So you have a PC connected to a monitor and you want to know if you can connect your Xbox to the same monitor.
Xbox is mainly designed to be used with TVs but there are many situations where you don’t want or need that. Why bother moving your gaming setup?
Well, luckily for you, I was in the same situation, and I found a neat trick to get Xbox working on the same monitor as my PC.
There are a few different ways to connect an Xbox and a PC to one monitor, all of which depend on your monitor’s video ports. I’ll walk through each one.
Looking to buy an Xbox? Take a look at the Xbox Series X or the Series S on Amazon.
How to Connect Xbox and PC to One Monitor
To connect an Xbox and a PC to the same monitor, connect the Xbox to an extra HDMI port on your monitor and use the monitor’s interface to switch HDMI sources. You can use an HDMI switch to toggle between multiple inputs on one monitor.
Any HDMI switch will work, but make sure it has the right number of HDMI input ports. Two should be enough.
I like this HDMI switch.
How to Setup an HDMI Switch with Xbox and PC
- Connect the output end of your switch to your monitor
- Connect your console to one of the HDMI ports on the HDMI switch
- Run an HDMI cable from your PC to the other HDMI port on the switch
- Press the button on the switch to instantly switch between Xbox and PC on the same monitor
Very easy!
Can You Connect an Xbox to a PC with Dual Monitors
Yes. Connect your primary monitor directly to your PC. From there, connect your Xbox and your second monitor to the HDMI switch and connect the HDMI switch to you an HDMI port on the secondary monitor.
When you tap the source button on the HDMI switch, the secondary monitor will toggle between the Xbox and extended mode for your PC.
You can always rearrange the cables so that the Xbox uses your best monitor. Either way, it’s an extremely easy way to quickly switch between your Xbox and PC with dual monitor mode. I have my Xbox setup like this and I haven’t had any issues.
Just bear in mind, that when you press the source button on the HDMI switch to use your Xbox, the PC will switch to single monitor mode.
If you’re used to having icons and apps open on the secondary screen, those will be moved to the primary screen. You can move them back later.
The other solution is to simply plug your Xbox into a free HDMI port on your secondary monitor and then use your monitor to switch sources.
The only problem with that is it usually involves pressing a few buttons on your monitor’s control panel. Pressing one button on the HDMI switch is a lot easier and faster.
Also, did you know that you can use your PC’s USB microphone with your Xbox too?
Bottom Line
So now you know that you can connect your Xbox and PC to one monitor and even use your computer in extended screen mode.
You can sit at your desk and game with your Xbox just like how you did with your PC, no need to move any of your equipment. Easy!
