HT201853: About Apple video adapters and cables

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NDeholla
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: My second monitor is working but I can't figure out how to use it! I can't get anything to drag. I know how to adjust extended desktops on PCs but I can't figure this one out.

I am used to working on duel monitors. I bought a new MacBook Pro 15' yesterday, the adapter for my monitor, and the monitor is on with the generic background but I can't drag any windows over to it. I can do it on PCs but can't figure out on the Mac. Can someone please help the noob out?

 

Thanks

 

Nikki

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)

Posted on Apr 1, 2014 8:54 AM

by Grant Bennet-Alder,Solvedanswer
Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder
Level 9 (60,714 points)
Desktops
A:

check out System preferences > Displays >Arrange

 

make sure they are not [√] Mirror Displays

 

Arrange Window screenshot.png

 

.

Posted on Apr 1, 2014 8:57 AM

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NDeholla

Q: My second monitor is working but I can't figure out how to use it! I can't get anything to drag. I know how to adjust extended des ... more

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Solvedanswer

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Apr 1, 2014 8:57 AM in response to NDeholla
    Level 9 (60,714 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2014 8:57 AM in response to NDeholla

    check out System preferences > Displays >Arrange

     

    make sure they are not [√] Mirror Displays

     

    Arrange Window screenshot.png

     

    .

  • by NDeholla,

    NDeholla NDeholla Apr 1, 2014 9:30 AM in response to NDeholla
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 1, 2014 9:30 AM in response to NDeholla

    I'm an idiot. I had it set up like this but was dragging windows from right to left (PC issues) and when I dragged from left to right it worked. Thank you!! I am new to Macs because of a contemptous relationships with PCs. I always expect things to be harder for that reason. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I can't handle just one screen.

     

    Nikki

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Apr 1, 2014 9:38 AM in response to NDeholla
    Level 9 (60,714 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2014 9:38 AM in response to NDeholla

    The blue blocks in that screen are Icons for your actual screens. Their sizes are proprtional to the number of pixels in each screen. They can be dragged to new locations relative to each other -- as long as they are touching at some point.  You are expected to drag them so that they correspond with the actual screen location on your bench, so that the movement from one scrren to the other is intuitive.

     

    The white stripe represents the menuBar. It can also be dragged to any screen, and that screen will then be the one with the MenuBar. It will also become the screen with the Startup icons on it.