🖨️ How to Connect Monitors, Docking Stations, and Peripherals
🖨️

How to Connect Monitors, Docking Stations, and Peripherals

Category: Printers & Peripherals · Audience: Client · Updated: March 2026

Set up external monitors, docking stations, keyboards, mice, headsets, and webcams. Covers common connection types and troubleshooting.

Monitors

How to Connect an External Monitor

  1. Identify the video output on your computer (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or Thunderbolt).
  2. Identify the video input on the monitor (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI, or USB-C).
  3. Use the correct cable (or an adapter if the ports don't match).
  4. Plug in the cable, then turn on the monitor.
  5. Your computer should detect the monitor automatically. If not, go to Settings → Display and click Detect.

Common Cable Types

Cable What It Looks Like Notes
HDMI Wide flat connector Most common. Supports audio and video.
DisplayPort Similar to HDMI with one angled corner Preferred for high refresh rate or multi-monitor setups.
USB-C / Thunderbolt Small oval connector Modern laptops. Can carry video, data, and power over one cable.
VGA Blue connector with 15 pins Legacy. Avoid if possible — no audio, lower quality.

How to Arrange Multiple Monitors

Go to Settings → Display. You'll see numbered rectangles representing each monitor. Drag them to match their physical position on your desk (e.g. monitor 2 on the left, monitor 1 on the right). Click Apply.

Tip: Set your primary monitor (where the taskbar and main apps appear) by selecting it and ticking "Make this my main display".

Docking Stations

A docking station lets you connect monitors, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, and other peripherals through a single cable (usually USB-C or Thunderbolt). Plug the dock's cable into your laptop, and everything connected to the dock becomes available.

Setup Tips

  • Drivers: Some docks (especially DisplayLink-based) need a driver installed. Check the manufacturer's website or contact ATS Systems.
  • Power delivery: Many USB-C docks also charge your laptop through the same cable. Check that the dock's wattage matches your laptop's power requirements.
  • Monitor limits: Most docks support 2 external monitors. Check the dock's specs for maximum resolution and monitor count.

Common Docking Station Issues

  • Monitors not detected: Unplug the dock cable, wait 10 seconds, and replug. If using a DisplayLink dock, make sure the driver is installed.
  • Only one monitor works: Check the dock supports dual monitors at your required resolution. Some docks only support dual screens at lower resolutions.
  • USB devices not working through the dock: Try plugging the device directly into the laptop to test. If it works directly but not through the dock, the dock may need a firmware update or a different USB port.

Keyboards and Mice

Wired

Plug the USB cable into your computer. It should work immediately — no drivers needed for standard keyboards and mice.

Wireless (USB Receiver)

Plug the small USB receiver (dongle) into a USB port. Turn on the keyboard or mouse. It should pair automatically. If not, check for a connect/sync button on the device.

Bluetooth

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your computer: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Toggle Bluetooth on.
  2. Put the keyboard or mouse into pairing mode (usually by holding the Bluetooth/connect button until a light flashes).
  3. Click Add device → Bluetooth on your computer and select the device from the list.

Good to know: If a wireless keyboard or mouse stops working, replace the batteries (or charge it) before troubleshooting further. Low battery is the most common cause.

Headsets and Webcams

USB Headsets

Plug in the USB cable. Go to Settings → Sound and make sure the headset is selected as both the Output and Input device. Test in Teams or your preferred calling app under audio settings.

Bluetooth Headsets

Pair via Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device. Once connected, select the headset as your audio device in Sound settings and in your calling app (Teams, 3CX, etc.).

Webcams

Plug in the USB webcam. Open Teams → Settings → Devices (or your preferred video app) and select the webcam from the camera dropdown. Most webcams work without additional drivers.

Tip: If Teams or another app doesn't detect your headset or webcam, close the app completely and reopen it. Some apps only detect new devices on startup.

When to Call ATS Systems

Contact us on 07 3523 3660 if:

  • You need a docking station recommendation for your laptop model.
  • Monitors aren't displaying correctly after trying the steps above.
  • You need peripherals set up across multiple desks or meeting rooms.
  • A device requires specific drivers or configuration.

Need help? Call 07 3523 3660 or submit a ticket at atssystems.com.au/support/ticket/