DELL UltraSharp U3425WE Computer Monitor User Guide
- May 15, 2024
- Dell
Table of Contents
- UltraSharp U3425WE Computer Monitor
- Overview
- Downloading and setting up the DDM
- Before launching the DDM
- Launching DDM
- Main menu
- Adjusting the brightness and contrast
- Managing multiple video inputs
- Setting the monitor color preset mode
- Color management
- Adjusting monitor display settings
- Organizing windows with Easy Arrange
- Using the Application Window Snap
- Configuring the gaming settings
- Setting up the USB KVM
- Setting up the Network KVM
- Configuring the audio settings
- Personalize settings
- Applying energy conservation features
- Resetting monitor settings
- Import/Export application settings
- Additional settings
- Help
- Troubleshooting
- Improve DDM
- Updating DDM software and monitor firmware
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
Dell Display Manager for Windows
Version 2.3
User’s Guide
UltraSharp U3425WE Computer Monitor
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data
if instructions are not followed.
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
Overview
Dell Display Manager (DDM) is a Windows application used to manage a monitor
or a group of monitors.
DDM allows you to configure the monitor settings, control power settings,
organize applications in different screen layouts, and other functions on
supported Dell monitors.
After installing DDM, it runs each time you restart your computer. A quick
access icon is available in the system taskbar, with information about
connected monitors available when you hover your cursor over the DDM icon.
System requirements
DDM supports the following x86-based Windows:
- Windows 10 build 17763 and above
- Windows 11
NOTE: Certain functions are hardware dependent. See your monitor user
guide for information about the functions that are available.
NOTE: Screenshots in this document are for illustrative purposes only.
Some functions may not be supported by your monitor.
Downloading and setting up the DDM
Downloading the DDM
- Browse for your monitor model name, or type it in at https://0www.dell.com/support.
- Download the DDM for Windows from the list of downloads, and install it on your computer.
You can also visit https://www.dell.com/support/ddm and download the software from the site. The Dell support website detects the OS of the computer, and the Dell Display Manager download link will appear if you are browsing from a Windows OS computer. Alternatively, Windows OS can be selected from the Operating System drop-down list.
Connecting the monitor to your computer
- Connect the monitor to your computer by following the steps that are specified in the monitor user guide.
NOTE: The connectivity diagrams are for illustrative purposes only. See your monitor user guide for the complete information.
Before launching the DDM
Before launching the DDM, select Others on the monitor’s On-screen Display (OSD), and ensure that the DDC/CI function is set as On.
NOTE: Only Easy Arrange is enabled if the DDC/CI function is set as Off.
Launching DDM
Menu Launcher
Click the DDM icon on the system taskbar to open the Menu Launcher box. When
multiple Dell monitors are connected to the computer, you can select any
monitor from the drop-down list to control the settings of the monitor.
Alternatively, you can open the menu launcher from the program menu.
The Menu Launcher box provides quick access to the following commonly used functions:
- Brightness/Contrast
- Color
- Display
- Easy Arrange
- Audio
- KVM / Network KVM (optional)
- Gaming (optional)
Brightness/Contrast
Allows you to adjust the brightness and contrast (or luminance) level of the
selected model. If you have multiple monitors, select the monitor from the
drop-down list or move the dialog to the monitor you want to adjust.
NOTE: The minimum value of contrast setting is set to 25% to maintain the visibility on the screen.
NOTE: The Auto function is available on monitors equipped with an ambient light sensor.
Color
Change color preset to suit user preferences on the screen. For additional
settings, click More.
NOTE: For more information, See Auto change color preset when using specific application.
Display
Allows you to adjust resolution and refresh rate of the selected monitor. For
additional settings, click More.
Easy Arrange
A list of the recommended or recently used layouts and easy memory profiles
are displayed for quick selection, as shown in the following image. The Custom
Layout function allows you to save the current window arrangement on screen as
a custom layout.
Audio
For monitors that support Audio Profiles, you can select the preferred profile
from the Audio tab.
KVM
After setting up the KVM, you can switch keyboard and mouse between computers.
See Setting up the USB KVM to use the Setup wizard.
Network KVM
From the KVM tab, select Network KVM from the drop-down menu. This menu
provides quick access features based on the current Network KVM status. See
Setting up the Network KVM section to use the Setup wizard.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
No Setup | Setup Now | Click Setup Now to bring up the Network KVM setup screen. |
Single Display | Switch PC | When PBP is turned off, click Switch PC to switch |
the video input between computers.
Swap Screen| When PBP is on, swap the video input by one of the following
methods:
• Move the cursor to the monitor block and click the arrow that appears.
• Drag and drop one monitor block to another monitor block.
Multiple Displays| Swap Screen| • Move the cursor to the computer block and
click the arrow that appears.
• Drag the computer icon to arrange horizontal position.
Gaming
For the monitors that support vision engine, you can select and switch the
Vision Engine modes from the Gaming function.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Quick access to DDM | Shortcut key to launch the Menu Launcher box | • Configure |
your preferred hotkey (for example, Alt+M) to launch the Menu Launcher.
• To customize your preferred hotkey, select Personalize.
Select the monitor when multiple monitors are connected or drag the UI to the
monitor you want to control| • If you have more than one monitor connected,
you can select the monitor from the drop-down list or simply drag the UI to
the monitor you want to control.
• When the monitor is selected, the monitor icon with the model name appears
on the respective monitor screen to indicate the selected monitor.
• Press Alt+M to bring up the Menu Launcher of the monitor where the mouse
cursor is placed.
• If you have more than one monitor connected, press the configured hotkey for
a selected monitor where the mouse cursor is positioned.
Main menu
Launch DDM by one of the following methods:
-
On the system taskbar, right-click the DDM icon, and select Open Dell Display Manager.
-
Click the menu icon on the Menu Launcher to launch the main menu.
The menu system provides a set of menu and submenu to adjust the DDM functions.
Adjusting the brightness and contrast
On the DDM menu, select Brightness/Contrast to change the brightness and contrast levels.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Brightness/ Contrast | Manual | Adjust the brightness and contrast of the |
monitor manually.
Schedule| Adjust the brightness and contrast gradually according to day/night
profile that you have configured.
Auto| • Automatically adjust the brightness or color temperature by monitor
ambient light sensor when corresponding option is enabled.
• You can specify one primary monitor to sync brightness and/or color
temperature to other monitors.
Hotkey| Assign shortcut key to adjust brightness and contrast.
Synchronize between monitors| Enable this function to apply the brightness,
contrast, and color preset control to the connected monitors.
NOTE: The synchronization of monitor control is available only when two
or more monitors with the same brightness/contrast unit are connected.
NOTE: The minimum value of contrast setting is set to 25% to maintain the
visibility on the screen.
NOTE: Manual adjustment of Brightness and Contrast, Auto Brightness, and
Auto Color Temperature functions are disabled when Smart HDR or Dolby Vision
is activated and HDR content is displayed.
Setting the schedule for brightness and contrast
Select the Schedule tab to set the brightness and contrast schedule according
to day/night profile that you have configured.
-
Select the Schedule tab in the Brightness/Contrast menu. Adjust the brightness and contrast level by moving the sliders up or down. The default profile values follows the monitor current settings. Click Settings button to configure the profile timing or preview the profile transition effect.
-
Adjust the starting time and duration for Day and Night time. Click Close to save and exit the menu.
NOTE: The schedule function is available on monitors that are not equipped with an ambient light sensor.
Setting the Auto function for brightness and contrast
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Auto | Auto Brightness | Turns on the Auto Brightness and the monitor Brightness |
setting automatically adjust according to the ambient light
Auto Brightness Range Level| When Auto Brightness is turned on, adjust the
Auto Brightness Range Level of the Auto Brightness.
NOTE: When Auto Brightness is turned off, this function is not available
Auto Color
Temperature| Turns on Auto Color Temperature and the monitor RGB color
settings automatically adjust according to the ambient light.
Primary Monitor for Synchronization| Turns on Primary Monitor for
Synchronization if you have multiple Dell monitors that support this function
connected, and you want the other monitors to adjust their Brightness or RGB
settings according to the ambient light condition detected by the primary
monitor.
NOTE: When Auto Brightness and Auto Color Temperature are both turned
off, Primary Monitor for Synchronization is not available.
NOTE: The Auto function is available on monitors equipped with an ambient light sensor.
Assigning shortcut keys
Click Hotkey in the Brightness/Contrast menu, assign shortcut key to adjust
brightness and contrast.
If multiple monitors are connected, the configured hotkeys will be synchronized across the monitors. To trigger the brightness/contrast or luminance adjustments, move the mouse over the desired monitor.
Managing multiple video inputs
The Input Source menu allows you to manage multiple video inputs that are
connected to your Dell monitor. This makes it easy to switch between inputs
while you work on multiple computers.
Under General, all of the video input ports available on your monitor are
displayed.
You can assign each input a name and an USB upstream port.
NOTE: For more information, See your monitor user guide for the available inputs.
Configuring the PIP/PBP mode
-
Click PIP/PBP to enable the split screen function on the supported models.
-
Click Toggle between positions to change the PIP position.
-
From the Input 1 drop-down list, select the main input, followed by selecting the sub-input from the Input 2 drop-down list to change the main or sub inputs.
-
Click USB Switch to switch the USB upstream port that is associated with active input sources.
-
Click Video Swap to swap input sources.
NOTE: For more information, See your monitor user guide for the available PIP/PBP functions.
Assigning shortcut keys
You can assign shortcut keys for quick access to the Input Source functions.
Alternatively, switch the input source from the Current input source drop-down list.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Hotkeys | Toggle current input source | Configure your preferred hotkey (for |
example, Alt+C) to toggle the input sources.
Favorite input| Configure your preferred hotkey to toggle to your favorite
input source.
Switch between 2 input sources| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example,
Alt+I) to toggle between the two frequently used input sources.
Swapping 2 inputsof PIP/PBP windows| Configure your preferred hotkey (for
example, Alt+W) to swap the PIP/PBP main and subinput.
Zoom In/Out PBP 4 windows| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example,
Alt+Z) to zoom in/out the PBP window.
Change PIP position| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example, Alt+Q) to
change the position of PIP.
UnderScan| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example, Alt+A) to enable or
disable underscan.
NOTE: The underscan function is supported only on the following models:
• Dell U4320Q
• Dell U4323QE
NOTE: For more information, see your monitor user guide for the available
PIP/PBP functions.
NOTE: If there are multiple monitors connected, the configured hotkeys
will be synchronized across the monitors for ease of use. To trigger the
function for the selected monitor, move the mouse to the monitor and press the
hotkey.
Setting the monitor color preset mode
The Color menu allows you to associate color preset mode with an application.
When you select the Auto Mode, the DDM automatically switches to the
corresponding color preset mode whenever the associated application is
activated.
The color preset mode assigned to a particular application may be the same on
each connected monitor, or it can vary from one monitor to another.
To add a new application to the assignment list, click Add application to
select applications or drag it from the Windows Programs/Desktop and drop to
the current list. Select the color preset mode from the drop-down list for
each application to associate preset to the applications.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Color | Manual | Select the color preset mode manually from the user interface. |
Auto | • Enable this function to activate the color preset mode automatically |
when the associated application is selected as the active window.
• Click the drop-down list to assign a preset mode to an application.
Night light| Change the night light setting.
Auto change color preset when using specific application
-
Select Auto.
-
Click Add application.
-
Select desired applications and click OK.
-
Select desired color preset when using the application.
NOTE: The color preset mode assignments for batch files, scripts, shortcuts, and non-executable files, such as zip archives or packed files are not supported.
Color management
This feature provides the optimum color experience by matching the color space
of the monitor with the International Color Consortium (ICC) profile.
On the supported Dell models, Color management options are available by
pressing Advanced button in the Color menu. You can choose Automatically
adjust the ICC color profile based on color preset or Automatically adjust the
color based on ICC profile.
Automatically adjust the ICC color profile based on color preset
The corresponding ICC profile in Windows is changed when you change the color
preset from the monitor OSD menu.
Automatically adjust the color based on ICC profile
The corresponding color preset is set in the monitor when you change the ICC
profile in Windows. You can click the ICC profile link to add the color
profile installed for the monitor.
NOTE: Currently, this function is not supported when display is set to
show only on external monitor.
Changing the ICC/ICM profile in Windows
Select a color profile from the Color Profile drop-down list in Display
settings.
Adjusting monitor display settings
On the DDM menu, select Display to change common monitor settings.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Display | Resolution & Refresh Rate | Adjust the resolution and refresh rate of |
the display setting.
Change the sizeof text, apps, and other items| cale the user interface
component up or down.
Orientation| Change the orientation of the monitor operating system display.
NOTE: For monitors that support changing orientation from DDM, the
monitor OSD orientation setting will change accordingly.
Smart HDR| Turn on/off HDR of the monitor and the display settings.
NOTE: The Smart HDR function is only available for monitors that support this function.
USB-C prioritization
From the Display menu, press Advanced to set the preferred USB-C
prioritization option.
NOTE: USB-C prioritization is only available for monitors that support this function.
Organizing windows with Easy Arrange
The Easy Arrange menu simplifies the way applications are displayed on windows on your monitor.
Layout
Perform the following steps to organize the windows:
- Select any of the predefined layouts to virtually divide the screen into multiple zones.
- Drag the application to your selected zone to position it in the zone. The application snaps to the selected zone.
Portrait mode of the Easy Arrange layouts are displayed when you rotate the monitor
Customized layout
You can add a new customize layout to your preference. Perform the following
steps to add a new customize layout:
-
Arrange the windows on your screen, then click the + icon. The layout will be set according to your windows arrangement.
-
On the save dialog, choose an layout name for the new layout.
-
Click Save to complete customization.
You can also edit any existing layout to your preference. Perform the following steps to customize an existing layout:
-
Hover the mouse cursor over the layout to be customized, and click the pen icon.
-
The layout with RED grid lines appear on screen. Press on the RED grid line to adjust the layout.
-
The RED grid line changes to GREEN line as you drag the line to adjust the layout size. Release the line when done.
-
On the save dialog, choose an layout name for the new layout.
-
Click Save to complete customization.
Easy Memory
Easy Memory allows user to save application or files in their respective
partition into different profiles and restore them manually, by scheduled time
or at system start-up. Perform the following steps to create profile and
launch it:
-
Click the + icon to create a new profile.
-
Input the profile name and select a layout. Click Next.
-
Assign application or file to be shown in each partition by clicking + or by dragging the file into partition. Click Next.
-
Configure the time to launch the profile and click Finish.
Easy Arrange Memory usability may vary according to application type and
launch behavior. Easy Memory works with general productivity apps such as
Microsoft Office, Adobe, Web browsers and more.
Easy Memory might not be able to perform a window partition at launch if any
of the following takes place:
- App displays a pop-up dialog box upon launch (i.e., login screen, error dialog, or unsaved files)
- App is launched in full screen mode
- Files are opened as individual tabs within the app
- Overlapping Easy Arrange layouts
Settings
Configure the personal preferences.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Easy Arrange | Hotkey: Recent | Configure a hotkey (for example, Alt+R) to |
select recently used layouts. You can also change to your preferred hotkey
here.
Allow application tosplit side by side without gap| Enable this function to
allow application snap side by side without a gap.
Allow only zone positioning when SHIFT key is pressed| Enables the Easy
Arrange menu by pressing the Shift key.
Span across multiple monitors| If you are using multiple monitors in an array
or matrix, the Easy Arrange layout can be applied across all the monitors as
one desktop. You need to align your monitors properly to make it effective.
Application Window Snap| Snap any application into a split screen layout
easily by dragging into the partition.
NOTE: If an application window cannot fit in the zone that is defined by
Easy Arrange, the application may not display properly.
NOTE: The Span across multiple monitors can be enabled only for all
connected monitors that have the same physical size, resolution, scaling
settings, and are placed side by side.
Using the Application Window Snap
The Application Window Snap is designed to enable application placement on any
screen quickly. When this function is enabled in DDM, dragging the application
triggers a floating menu that contains recently-used Easy Arrange layouts.
Drop the application to any one of the listed layouts to perform window
placement.
When this function is turned on, it replaces the Easy Arrange option such that
the user can snap their application conveniently to the respective monitor and
zone in the four most recently used Easy Arrange layouts.
You can enable this feature by one of the following methods:
-
Launch DDM, go to Easy Arrange menu, and enable the Application Window Snap function.
-
Right-click the DDM icon on the status bar, and select Application Window Snap to enable the function.
-
Drag the application window and drop it into one of the zone on the floating menu.
-
The application will be snapped into the select zone.
You may turn this function off from the Easy Arrange menu when you want to use Span across multiple monitors.
Configuring the gaming settings
You can configure the Gaming menu that is available only on Alienware and Dell Gaming monitors.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
General | Game Enhance Mode | Select the game enhance mode from the drop-down |
list.
Response Time| Select the response time from the drop-down list.
Dark Stabilizer| Select the dark stabilizer from the drop-down list.
Dark Stabilizer Toggle| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example, Alt+S)
to toggle the dark stabilizer levels. You can also change to your preferred
hotkey.
Smart HDR| Toggle Smart HDR on or off. When Smart HDR is on, select the HDR
mode or the Dolby Vision mode from the drop-down list.
Color Preset| Click Color Preset for more color options.
Vision Engine| Vision Engine| Select one or more vision engines that you can
use when playing games.
Toggle Vision Engine| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example, Alt+T) to
toggle the Vision Engine. You can also change to your preferred hotkey.
NOTE: The Gaming menu functions and available options vary depending on the model of the monitor.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision allows you to set the Dolby Vision HDR mode to:
- Bright: Compliant with Dolby Vision Bright mode settings.
- Dark: Compliant with Dolby Vision Dark mode settings.
- Game: The mode will be automatically activated once the Dolby Vision games are detected. Also, you can select this mode to enable Dolby Vision for gaming.
NOTE: The feature is disabled when there is no Dolby Vision content displayed, or Smart HDR is set to Off, or Custom Color HDR (under Smart HDR) is selected.
Setting up the USB KVM
Monitors with USB KVM support allow connected computers to share keyboard and
mouse during setup.
To setup, select USB KVM, click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions to
set up the computers that are connected to the monitor.
-
Pair the input sources with their connectors and assign preferred names.
-
Connect keyboard and mouse to the monitor.
-
Select a preferred layout.
-
Click Download to download Dell Display Manager (Windows) or Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (Mac) for other computers you wish to connect. Finally, click Finish to save and exit KVM setup.
NOTE: DDM communicates with your monitor even when the monitor is
displaying video from another computer. You can install Dell Display Manager
(Windows) or Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (Mac) on the computer you
frequently use, and control input switch from it.
You can also install Dell Display Manager (Windows) or Dell Display and
Peripheral Manager (Mac) on other computers connected to the monitor.
Changing USB KVM configuration
You can change the USB KVM configuration after completing the KVM setup either
by running the setup instructions again or changing the screen configuration
by clicking Configure screen.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Single display | Change video input | Change current video input by clicking the |
desktop computer icon or press hotkey.
PIP/PBP| Video swap| Swap video input of main/sub by clicking the arrow or
press hotkey (only available in PIP or PBP side by side layout).
USB switch| Click the keyboard and mouse icon or press hotkey to toggle USB
upstream port of active input sources.
-
Click Configure screen to enter the KVM configure screen page and change the screen layout.
-
Click Hotkey to enter the Hotkeys page and configure KVM hotkeys.
NOTE: Only relevant hotkeys in accordance with your screen configuration will be displayed.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Hotkeys | Switch between computers | Configure your preferred hotkey (for |
example, ALT+P) to switch between the computers in single display mode.
Switch keyboard and mouse| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example,
ALT+U) to switch keyboard and mouse between computers in PBP or PIP mode.
Change PIP position| Configure your preferred hotkey (for example, Alt+Q) to
change the PIP position.
Automatically allow mouse to move between two PBP windows| Check to enable
the keyboard and mouse switching from one computer to another computer by
sliding across the edge when PBP mode is turned on
Input source hotkey| Click Input source hotkey for more hotkey configuration.
Setting up the Network KVM
For monitors that support the Network KVM function, any computer can share its
connected keyboard and mouse with other computers that are connected to the
same network. It also allows file transfer between computers through the
network.
The Network KVM is available in the KVM wizard. Click the Network KVM block
and follow the on-screen instructions to setup Network KVM.
NOTE: The Network KVM is only available for selected monitors that
support this function.
NOTE: Disconnect Network KVM before switching to another user.
Network KVM will reconnect to the current cluster when Network KVM is turned
on, when the computer wakes from suspension, when connecting to a supported
monitor, or when network configuration changes. Access data for each user is
saved separately.
-
Select the Network KVM block and click Next to start the setup.
NOTE: If DDM or DDPM is not installed on the target computer, click Dell Display Manager (Windows) or Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (Mac) to access Dell support page to download the application for the intended computer. Ensure that you complete all items on the checklist. -
Network KVM scans for all computers that are in the same subnet to determine the best mode for the setup.
• If there is only one monitor available, and all computers in the subnet are connected to it, Network KVM selects Single display mode and connects them automatically. Proceed to the Single display mode.
• If there are computers in the subnet that are connected to different monitors, Network KVM displays the Add PC page. Click Add to connect the computer.
• If the scan does not identify any available computers, follow the on-screen instructions for troubleshooting, then click Retry to initiate another scan.
NOTE: If the computer you wish to add is still not found, click Change Network Adapter to change the scanning adapter. You can also click Enter IP to manually input IP to establish connection. -
When connecting to a computer with a different monitor for the first time, a PIN appears on the remote computer that your are connecting to. Enter the PIN on the local computer to continue the connection process.
NOTE: If the local computer is connected to another remote computer, the screen prompts user to click Show to display the PIN code.
-
When the remote computer is connected, the computer is shown as Added.
-
Network KVM selects best mode of setup depending on status of connected computers.
Computer and monitor connection | Description |
---|---|
All computers are connected to the one and only monitor. | The Network KVM |
sets in the Single display mode.
Connects to a computer which is not logged-in.| The Network KVM sets in the
Multiple display mode.
Connects to a computer which is connected to more than one monitor.
Connects to a computer which is connected with another monitors
NOTE: Network KVM enables computer control before logging into or out of Windows. It disconnects after login/logout and reconnects when Network KVM is available again, causing a delayed connection during the login/logout process.
Single display mode
For Single display mode, select a preferred PBP layout and click Finish to
complete the setup.
NOTE: Network KVM supports full screen and PBP, but does not support PIP.
Network KVM automatically saves up to five recently used clusters. Select a
recent cluster from the drop-down list to resume or edit previously saved
cluster.
NOTE: For managing recent clusters, See Setting up the Network KVM configuration.
Using the Network KVM
The connected computers act as one Cluster to run KVM functions. Each Cluster
may contain up to a maximum of four computers.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Cluster | Keyboard and mousesharing | Share keyboard and mouse input with |
connected computers, but only one computer is in control at any given time.
NOTE: When using a high DPI mouse, you may experience delayed response
from remote computers due to bandwidth limitations.
NOTE: Certain key combinations, function keys, specialized keys, and
touch bar keys are not supported for controlling remote computers.
Mouse crossing| The mouse cursor can cross to other connected computers. The
crossing point is determined by KVM settings.
Clipboard sharing| Allows you to copy clipboard text, image, or files to other
connected computers.
NOTE: Cut and Paste is not supported on remote computers.
Drag and drop| Allows you to drag and drop text or files to other connected
computers.
CAUTION: Dell Display Manager enables secure content and file sharing
between computers with end-to-end encryption.
However, it does not function as anti-malware software, providing no scanning
or protection against malicious files during transfers. It is strongly
recommended to install anti- malware or other security tools before utilizing
File and Content Transfer in Network KVM. If you prefer not to share files
between computers, you can navigate to KVM Settings > Manage Cluster to turn
off this feature.
NOTE: You have the option to adjust the mouse crossing point through
laptop screen arrangement. If there is a screen positioned between the
crossing points in a monitor setup with PBP mode, the mouse might be unable to
move to that screen. In such instances, Network KVM may automatically
rearrange your monitor positions.
NOTE: The established Cluster may not resume connection after Network KVM
is turned back on from the off state, after the main computer is wake from
suspension, or after connecting to a supported monitor. In this case, you may
manually switch the cluster from the drop-down list, or you may manually
connect the offline computer from the Network KVM main page.
- See below table for supported Copy and Paste and Drag and Drop actions.
| Copy and Paste| Drag and Drop
---|---|---
Text (editor)| Supported| Supported
File (folder)| Supported| Supported
Image (editor)| Supported| Not supported
File (editor)| Not supported| Not supported
When copying files to another computer, a File Transfer dialog appears. You can track current transfer progress, view error, or cancel the transfer.
NOTE: Filenames with characters that are forbidden under Windows operating system are not supported.
Cluster overview
Network KVM displays current cluster overview after setup is complete.
NOTE: Network KVM overview may vary depending on the type of setup.
Single display (PBP Off)
-
Click Configure screen to enter the KVM configure screen page and change the screen layout.
-
Click Reposition Screens to enter the Display page and swap computer positions.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Reposition Screens | Swap screen | Drag and drop the monitor block to arrange |
horizontal position. The blue, enlarged block is the monitor that is
connected to the currently active computer.
Identify| Click Identify to show the assigned designation number of each
computer connected to the monitor.
Single display (PBP On)
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Single display | Video swap | • Move the cursor to the monitor block and click |
the arrow that appears.
• Drag and drop one monitor block to another monitor block.
NOTE: For switching computer hotkey, See Setting up the Network KVM configuration.
Multiple Displays
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Multiple displays | Swap screen | • Move the cursor to the monitor block and |
click the arrow that appears.
• Drag and drop one monitor block to arrange horizontal position.
NOTE: Review the display settings on each computer in your operating
system to assess the layout of multi-displays and settings.
NOTE: You can connect and control up to four computers in a Network KVM
setup.
NOTE: If DDM is unable to read PBP position through DDC/CI, Network KVM
automatically selects multiple displays setup, which arranges computers in
horizontal positions instead of monitor PBP positions.
System overview
Information of all computers on a cluster is displayed at the bottom of the KVM menu. The local computer has a blue border. The connected computers are shown in white, while disconnected computers are shown in gray.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
System overview | Connect | • Right-click the computer block to display menu, |
then click Connect to reconnect a disconnected computer.
• Click the connect button to reconnect a disconnected computer.
Disconnect| • Right-click the computer block to display menu, then click
Disconnect to disconnect a connected computer.
• Click the disconnect button to reconnect a disconnected computer.
Delete| Right-click the computer block to display menu, then click Delete to
remove the computer from the cluster.
Switch PC| In Single display mode with PBP Off, click Switch PC to switch
video input between computers.
Setting up the Network KVM configuration
You can change the Network KVM configuration by using the KVM Settings on the
bottom-right of the KVM menu.
Network
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Network | Ports (Outgoing Port, Incoming Port, Content Transfer) | Allows you to |
setup network and file transfer ports. The port number must be between 1024
and 49151. Each port must be distinct from all others.
Network KVM| When Network KVM detects abnormal activities, it automatically
locks the network feature for security purposes. Toggle the switch to unlock.
Network KVM Access expiry date| To enhance security, Network KVM expires the
access files every year. After your access expires, you must setup the
cluster again.
Renew Network KVMAccess| For security purposes, if your access is compromised,
you can renew the access.
After renewing the access, you will have to authenticate your remote
computers again.
Managing clusters
You can change the configuration of five most-recent clusters.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Manage Cluster | Rename cluster | Click the name or the pencil button to edit |
cluster name.
Delete cluster| Click the delete button to delete cluster.
Auto connect| Select the check-box to automatically resume cluster at DDM
startup.
Allow content transfer| Select the check-box to allow sharing clipboard and
files.
NOTE: The settings for content transfer and auto connect follow the cluster creator’s initial setting and can be modified in KVM settings. The settings are synced with other connected computers in the same cluster.
Hotkeys
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Hotkeys | Network KVM: Switch between PC’s hotkey | Press this hotkey to switch |
between computer sources in Single display mode.
Restore the mouse cursor to a local computer.| Move the control back to the
primary monitor of the computer which the keyboard is connected. The mouse
pointer returns to the center of the primary monitor.
NOTE: If the primary monitor of the computer is not active, Network KVM
will switch the monitor input source to the computer.
Input source hotkey| Assign hotkey to switch input sources.
NOTE: Hotkey settings in Network KVM sync automatically with all connected computers in the cluster.
Configuring the audio settings
From the Audio menu, set the preferred Audio Profiles for your monitor.
Personalize settings
Changing Menu Launcher configuration
-
Click Configure to change the quick access function on Menu Launcher.
-
Select function from the drop-down list. Click Add function to add more functions to the Menu Launcher.
-
Click Reset all to reset the functions of Menu Launcher.
NOTE: The available functions may differ depending on the configuration of your monitor.
Changing Launch DDM Hotkey configuration
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
Personalize | Launch Menu Launcher | Configure a hotkey (for example, ALT+M) to |
bring up the Menu Launcher box of the monitor where the mouse cursor is
currently located.
Launch Main Menu| Configure a hotkey (for example, ALT+D) to bring up the Main
Menu of the monitor where the mouse cursor is currently located.
Applying energy conservation features
On the supported Dell models, PowerNap energy conservation options are available under Others menu. You can choose to set the brightness of the monitor to the minimum level, or to put the monitor to sleep when the screen saver is activated.
NOTE: PowerNap option is disabled in PBP or PIP to prevent disruption of the normal activities.
Resetting monitor settings
Click Reset to reset all monitor settings under Others menu.
Import/Export application settings
You can use this function to export the monitor settings from one monitor and import into another monitor of the same model.
-
Click Export to store a copy of the application and monitor settings of selected monitor to a file, and click OK when export is successful.
-
To import the settings from a previously exported file, click Import and select the file. The monitor settings will be applied to all of the connected displays of the same model.
-
DDM will restart after the file is imported.
Additional settings
There are additional DDM settings available under Settings. Click Settings icon to make setting adjustments.
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
General | Change application language | Apply preferred language to DDM. The |
default preferred language is the first language on the preferred language
list, which follows the Windows language configuration.
Auto-load at startup| Launch DDM when the computer starts up.
Enable on screen notification| Allow DDM to show notification message.
Save diagnostic report| Click Save Diagnostic Report to save the diagnostic
report. The report contains system and monitor related information along with
DDM runtime logs.
Save monitor asset report| Click Save Monitor Asset Report to save monitor
asset report. The report contains monitor Extended Display Identification Data
(EDID) information for all connected monitors.
Help
There are additional software and monitor information available in Help. Click the “?” icon to access the Help screen.
You can obtain software information by clicking here. You can also obtain
model name, service tag, manufactured date, and firmware information of the
monitor.
Click Close to exit the Help screen.
Troubleshooting
Understand the different states of DDM
Feature | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
DDM icon | Searching | Searching for the supported monitors. |
Connected | The supported monitors are connected. |
NOTE: You can right click to refresh if your supported monitor is not
listed in the DDM drop-down menu.
Unable to connect| Either there are no supported monitors connected or there
is communication error in connecting your monitor.
See reasons for unable to detect monitor in the section below.
If DDM does not work on your monitor, you will see the following icon and message in the status menu.
NOTE: DDM works only on selected Dell-branded monitors and is not supported on the monitors from other manufacturers.
Dell monitors not supported by DDM
DDM may not work with the following monitors:
- Dell monitor models not included in DDM for Windows supported list. For more information, see https://www.dell.com/support/ddm
- Monitors not listed in DDM for Windows support list. Virtual and wireless monitors do not support DDC/CI
Unable to detect supported Dell monitor
In the following scenarios, Dell Display Manager might not be able to
communicate with the monitor.
- The primary monitor has turned on Multi-Monitor Sync (MMS).
- The monitor is busy with color calibration.
- The monitor has Screen Partition turned on.
- DDC/CI is turned off.
If DDM cannot identify or establish communication with a compatible Dell monitor, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Make sure the video cable or USB upstream cable is properly connected to your monitor and your computer. Ensure all the connectors are correctly connected to the ports.
- Check the monitor OSD to ensure DDC/CI is enabled.
Unable to connect to Network KVM
If you encounter difficulty connecting to a remote computer through Network
KVM, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Verify the firewall settings and confirm that all Dell Display Manager items are enabled.
- Ensure that all applications permitted to communicate through Windows Defender Firewall are selected.
- Reach out to your network administrator and confirm that all network ports (default 5566, 5567, 5568) are open for both inbound and outbound communication.
Network KVM switches to another cluster
Network KVM unexpectedly switches to another cluster during normal use. This
is because Network KVM binds the connected monitor to a cluster when:
- user creates a cluster.
- user selects a cluster.
For optimum usage, Network KVM attempts to resume connection with the cluster that has the highest priority. If connection fails, Network KVM goes down in order and attempts to connect with another cluster. When this happens, you can manually select the cluster you wish to use from the KVM menu.
Compatibility between application installed on your system
DDM is backward compatible with previous version. Recommended to always use
the latest DDM version.
Getting more information about troubleshooting
You can Save Diagnostic Report or Save Monitor Asset Report to provide more
information to Dell service center for troubleshooting.
Save Diagnostic Report
Right click DDM icon and select Save Diagnostic Report or click the Save
Diagnostic Report button from Settings. The report contains system and monitor
related information along with DDM runtime logs.
Save Monitor Asset Report
Right click DDM icon and select Save Monitor Asset Report or click the Save
Monitor Asset Report button from Settings. The report contains monitor
Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) information for all connected
monitors.
Improve DDM
Check the Help Dell improve its products and services automatically if you consent to provide diagnostic and usage data to Dell server automatically. This data helps to improve Dell products and services.
Updating DDM software and monitor firmware
If your computer is connected to the Internet, you will be prompted to upgrade
to a newer version of DDM or monitor firmware when the updated version is
available. It is recommended to download and install the latest DDM
application and monitor firmware.
Click Update in Settings to update the DDM software or monitor firmware.
You can also check for new version by clicking Check For Updates in Settings.
Updating the monitor firmware
-
Click Update in Settings to update monitor firmware. The download progress bar will appear once the process begins.
-
After download is complete, a dialog box appears to prompt for confirmation.
Follow the on-screen instruction to disconnect all other monitors before clicking Yes.
-
The DDM will be temporarily unavailable, and Monitor Firmware Update Utility will appear and start to update automatically.
-
After update is complete, the Monitor Firmware Update Utility will close automatically.
NOTE: The Monitor Firmware Update Utility will update all monitors with the same model in order.
NOTE: DDM will launch automatically after monitor firmware update is complete.
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