Identical desktop on multiple monitors

[PatAjAz]

I am trying to use the multiple monitor feature to duplicate my laptop
desktop on a monitor including shortcuts and task bars. I figured out how to
"extend" the desktop to the monitor but not how to replicate it. I want to be
able to set the laptop aside and just use the monitor.

TIA

 

[Swifty]

I am trying to use the multiple monitor feature to duplicate my laptop
desktop on a monitor including shortcuts and task bars.

On most laptops that I've encountered you use the "Fn" button in
conjunction with one of the Fx keys. The Fn keys have symbols on them in
blue/grey/green - look for the one that looks like a display - usually
a sort of rounded off square, often with bars on the side.

The combinations you get are:

LCD Only
External Display Only
Both (this is the one you want)

 

[PatAjAz]

Thank you very much for your reply. I had never even noticed the Fn key on my
laptop. I assume by "in conjunction with" You mean pressing at the same time
like ctl-alt-del. The display key on my laptop is f8 and when I try this
combination nothing happens. I am trying this while the cursor is in the root
window. Does it need to be in a particular window instead?

 

[Swifty]

Thank you very much for your reply. I had never even noticed the Fn key on my
laptop. I assume by "in conjunction with" You mean pressing at the same time
like ctl-alt-del. The display key on my laptop is f8 and when I try this
combination nothing happens.

If you tell us some details about the laptop, then perhaps someone who
has one the same will help you. It's not F8 on mine, so what works for
me may not work for you.

My laptop spends 99% of its time in my spare room, with the lid closed,
connected up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse just like any regular PC,
which seems to be what you want. I don't recall doing anything special
(other than pressing Fn-F7) to get this working, but it may be
controlled by a BIOS setting on your system.

Actually, if you've extended the desktop to the external display, this
may suppress the function of the Fn-F8 sequence, as that would ruin your
extended desktop. Try turning that off.