Users of a Windows operating system need not buy big monitors but they can instead enlarge their existing desktop onto a big screen through the expand desktop feature. With the addition of the related hardware, multiple monitor capability is dependent on the video/ graphics cards. The number of video ports that a system has is directly proportional to the number of monitors which are connected to it. Expanding your desktop maximizes productivity and makes cross program navigation simpler. The latest method is to drag the items option across multiple screens. The hardware requirements for this feature are monitor cables and video cards for each monitor, which are to be connected with a PCI, a PCI Express or an AGP. Expand your desktop over multiple monitors is a built in feature for Windows 98/98se/2000/ME, but not Windows NT. 
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Expand your Desktop over multiple monitors

If you are using Windows and want to enlarge your current desktop without having to buy another huge screen, this is possible by using the expand desktop option. There are some hardware requirements to which you should stick. 

Hardware Requirements

1. Video card 
You should either have a PCI, a PCI Express or an AGP. However, you should bear in mind that you must have a video card for each of your monitors. 

2. Monitor cables 
To be able to connect your monitors to the CPU, you should have sufficient computer cables. Your desktop computer usually has two monitor ports, meaning you can connect only two monitors to the CPU. 

Software Requirements

Multiple monitor support has been built for Windows 98/98se/2000/ME so far. Windows NT users will not be able to set this option on their computers. 

How to proceed

• Step 1: Ensure that the video cards and the monitors are properly set before starting the following procedures
• Step 2: Restart your computer
• Step 3: Install the drivers for the second video card that you have just added to the CPU
• Step 4: When the installation is complete, go to the Device Manager option and, from the list, browse for the adapter's devices and ensure that they are detected

• Step 5: Then go to the Display Properties option and open the Settings tab

• Step 6: Click on the second monitor labeled as 2 next to the first monitor

• Step 7: You can choose to change the resolution and color settings of the second monitor accordingly. Once done, check the box labeled Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor

• Step 8: Click OK to apply the changes. Your second monitor should have activated itself by now