Yes, many proctored exams can detect if you’re using two monitors—or even if a second display is connected to your computer. Modern online proctoring platforms include Respondus Monitor, ProctorU, Examity, and Honorlock. They are designed to safeguard academic integrity by identifying potential cheating tools, and dual-monitor setups are a common red flag.
During the pre-exam system check, most proctoring software scans your device’s display configuration. If it detects more than one active monitor, it will often block you from starting the exam until you disconnect the extra screen. Some systems require you to physically unplug secondary monitors and may ask you to show the back of your computer during the room scan to confirm.
Even if the software doesn’t block you upfront, screen recording and activity monitoring can reveal suspicious behavior. Switching between displays, dragging windows off-screen, or unusual cursor movements may trigger alerts. In live-proctored exams, a human proctor can see your screen share and will notice if content appears on a second monitor or if your mouse disappears from view.
Some platforms go further: they may disable extended desktops or force your exam into full-screen mode that locks other displays. Attempting to bypass this—by using virtual machines, remote desktops, or mirrored screens—can still be detected through system logs or unusual performance patterns.
It’s important to note that even an inactive second monitor might be flagged, depending on the software. To avoid issues, disconnect all extra monitors before launching the exam.
Always check your exam provider’s technical requirements beforehand. Most explicitly state: only one monitor is allowed. Violating this rule—even unintentionally—can lead to your exam being paused, flagged, or invalidated.
In short, yes—proctored exams can and often do detect two monitors. The safest approach is to use a single-screen setup, ensure your testing environment meets all technical guidelines. Avoid anything that could be interpreted as an attempt to gain unfair advantage. When in doubt, simplify your workspace: one computer, one screen, and nothing else.