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User profile for user: MacArthur2
MacArthur2 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Multiple monitors for late 2012 Macbook Pro with 2 thunderbolts?

Hi I have a late 2012 Macbook Pro with 2 thunderbolts and 1 HDMI. I got 2 Monitors now, need to set up multiple display as "Extended Desktop", wonder if anybody knows how to do that


Yes I can hook up one monitor on each thunderbolts, but will that cause a mirrored display with same content? What I need is an "Extended Desktop" - to have both monitors display join side by side as one desktop.


Any advice is appreciated! Thanks

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 23, 2020 10:19 AM

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,849 points

Posted on Aug 23, 2020 12:21 PM

OK, but you did not say that originally. See Use Mac notebook computer in closed-display mode with an external display.


You can use one TB to HDMI cable/adapter and the HDMI port or both TB ports with the proper cables. Or, you can chain the displays via TB ports.

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,849 points

Aug 23, 2020 11:18 AM in response to MacArthur2

Turn on extended desktop mode


  1. Make sure that your external display is turned on and connected to your Mac.
  2. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Displays.
  3. Click the Arrangement tab.
  4. Make sure that the Mirror Displays checkbox isn't selected.


Display Support Supports an HDMI-compatible device while using one Thunderbolt display or support for two Thunderbolt displays

Display Modes Dual display extended, video mirroring, and AirPlay Mirroring



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User profile for user: MacArthur2
MacArthur2 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Aug 23, 2020 11:58 AM in response to Kappy

The "Extended Desktop" just means to extend the current desktop running on my Macbook Pro retina display, onto an (one) external display. But what I want is to close the lid of my Macbook pro, solely relying on the two external displays as my "desktop".


Would connect one external display to each thunderbolt resolve this? Or should I get a thunderbolt-to-HTMI splitter?

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User profile for user: Richslv
Richslv
User level: Level 1
8 points

Sep 15, 2020 5:53 PM in response to MacArthur2

I have a Macbook Pro late 2012 and want to use one of my older IMAC monitors. I connected with the thunderbolt cable, logging into both and hit the Command F2 on the IMAC and nothing happens. I tried this with 2 or f the 4 old IMACs and same thing. What do I need to do to use the old monitors? Mirrored or added is Ok by me. Thanks for any help.

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Multiple monitors for late 2012 Macbook Pro with 2 thunderbolts?

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