Dell E2221HN/E2421HN Dell Display Manager User’s Guide Monitor model: E2221HN/E2421HN Regulatory model: E2221HNf, E2421HNf
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. © 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners. 2020 - 09 Rev.
Contents Overview.....................................................................4 Using the Quick Settings Dialog................................... 5 Setting Basic Display Functions................................... 6 Assigning Preset Modes to Applications.........................7 Organizing Windows with Easy Arrange ........................8 Managing Multiple Video Inputs.................................. 10 Restoring Application Positions...................................
Overview Dell Display Manager is a Microsoft Windows application used to manage a monitor or a group of monitors. It enables manual adjustment of the displayed image, assignment of automatic settings, energy management, window organization, image rotation, and other features on selected Dell monitors. After installation, Dell Display Manager runs each time the system starts and places its icon in the notification tray.
Using the Quick Settings Dialog Click the Dell Display Manager’s notification tray icon to open the Quick Settings dialog box. When more than one supported Dell model is connected to the computer, a specific target monitor can be selected using the menu. The Quick Settings dialog box enables convenient adjustment of the monitor’s brightness and contrast levels. You can select Manual Mode or Auto Mode, and the screen resolution can be changed.
Setting Basic Display Functions You can select Manual Mode that enables you to manually select a preset mode or select Auto Mode that applies a preset mode based on the active application. An on-screen message displays the current preset mode whenever it changes. The selected monitor's Brightness and Contrast can also be directly adjusted from the Basic tab.
Assigning Preset Modes to Applications The Auto Mode tab allows you to associate a specific Preset Mode with a specific application, and apply it automatically. When Auto Mode is enabled, Dell Display Manager automatically switches to the corresponding Preset Mode whenever the associated application is activated. The Preset Mode assigned to a particular application may be the same on each connected monitor, or it can vary from one monitor to another.
Organizing Windows with Easy Arrange Easy Arrange helps you to effectively organize your application windows on the desktop. You first choose a pre-defined layout pattern which suits your work, then you just need to drag the application windows into the defined zones. Press “>” or use Page Up/Page Down key to find more layouts. To create a custom layout, arrange the open windows and then click Save. For Windows 10, you can apply different window layouts for each of the virtual desktops.
If you are using multiple monitors in an array or matrix, Easy Arrange layout can be applied across to all the monitors as one desktop. Select “Span multiple monitors” to enable this feature. You need to align your monitors properly to use it effectively. NOTE: Some application requires a minimum effective resolution for its window. The application may not fit in an Ease Arrange zone if the zone is smaller than the required window size.
Managing Multiple Video Inputs The Input Manager tab provides convenient ways for you to manage multiple video inputs connected to your Dell monitor. It makes it easy to switch between inputs while you work with multiple computers. All video input ports available to your monitor are listed. You can give each input a name as you like. Save your changes after editing.
You can use the dropdown list to switch to any available input source. NOTE: DDM communicates with your monitor even when the monitor is displaying video from another computer. You can install DDM on the computer you frequently use and control input switching from it. You may also install DDM on other computers connected to the monitor.
Restoring Application Positions DDM can help you restore application windows into their positions when you reconnect your computer to the monitor(s). You can quickly access this feature by right-clicking on DDM icon in the notification tray. If you choose “Auto-restore window layout”, your application windows' positions are tracked and remembered by DDM. DDM automatically puts the application windows into their original positions when you reconnect your PC to your monitor(s).
You may use monitors with different models or resolutions in your daily routine, and you may apply different window layouts on them. DDM is able to know the monitor you have reconnected and restore application positions accordingly. In case you need to replace a monitor in a monitor matrix configuration, you can save the window layout before replacement and restore the layout after a new monitor is installed. NOTE: You should keep your applications running in order to benefit from this feature.
Applying Energy Conservation Features On supported Dell models, an Options tab is available that provides PowerNap energy conservation options. You can choose to set the monitor's brightness to the minimum level, or to put the monitor to sleep when the screensaver is activated. Other Shortcut Keys You can define the shortcut keys for quick access to the following DDM functions: • Program shortcut key: to quickly open the Quick Settings dialog box.
Troubleshooting If DDM does not work with your monitor, DDM will show below icon in your notification tray. Click on the icon, DDM shows a more detailed error message. Please note that DDM only works with Dell branded monitors. If you are using monitors from other manufacturers, DDM does not support them. If DDM is unable to detect and/or communicate with a supported Dell monitor, please take below actions to troubleshoot: 1.
DDM may not work with below monitors: • Dell monitor models that shipped earlier than 2013 and D-series of Dell monitors. For more information see www.dell.com/support/monitors. • Gaming monitors using Nvidia-based G-sync technology. • Virtual and wireless displays do not support DDC/CI. • Some early models of DP 1.2 monitors, it may be necessary to disable MST/DP 1.2 using the monitor OSD.
