How to Set Up a Portable Laptop Screen Extender (Step-by-Step)

Portable monitors are designed to be effortless — no tools, no software, no permanent fixtures. Here's exactly how to get set up, and how to arrange your displays afterwards for the smoothest experience. Setting up in 4 steps Clip it on. Attach the extender to the back of your laptop lid. It grips the top of your screen and becomes part of your laptop. Fold out the panels. Swing the extra display (or displays) out to either side of your laptop screen. On a quad model, the top screen lifts up as well. Connect one cable. Plug the USB-C cable from the extender into your laptop's USB-C port. (On HDMI models, connect HDMI for video and USB-A for power.) You're live. Your extra screens light up automatically — no drivers to install. The whole process takes well under a minute, and it's just as quick to fold flat and pack away when you're done. Arranging your displays By default your laptop may "mirror" the screens or place them in the wrong order. To fix it: On Windows: Right-click the desktop → Display settings Under Multiple displays, choose Extend these displays Drag the screen icons so they match the physical left-to-right layout, then Apply On macOS: Open System Settings → Displays Choose Extend (not Mirror) Drag the blue display rectangles to match how the panels are physically arranged Tip: set your laptop's own screen as the primary display (the one with the menu bar / taskbar) so your gaze stays centred for video calls. Getting the best from your setup Give each screen a job. Current task in the centre, reference on one side, comms on the other. Match the brightness. Nudge each panel's brightness so all screens feel consistent. Angle to avoid glare. Tilt the wing panels slightly away from windows and lights. Fold flat to travel. Disconnect the cable, fold the panels in, and it's back to laptop-slim. Troubleshooting No picture over USB-C? Your port may not support video output — use the HDMI + USB-A connection instead, or check our USB-C vs HDMI guide. Screens in the wrong order? Re-drag the display icons in your OS display settings (above). Dim screens? Some laptops limit power over USB-C — make sure your laptop is charged or plugged in. Need a hand? Contact our UK team with your laptop model. Ready to buy? Browse the range.