How to Daisy Chain Monitors with DisplayPort: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to clean up the cable chaos on your desk and still run multiple monitors? You can. If your monitors and graphics card support DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST), learning how to daisy chain monitors with DisplayPort is a smart way to streamline your setup. In this guide, we'll cover what makes daisy chaining worth it, walk you through how to set it up, and help you fix any hiccups along the way.

Benefits of Daisy-Chaining Monitors

If you're looking to expand your screen space without the hassle of multiple cables, daisy chaining monitors using DisplayPort is an efficient solution. Here's why:

• Fewer cables, cleaner desk: Instead of running separate cables from each monitor to your computer, daisy chaining lets you connect them in a single line—one cable from your PC, and the rest from monitor to monitor. It keeps your workspace tidy and cuts down on setup time.
• Saves computer ports: Since everything runs through just one DisplayPort output, you free up your other ports (like HDMI or USB-C) for things like webcams, external drives, or charging devices.
• More screen space, less hassle: Whether you're working, editing, or just multitasking, having extra screen space is a game-changer. You can spread out your apps, reference materials, and chats without constantly switching windows. Studies even show that extra monitors can boost productivity by over 40%.
• Easy to expand: Need to add another screen later? Just plug it into the last monitor in the chain and turn on MST (Multi-Stream Transport) in the display settings. No docks or extra hardware needed.

How to Daisy Chain Monitors with DisplayPort: Step-by-Step

Now, how can you daisy chain monitors with DisplayPort? The trick is DisplayPort's Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which multiplexes several video streams into one cable and then splits them back out inside each monitor in the chain.

Follow the steps below, and you'll be stretching your desktop across two, three, or even four panels in minutes.

1. Check that your gear supports MST

• GPU: Your laptop or graphics card must have a DisplayPort 1.2 (or newer) output that specifically lists MST support.
• Monitors: Every screen in the chain needs a DisplayPort 1.2+ input, and any monitor that comes before the last one in the chain also needs a DisplayPort output (usually labeled "DP Out") to pass the signal along. The last one can be an input-only model.
• Operating system: Windows, modern Linux distros, and macOS (via Thunderbolt only) all understand MST, but M-series Macs are limited to a single external display except on the Pro/Max/Ultra chips.

2. Update your drivers and gather the right cables

Before setting anything up, install the latest graphics drivers to avoid connection issues. Then, make sure you're using certified DisplayPort 1.2, 1.4, or 2.1 cables. The cable quality really matters here—low-grade or mismatched cables can cause signal drops or limit resolution.

3. Turn on MST on your monitors

Power on your monitors and dive into their on-screen menus (OSD). Look for a setting called "MST" or "DisplayPort 1.2" and make sure it's turned on. This option is usually found under the "Input" or "Advanced" menu. You'll want to do this on each monitor before connecting the cables.

4. Connect everything in the right order

Now it's time to plug things in:

1. Connect a DisplayPort cable from your PC (or laptop) to the DisplayPort In port on the first monitor.
2. Then, connect another cable from the DisplayPort Out of the first monitor to the DisplayPort In on the second monitor.
3. If you're adding more displays, repeat the same out-to-in connection for each one down the line.

Tip: For the best performance, put higher-resolution monitors closer to the source (your PC or laptop).

5. Set up your display layout in your OS

Once everything's connected, your system should detect the displays automatically. You may still need to tweak your layout:

• On Windows 10/11: Go to Settings > System > Display. Click "Identify" to see which screen is which, then drag them into the correct layout. Set each one to "Extend" or "Duplicate" depending on your preference.
• On macOS (with Thunderbolt): Open System Settings > Displays. You can drag and arrange screens here, but keep in mind that M1/M2 base models are limited to just one external monitor.
• On Linux (GNOME): Go to Settings > Displays, arrange them, and hit "Apply".

6. Watch for bandwidth limits

Different DisplayPort versions have different caps on how much data they can carry. For DisplayPort 1.2:

• You can usually daisy chain two 4K monitors at 60Hz, or
• Up to four 1080p monitors.

The latest DisplayPort 2.1, on the other hand, can handle up to three 4K displays at 144Hz.

Using USB-C or Thunderbolt?

Many modern laptops come with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports that can also be used to daisy-chain monitors. But keep in mind, not all USB-C ports support this feature. To make it work, your port needs to support either DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5.

If your ultraportable laptop only has one or two high-speed USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, a docking station can really simplify your multi-monitor setup.

A great option to consider is the new Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station (14-in-1, 8K, Thunderbolt 5). It's a powerful and future-ready solution that makes expanding your workspace a breeze.

This dock gives you:

• Thunderbolt 5 backbone: 80 Gbps of sustained bandwidth (120 Gbps peak for displays) means you can run twin 8K screens from its DisplayPort 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 jack and still have two downstream TB5 ports free for more displays or blazing-fast storage.
• Single-cable power and data: The upstream TB5 port pushes up to 140W to your laptop, so one cable covers charging and video.
• Built-in GaN power supply: The dock's own supply is inside the chassis, so you lose the wall-wart instead of gaining one.
• Desk-friendly extras: 2.5 Gb Ethernet, fast 10 Gbps USB-A/C, SD/microSD slots, smart cooling, and a subtle LED ring round out the 14-port layout.

Because the dock speaks MST over Thunderbolt, you can hang a DisplayPort daisy-chain from the dock itself or mix-and-match direct outputs, ideal if your laptop lacks a native DP MST port or you just want the simplicity of one plug-and-play cable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Running a DisplayPort daisy-chain is usually plug-and-play, but a few snags show up again and again. Most boil down to three things: the chain order, available bandwidth, or an unsupported port or cable.

Work through the quick checks below and you'll fix nine problems out of ten on the spot.

Monitor isn't detected

• First, confirm the physical chain: computer → DP In on the first monitor → DP Out to the next, and so on. Every display except the last one needs that DP Out/MST Out jack to pass the signal along.
• Open each monitor's on-screen menu and switch DisplayPort 1.2/MST to On—many units ship with it disabled.
• If Windows or Linux still can't see the screen, power-cycle the chain, then disable MST on the first monitor, reboot, and re-enable—Intel even documents that simple reset as a cure-all for stale links.
• On Surface or other laptops, double-check that the monitor's input is set to DisplayPort, not HDMI or Auto.

Resolution or refresh rate drops unexpectedly

• A single DisplayPort 1.2 link tops out at two 4K @ 60 Hz or four 1080p @ 60 Hz streams; go past that and the newest monitor will down-shift to a lower mode or go dark.
• Mixing resolutions counts toward the same budget, so putting your highest-res display first (closest to the PC) often solves a blurry tail-end screen.
• If you're on USB-C or Thunderbolt, make sure the port is actually running DisplayPort Alt Mode or TB3/4/5.

Random flicker, blackouts, or "snow"

Nine times out of ten this is a cable issue. Use full-size, VESA-certified DP 1.2+ cables for every hop. Adapters, Mini-DP jumpers, or bargain cables are notorious for signal drop-outs.

If the problem appears only at high refresh rates, drop the rate to 60 Hz. Solid output at 60 Hz and failure at 144 Hz almost always points to link integrity, not the graphics card.

Everything broke after an OS or driver update

Windows updates have famously disabled MST chains by toggling new GPU drivers or power-management settings. Roll back the display driver or grab the newest release from AMD, Intel, or NVIDIA, reboot, and the chain usually springs back to life.

Firmware updates for the monitors themselves—often listed on the maker's support page—can also restore a lost link after major OS changes.

Conclusion

Now you know how to daisy chain monitors with DisplayPort and why it's such a game-changer for your workspace. Fewer cables, more screens, and a cleaner desk? That's a win all around. Whether you're working, gaming, or just want a smoother workflow, daisy chaining can make your setup more efficient without adding complexity.

FAQs

Can you run 2 monitors off one DisplayPort?

Yes, you can connect two monitors to a single DisplayPort by daisy chaining, which utilizes DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST). This setup requires a computer with a DisplayPort 1.2 (or newer) output and MST and monitors that support DisplayPort 1.2.

Connect your computer to the first monitor, then link the first to the second using DisplayPort cables. The first monitor must have both input and output ports. This setup lets you extend or duplicate your screen easily.

Can I daisy chain DisplayPort?

Yes, daisy chaining is supported with DisplayPort 1.2 or later using MST (Multi-Stream Transport). To do this, connect the first monitor to your PC, then link the DisplayPort Out of that monitor to the DisplayPort In on the next one. Repeat the same process if more are supported. This reduces cable clutter and lets you use multiple displays from a single port.

How to connect two monitors to one computer with DisplayPort Windows?

To connect two monitors to your computer with DisplayPort, plug the first monitor into your PC using a DisplayPort or USB-C to DisplayPort cable. Then, connect the DisplayPort Out on the first monitor to the DisplayPort In on the second one. Make sure your computer and the first monitor support DisplayPort 1.2+ and MST, so they can be daisy-chained properly.