I'm assuming there is a splitter but I have no idea. It was already set up like that when I started so I'd have to look.
For your easy solution, I already have a cheap monitor that I could do that and laptop open for 2 screens which would totally work. What do I need to do to make that happen?
whatever the old style ones are called, it's not HDMI
Your down vote is stupid. The only time I use the desktop is when I need to update Plex with whatever new media I have acquired so no need for 2 monitors. My wife uses it the most and she doesn't have a use for 2 monitors at home.
I think this is what my buddy has set up at his place, sounds familiar