Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps

How to Run Windows 8's Desktop and Metro Views Simultaneously Using a Second Monitor

Nov 1, 2012 04:51 PM
Laptop displaying Windows interface with an external monitor showing file explorer.

The new Windows 8 operating system pushes the Metro interface hard, but not all of your apps will play nicely in Metro, which means you'll need to resort to the traditional desktop environment for some of your favorite programs. As a result, it has left many users picking between the two—Metro or traditional?

Fortunately, there's a way to run them both simultaneously with the use of second monitor. In the video below, Donald Bell of CNET explains how you can run both interfaces simultaneously by just tweaking the settings in Metro.

First make sure you've connected the second monitor to your computer.

In the Charms bar on the right side of the screen in Metro, click on Devices and you'll see the option to project to a Second screen. Instead of duplicating the screen (which is most common), make sure the mode is set to Extend, which will run the traditional Windows 8 interface on the second monitor while Metro runs on your primary display.

A presenter demonstrating a laptop connected to an external monitor with a Windows interface.

Then you can customize the other settings to your liking.

Image by Extremetech

You already know how to use your phone. With our newsletter, we'll show you how to master it. Each week, we explore features, hidden tools, and advanced settings that give you more control over iOS and Android than most users even know exists.

Sign up for Gadget Hacks Weekly and start unlocking your phone's full potential.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!