--- title: "Supporting Applications that Require Multiple Displays" slug: "supporting-applications-that-require-multiple-displays" updated: 2025-12-03T17:13:31Z published: 2025-12-03T17:13:31Z canonical: "docs.skillable.com/supporting-applications-that-require-multiple-displays" stale: true --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skillable.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Supporting Applications that Require Multiple Displays ## Understanding the Benefits of Multiple Displays in VM Labs With VM-based labs, multiple display support improves learner productivity and usability by expanding the available screen space. This feature helps learners work more efficiently by reducing the need to switch between windows or tabs. Common challenges solved by using multiple displays include: - Frequent window switching that increases mental load and disrupts focus - Difficulty viewing multiple dashboards, design tools, or documents at once - Limited multitasking on a single screen - Cluttered or cramped workspaces that slow output Since many professionals rely on multiple monitors in their daily work, Skillable labs can replicate that experience. Using multiple displays in your lab helps create a realistic learning environment that closely mirrors real-world conditions. ## Best Practices for Using Multiple Displays The Skillable Lab Client supports multiple displays in two ways, depending on the lab setup: - Multiple VMs - Multiple displays to a single VM You can also combine these options if needed. ### Scenario 1: Multiple VMs When a lab includes multiple VMs, learners typically work in one VM at a time within the Skillable Lab Client. After completing a task, they switch to another VM. All VM windows remain docked within the client. If learners have multiple physical displays, they can undock one or more VMs into separate windows and place them on different monitors. This setup allows learners to view multiple VMs at once, reducing the need to switch back and forth. The image below shows an example. Using the option highlighted in the purple box, the second VM is undocked and displayed on a separate monitor. ![image.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a298db04-a0fe-47e0-bfe3-c52d6f9d7c8c/Images/Documentation/image%28728%29.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T14%3A16%3A29Z&se=2026-10-16T15%3A16%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=t3Jw0l9HFN9h9wEYvAJb7b8VJZsv%2F88%2B%2BGteqNBjMWs%3D) This capability is enabled by default and available for all VM-based labs. The next section focuses on using multiple displays for a single VM. ### Scenario 2: Multiple Displays to a Single VM Some applications perform better when multiple displays are available. For example, a medical application might show an ismage (such as an MRI scan) on one display and a related form on another. This setup reduces the need to switch between windows and provides a more natural workflow. The image below shows this configuration on a Linux VM, with Firefox stretched across two monitors to demonstrate true multiple-display support. ![image.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a298db04-a0fe-47e0-bfe3-c52d6f9d7c8c/Images/Documentation/image%28729%29.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T14%3A16%3A29Z&se=2026-10-16T15%3A16%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=t3Jw0l9HFN9h9wEYvAJb7b8VJZsv%2F88%2B%2BGteqNBjMWs%3D) Don't overload the learner Only enable multiple displays if they add clear value to the learning experience. Implement this feature when it improves usability--not just because it's available. ## Using Multiple Displays for a Single VM The ability to use multiple displays for a single VM is a powerful feature when working with several applications or tools that require additional screen space. Before enabling this feature in your Hands-on lab, consider: - What display setup is recommended for the application? - How would this application typically be used in production? - Will learners have access to multiple monitors? If one or more of these answers is **yes**, enabling multiple displays can improve usability and engagement by providing a realistic learner workflow. Once enabled, learners can open additional browser windows that act as extra displays into the same VM. They can move and arrange these windows across their physical monitors as needed. The Skillable Lab Client automatically detects the position of each browser window, allowing seamless navigation when dragging windows between displays. **Core features:** - Supports up 16 displays (depending on guest OS capabilities) - Auto-detects browser window positioning for smooth navigation - Supports Windows and Linux VMs with RDP enabled - Supports Hyper-V and ESX virtualization platforms Fine tuning the user experience When enabling multiple displays: - Disable OS features that "snap" window positioning for smoother window movement. - If Lab Instructions remain docked, recommend that learners keep the instructions pane on the rightmost screen. Dragging VM windows across the instructions window can disrupt the user experience. ## Multiple Display Configuration Options You can enable multiple displays in Skillable Studio using one of two methods: - Enhanced Session Mode (ESM) - Custom VM Endpoints Both methods provide complete solutions with different advantages. ### Using Enhanced Session Mode (ESM) If your labs already use ESM, this method may be the simplest option. | ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages | | --- | --- | | - No VM configuration required - Keeps the existing user experience - Simple configuration within the VM Profile, which is automatically applied to all Lab Profiles using that VM | - Requires login when reconnecting or adding displays - No automatic login - Supports only Hyper-V - Supports only Windows | ### Using VM Endpoints VM Endpoints offer more flexibility but slightly change the user experience. You may need to include additional lab instructions when using this option. | ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages | | --- | --- | | - Automatic login - Maintains login state (no reauthentication required) - Supports Hyper-V and ESX - Supports Windows and Linux - Compatible with nested virtualization | - Requires VM configuration changes - Must be configured per VM in each Lab Profile - Slight differences in the user experience | ## Next Steps - Configuring Labs with Multiple Displays ## Additional Resources - [Lab Profiles](/v1/docs/skillable-studio-lab-profiles) - [Virtual Machine Profiles](/v1/docs/virtual-machine-profiles) - [Custom VM Endpoints](/v1/docs/custom-vm-endpoints) If you’re experiencing an issue with a lab, platform feature, or your account, please submit a ticket to Skillable Support. Our Support team can help you troubleshoot errors, resolve access issues, and answer questions specific to your environment. If you noticed an error or have suggestions for improving this documentation, use the **Was this article helpful?** section below. Your input helps us keep our documentation accurate and up to date. > [!NOTE] > Was this article helpful? > > Please note that this feedback is for documentation only. Be sure to log in to your Skillable account when leaving feedback so we can respond directly. The interface that the user sees as they work in a lab. The interface is presented in a HTML5 compatible browser and normally contains two major components. One component presents the service the Learner will interact with, and the second component contains instructions and other resources to guide the Learner. Hands-on labs are cloud-based environments where learners engage with technology, software, and tools. By manipulating and practicity directly, users gain valuable skills. These labs are widely used for training, certification, and skill development across various domains. Microsoft hardware virtualization platform that enables the use of virtual machines. ESX hardware virtualization platform that enables the use of virtual machines. The lab content and instructions written in the Instructions Editor and displayed in the lab user interface. Skillable's lab building & authoring platform. Labs in Skillable Studio are housed in a Lab Profile. The Lab Profile contains the information about the configurable settings and the virtual machines that make up a lab. For a Lab Profile to be published it must be part of a Lab Series.