw and cooked greens
   • Light fish and seafood
5. Choose fruity, sweet, and light white wines for spicy food. The challenge when pairing wine with spicy foods is that the wine can accentuate the heat, rather than complementing the flavors. The best pairing for spicy food is a white wine that’s sweeter than it is dry, light and lower in alcohol content, and with fruity hints. Good wines for spicy food include:^[9]
   
   • Riesling
   • Gewurztraminer
   • Viognier
   • Gruner

[Edit]Picking a Bottle of Wine for a Specific Purpose

1. Get a bottle of cabernet sauvignon for a budget red. Cabernet sauvignon grapes are relatively easy to work with, so even cheaper red wines of this varietal are likely to be good. Good times to opt for a cabernet sauvignon include when:^[10]
   
   • A restaurant’s wine list is limited
   • You're on an airplane
   • You're looking for an inexpensive gift for a lover of red wine.
2. Opt for chardonnay for a budget white. Chardonnay is a full and flavorful wine, so even budget chardonnays are going to be acceptable compared to wines that should have subtler aromas.^[11]
   
   • Cheaper chardonnays are great for travelling, and are great housewarming or host gifts. Their versatility also makes them good for dinner parties.
3. Select younger wines when buying on a budget. Fine wines get better with age, but cheaper, lighter-bodied, and fruitier wines tend to lose some of their flavor when they get older. When you're buying budget or mid-range wines, opt for bottles that are between two and three years old.^[12]
   
4. Choose a bottle of sauvignon blanc for cooking. The high acidity of sauvignon blanc wines make them ideal for cooking, including in salad dressings, in white sauces, and as a replacement for lemon or lime juice.
   
   • Sauvignon blanc also has a bit of a peppery kick, which is another reason it’s great for cooking.^[13]
5. Do some research before buying a vintage bottle. There are a number of environmental factors that can affect the flavor of a wine, including temperature, frost, and diseases. Because vintage wines weren't produced in recent years, there's no way to know which of these factors may have affected the flavor of a vintage bottle unless you look it up.^[14]
   
   • There are lots of resources online for looking up vintages, including vintage reports, buying tips for vintage bottles, reviews, and ratings.
   • Before buying a vintage bottle, search the year and the varietal to look up information about the wine.
6. Choose a bottle of fortified wine as a digestif. A digestif is a beverage that you drink after a meal to help aid digestion, and fortified wines are commonly consumed as digestives.^[15] Fortified wine is wine that has stronger spirits, like brandy, added to it. Common fortified wines include:
   
   • Port
   • Vermouth
   • Sherry
   • Madeira
   • Marsala
7. Ask for help when you're selecting a bottle of wine. When all else fails, you can always ask for help to choose the right bottle. At restaurants, you can ask the wait staff or a bartender. At the liquor store, ask a store associate to point you in the direction of a wine you might like based on a few criteria:
   
   • Decide if you want a red wine or a white wine
   • Choose between sweet wine and dry wine
   • Mention if you're pairing the wine with any food
   • Mention particular wines that you know you like
8. Pick a specific varietal. Varietal is a way of describing a wine based on the grape variety used to make it. There are a great number of varietals, and each has its own particular characteristics and aromas. Popular varietals include:^[16]
   
   • Cabernet sauvignon, a full-bodied red wine with hints of cherry and currants
   • Pinot noir, a medium-bodied red that’s smooth and rich
   • Merlot, a medium- or full-bodied red with hints of black cherry
   • Rosé, a pink wine made with a blend of grapes
   • Chardonnay, a complex white with hints of vanilla
   • Riesling, a sweet white with floral aromas
   • Sauvignon blanc, a white wine with hints of herbs
9. Select a wine based on region. Region is another way of classifying wines, and this method focuses on where the grapes were grown rather than the type of grape used. Labelling wines based on region is more popular in Europe than in North America. Regional wines you can check out include:^[17]
   
   • Bordeaux, an area of France known for their centuries-old red wines
   • Port is a fortified wine that comes from Porto and the Douro Valley in Portugal
   • La Rioja, an area of Spain known for it’s full-bodied reds
   • Champagne, an area of France that’s best known for sparkling wine

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Remove Red Wine from Carpet
• Taste Wine
• Become a Wine Connoisseur
• Reuse Old Wine Corks

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://vinepair.com/wine-101/wine-body-guide/
2. ↑ http://winefolly.com/tutorial/the-spectrum-of-boldness-in-red-wines-chart/
3. ↑ http://www.frenchscout.com/types-of-wines
4. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2015824/How--pick-good-bottle-wine.html
5. ↑ http://www.frenchscout.com/types-of-wines
6. ↑ http://winefolly.com/tutorial/basic-wine-and-food-pairing-chart/
7. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2015824/How--pick-good-bottle-wine.html
8. ↑ http://winefolly.com/tutorial/basic-wine-and-food-pairing-chart/
9. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/pairing-wine-with-spicy-foods-189439
10. ↑ http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/02/07/272515201/wine-wisdom-with-a-wink-a-slackers-guide-to-selecting-vino
11. ↑ http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/02/07/272515201/wine-wisdom-with-a-wink-a-slackers-guide-to-selecting-vino
12. ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/wine/restaurant-wine-lists-how-to-choose-a-good-bottle/
13. ↑ http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/02/07/272515201/wine-wisdom-with-a-wink-a-slackers-guide-to-selecting-vino
14. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2015824/How--pick-good-bottle-wine.html
15. ↑ http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/06/cocktail-terms-what-is-the-difference-between-aperitif-digestif-liquor-spirit-dry-sweet-perfect-manhattan-spirits-glossary.html
16. ↑ https://www.cawineclub.com/wine-varietals
17. ↑ http://blog.eurail.com/top-10-wine-regions-in-europe-by-train/

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How to Connect a Laptop to a Monitor

Connecting an external monitor to your PC or Mac laptop is pretty easy. You'll just need to find out what type of output your laptop has, such as HDMI, Thunderbolt, or USB-C. Once connected, you can use both screens at the same time or close your laptop to use the monitor like a desktop computer. This wikiHow article will show you how to find out what cable you'll need to connect your laptop to a monitor, and how to set up your second monitor to mirror or extend your laptop's main screen.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Connecting a PC Laptop to a Monitor

1. Determine your laptop's video output options. Most PC laptops have at least one port that can be used for video output. The most common ports are HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.^[1] There are a few main types of connections that your laptop may have:
   
   • HDMI: This is a 6-sided trapezoid-shaped port that's about ¾ of an inch wide.
   • DisplayPort: The size is similar to HDMI, but one of the corners is bent inward while the other forms a 90-degree angle.
   • USB-C: This is an oval-shaped port on many modern PC laptops. Not all USB-C ports support connecting to a monitor, though. You can connect to a monitor with your USB-C port if you see one of the following:
     • If you see a lightning bolt with an arrow at the bottom next to the port, the port supports Thunderbolt 3, and you can use a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3-compatible monitor.
     • If you see an icon of a black "D" with a white "P" inside, the port supports DisplayPort, which means you can use a USB-C or DisplayPort-compatible monitor.
   • VGA or DVI: Less common nowadays are VGA ports, which are 15-holed ports with two pins on either side, and DVI ports, which have 24 holes and a gap on one side.
2. Determine your monitor's video input. Most modern monitors have HDMI, USB-C, and/or DisplayPort video inputs. If you have the same type of port on both the laptop and the monitor (such as HDMI on both), you can get a standard cable. Otherwise, you'll want to get an adapter to connect two different technologies, such as a USB-C to HDMI adapter, or an HDMI to VGA adapter. All of these adapter types are common and can be found anywhere electronics are sold.
   
3. Use the cable to connect your laptop to the monitor. Plug on end of the cable into your laptop's video port, and the other end into your monitor's video input port. Use an adapter to bridge the connection if necessary.
   
4. Plug in and turn on the monitor. Attach your monitor to a power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), then press the monitor's Power button.
   
   • Once connected, you should see your laptop's desktop and icons (or some variation thereof) appear on the monitor's screen, you can proceed with setting up your laptop's display settings.
   • If you are using a monitor or TV that has multiple inputs, you will need to select the port you connected your laptop to on the monitor.

[Edit]Using Both Screens on a PC Laptop

1. Open your Windows Settings . You can do this by clicking the gear icon in your Windows Start menu, or by pressing Windows key + I on the keyboard.
   
2. Click . If you're using Windows 10, it'll be the computer icon in the Settings window. If you have Windows 11, it's the first option in the left menu.
   
3. Click . It's in the left panel on Windows 10, and in the right panel on Windows 11.^[2]
   
4. Select a display option. Now you can choose whether you want to mirror or extend your displays:
   
   • If you're on Windows 10, click the drop-down menu under "Multiple Displays." On Windows 11, click the drop-down menu to the right of the "Identify" button.
   • Select Duplicate these displays if you want to see the same exact thing on both screens at the same time.
   • Select Extend these displays if you want to use the second monitor as a continuation of your desktop space. This lets you drag windows between screens.
   • Select Show only on 1 if you want to use the monitor labeled "1" as your only monitor. This is your laptop's built-in screen. Choosing this will turn off the external monitor.
   • Select Show only on 2 to only show your laptop's contents on the monitor that's labeled "2," which is the external monitor. This turns off your laptop's built-in screen as long as the external monitor is connected.
5. Choose a main display. If you're duplicating/mirroring your screens, skip this step. But if you're using two monitors together as an extended desktop, you'll want to choose which monitor is the main display, which is where apps open by default:
   
   • Click the Identify button to display each monitor's number each screen it's assigned to.
   • Click the display you want to make your main display.
   • Select Make this my main display under "Multiple displays."
6. Rearrange your screens. The position of each rectangle in the Display window should reflect the placement of your monitors. For example, if your second monitor is to the left of your laptop's primary screen on your desk, you'll want the rectangle that represents your second monitor on the left side of the primary monitor rectangle. Drag the rectangles for each monitor until they match your desk's setup, and then click Apply.
   
   • If you're extending your desktop, you can test the new setup by moving your mouse in the direction of the other monitor—the cursor will appear on the other screen when moved in the right direction.

[Edit]Using Your PC Laptop with the Lid Closed

1. Connect a keyboard and mouse to your laptop. Use your laptop with the lid closed (optional). If you want to use your external monitor as the only monitor when your laptop's lid is closed, you'll need to make sure you have a keyboard and mouse that you can use while you can't access the laptop's built-in keyboard and trackpad.
   
2. Connect your laptop to a power source. Your laptop will go to sleep when you close the lid if you don't connect it to a power source first.
   
3. Open the Windows Control Panel. You can do this by clicking the Search icon in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, typing , and clicking Control Panel in the results.
   
4. Click . If you don't see this option, click the menu at the top-right and select Small icons or Large icons and you'll see it then.
   
5. Click . It's in the left panel.
   
6. Click the menu next to "When I close the lid" in the "Plugged in" column. Several options will appear.
   
7. Select from the menu. This tells Windows not to shut down if you close the lid of your laptop as long as the laptop is plugged in.
   
   • If you choose this option for "On battery," the second monitor will stay on even if you close the laptop if you're not plugged in. This could drastically decrease the life of your battery, so it's not recommended.
8. Click . Now, as long as your laptop is plugged in, you can close the lid without turning off your external monitor.
   

[Edit]Connecting a MacBook to a Monitor

1. Find your MacBook's video output. You'll need to make sure you have a port on your Mac that is compatible with an input on your monitor. But if your monitor and your laptop don't have the same ports, don't worry—in most cases, you can get an adapter that can bridge two video types, such as Thunderbolt to HDMI, which makes it possible to use nearly any type of monitor with your MacBook. These are the connections your MacBook may have:
   
   • Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt USB 4: An oval port with a lightning bolt, found on all MacBook Pros beginning in 2016, and MacBook Airs beginning in 2018.^[3]
   • USB-C: An oval port without a lightning bolt icon. 12" MacBook Pros from 2015, 2016, and 2017 have these.^[4]
   • HDMI: A six-sided tapered port found on 2021 MacBook Pros, as well as MacBook Pros from 2012 to 2015.^[5]
   • Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, or Mini DisplayPort: The original Thunderbolt ports both have 6 sides and are not oval-shaped. You'll see a lightning bolt icon near this port on MacBook Air models from 2011-2017, and MacBook Pros from 2011-2015. On MacBook Pro and Air models made between 2008 and 2010, you'll see a square with two vertical lines instead.
   • If you're not sure which port you can use for a monitor, go to https://support.apple.com/specs, select your model, and find the ports under "Charging and Expansion."
2. Find your monitor's video input. Look at the back of your monitor for ports labeled "Input" or that like the port you found on your MacBook. If you don't have identical ports on both devices, you can usually get an adapter that will connect the two.
   
   • Nearly all modern Apple monitors will work with Thunderbolt 3, 4, USB 4, and USB-C. Most of these monitors come with a cable that will fit into these ports and work immediately.
   • Many non-Apple monitors also support Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB 4, USB-C, and HDMI.
3. Get a cable and an adapter if necessary. If your MacBook and monitor don't have matching ports, you can use an adapter to bridge two different cable types, such as Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI.^[6] There's an adapter for nearly any two types of cables, and you can find them anywhere computers are sold (including the Apple Store). If you're confused about which cable to get, this should help:
   
   • MacBooks with Thunderbolt 4: Use a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C cable to connect to any of these types of monitors. You can also use an adapter to connect to a DVI, HDMI, or VGA monitor.
   • MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt USB 4: Use a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C cable to connect to either of these monitor types. You can also use an adapter to connect to a DVI, HDMI, or VGA monitor.
   • MacBooks with USB-C: Use a USB-C cable to connect to a USB-C monitor. You can also use an adapter to connect to a DVI, HDMI, or VGA monitor.
   • MacBooks with Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, and Mini DisplayPort : Use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect to Mini DisplayPort monitor, or an adapter to DVI, HDMI, or VGA monitors.
4. Use the cable to connect your laptop to the monitor. Plug on end of the cable into your MacBook's video port, and the other end into your monitor's video input port. If an adapter is required, connect the cables with adapter to bridge them.
   
5. Plug in and turn on the monitor. Attach your monitor to a power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), then press the Power button. In most cases, you should see your MacBook's screen (either extended or mirrored) on the second monitor.
   
   • If you are using a monitor or TV that has multiple inputs, you may need to select the port you connected your laptop to on the monitor. Press the button that says "Input", "Source". or "Video Select" or something similar on the monitor or remote.
   • If you don't see your MacBook's screen on your monitor, you may need to detect the display. On your MacBook, click the Apple menu, select System Preferences, click Displays, and then click Detect Displays.^[7]

[Edit]Using Both Screens on a MacBook

1. Open your Mac's . You'll find it in the Apple menu, which is at the top-left corner of the screen. This is where you can control how your second screen acts on your MacBook.
   
2. Click . It's the monitor icon in the System Preferences window. This takes you to the Display tab.
   
3. Click the tab. It's at the top of the window.
   
4. Remove the checkmark from "Mirror Displays." If you want both screens to display the same thing at all times, leave the checkmark in place. But if you want the second monitor to act as a second desktop to give you more space for multitasking, don't check this option.
   
   • If your plan is to close the laptop and use the second monitor as your only monitor, mirroring is the option you'll want.
5. Choose the primary monitor. You'll see two rectangles at the center of the window—one represents your built-in monitor, and the other represents your external monitor. A thin white bar runs along the top of the rectangle that's set as your primary monitor, which is your laptop's built-in screen by default.
   
   • If you want your external monitor to be the primary monitor, click and hold the white bar with the mouse, and then drag it to the other monitor. The menu bar will only appear on the primary display.
   • If you want to keep your laptop as your primary monitor, you don't have to change anything here.
6. Rearrange the screens (optional). The position of each rectangle in the Display window should reflect the placement of your monitors. For example, if your second monitor is to the left of your laptop's primary screen on your desk, you'll want the rectangle that represents your second monitor on the left side of the primary monitor rectangle. Drag the second screen to its actual position so the arrangement looks how it does in real life.
   
   • This makes it so you can easily drag a window from one monitor to another without having to guess which direction to drag it in.

[Edit]Using Your MacBook with the Lid Closed

1. Connect a keyboard and mouse to your MacBook. If you want to use your second monitor as your only monitor while your MacBook's lid is closed, you'll need a mouse and keyboard that work with your Mac.
   
2. Plug your MacBook in to a power source. You can only use a second monitor as your only monitor on your Mac laptop when it is connected to a power source. If your MacBook is not plugged in, your external monitor will turn off when you close the lid of your MacBook.
   
   • This is also called "closed lid mode" or "closed clamshell mode."
3. Turn on screen mirroring. If you want the external monitor to display the same thing you'd see on your laptop's main monitor, you'll want to mirror the screens. Here's how:
   
   • Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
   • Click the Arrangement tab.
   • Check the box next to "Mirror Displays."
4. Adjust your energy saving settings. To prevent your screen from turning off when the lid is closed:
   
   • Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
   • Click Battery.
   • Drag the slider at the top all the way to the right (to "Never").
5. Close the lid of your MacBook. Now when you close your MacBook, your external monitor will act as the only monitor.
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3 and later, and USB-C can all carry audio, meaning that your monitor's speakers should be able to transmit your laptop's audio output if you're using one of these connections.
• If you want to connect your laptop to a monitor wirelessly, you may be able to do so using a compatible Smart TV.
• If you are using an older video cable, you may not be able to get sound on your TV. You can transmit sound to an external set of speakers using the headphone port on your laptop. Use a 3.5mm auxiliary cable to connect to your headphone port. Use an adapter to connect to the speakers or audio input, if needed.
• If your monitor isn't displaying your laptop's contents, you may have a faulty cable. Try connecting with a different cable, or using a different connector if possible.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/what-monitor-ports-do-i-need
2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-multiple-monitors-in-windows-329c6962-5a4d-b481-7baa-bec9671f728a#Category=Windows_10
3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/about-video-ports-cpmh0014/12.0/mac/12.0
4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201736
5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201736
6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-pro/use-an-external-display-apd8cdd74f57/mac
7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-external-displays-mchl7c7ebe08/12.0/mac/12.0

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