Arch Linux Multiple Monitors Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to multiple monitor setup on Arch Linux, including X11 and Wayland configuration, display arrangement, and multi-monitor troubleshooting.

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Table of Contents

1. X11 Multi-Monitor
2. Wayland Multi-Monitor
3. Display Arrangement
4. Troubleshooting

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X11 Multi-Monitor

xrandr

Configure displays:

# Install xrandr
sudo pacman -S xorg-xrandr

# List displays
xrandr

# Enable second monitor
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --auto --right-of eDP-1

# Mirror displays
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --same-as eDP-1

arandr

GUI tool:

# Install arandr
sudo pacman -S arandr

# Launch
arandr

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Wayland Multi-Monitor

GNOME

Configure in GNOME:

# Open Settings
gnome-control-center display

# Or use gsettings
gsettings set org.gnome.mutter experimental-features "['scale-monitor-framebuffer']"

KDE

Configure in KDE:

# Open System Settings
systemsettings5

# Display Configuration

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Display Arrangement

Set Primary Display

Set primary:

# X11
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --primary

# Or in arandr
# Right-click display > Set as primary

Display Scaling

Set scaling:

# X11
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --scale 1.5x1.5

# Wayland (GNOME)
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface scaling-factor 2

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Troubleshooting

Monitor Not Detected

Check connection:

# List displays
xrandr

# Check kernel messages
dmesg | grep -i display

# Check Xorg logs
cat /var/log/Xorg.0.log | grep -i display

Wrong Resolution

Set resolution:

# List modes
xrandr

# Set resolution
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080

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Summary

This guide covered X11/Wayland multi-monitor setup, display arrangement, and troubleshooting.

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Next Steps

• Arch Linux Graphics Drivers - GPU setup
• Arch Linux Display Server Configuration - Display servers
• ArchWiki Multiple Monitors: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Multihead

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This guide is based on the ArchWiki. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official ArchWiki.