Scaling Linux monitors with different resolutions?

So the following problem: My laptop (Dell XPS 15 9500) has a resolution of 3840x2400 (UHD + 16:10). I use Arch Linux (Manjaro) as the OS and Gnome as the desktop environment.

200% scaling on the 4k display works without problems, but when I connect an external monitor with a full HD resolution, I have problems with scaling. Because the notebook display should remain on 200% scale and the external FullHD monitor should be on 100% scale. But Linux does not seem to be able to scale different resolutions appropriately. Under Windows this is actually no problem at all and under Linux there just doesn't seem to be a smart solution.

I have already tried to manually scale the monitors differently with xrandr commands. It worked too, but then everything bugs around (mouse sometimes disappears randomly and 4k display sometimes shows visual errors).

Many users on other forums say that you should simply set the 4k display to 1080p, because supposedly you won't see a difference on a 15 "display anyway, but I can say with absolute conviction that I can see a difference and I see it I don't want to set my 4k display to Full HD. (No joke, I would rather use Windows again than to use my beautiful, crispy 4k display on 1080p).

So, does anyone know a solution now?

Typical Linux problems in my opinion. It is unsuitable as a desktop system. If your hardware fits, Macintosh would be an alternative or back to Windows. As you put it so nicely, it just works and the discussion is over. A system is supposed to reduce work, but constantly googling for solutions to get things halfway functional is annoying.

I would really advise you to use a different system.

Yes, I know, I just wanted to ask here, in case someone knows the perfect solution by chance. Already googled myself to death with the problem.

This works if you use "xrandr":

https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/253449/multiple-monitors-hidpi-scaling

… And I could imagine that the whole thing can also be solved permanently via the "xorg.conf" file.

Unfortunately, it's not the Klickibunti style.

As I said, I've already tried xrandr. It works, but it creates visual errors.

With Wayland you can define a separate scaling for each screen.

Or you just use the "beautiful" Windows that works sooo well.

Linux does the work for you: updates, security, availability of software. Some things are just not fully implemented, but in this case that only applies to XOrg. Wayland can do that, but it's not too common yet.

And macOS is really no alternative - unless I have too much money and hate technology.

I'm also a Linux & Privacy fan, but I see the whole thing objectively and not blinded, like most Linux users, and don't try to gloss over everything.

The fact is that Linux is more secure and better for privacy, and has a host of other benefits for servers.

But it is also a fact that Windows has far fewer problems. Such a problem with scaling is not even known under Windows. Under Windows, power management and therefore battery life is much better and that is a fact because everything has been better optimized for the masses.

Basically, Windows is of course more optimized for desktop use. However, choosing the right hardware also plays a decisive role under Linux. A notebook that is intended by the manufacturer for Linux will do no worse in terms of power management than a Windows system.

Unfortunately, multi-monitor systems are really not a strength of Linux. Wayland as the successor to X.Org will probably remedy this in the future. With the current version of GNOME as your desktop, you might be able to solve your problem now. Always assuming you are not using an Nvidia GPU.

I have hybrid so Intel and NVIDIA GPU.

In contrast, a Mac and the law works reliably. Don't get me wrong i love linux. The philosophy, the idea, but it is useless as a desktop. How is productive work possible when you have to google every problem and functions that are completely self-evident simply do not work.

Linux is interesting in the course of studies, yes you can let off steam there, but when you are finished and you have to and should bring projects to a conclusion, you don't have the time and leisure to deal with the system - it should primarily do what you say.

Yes, the programs are free, unfortunately most of them are really free. Everything does not seem sophisticated, not mature, nothing is really "rounded".

Linux is a hobbyist's playground in my opinion.

We're talking about desktop PCs here

The situation is different with servers

I had completely different experiences there. Every time I have to use a Windows system, I get the crisis because almost nothing works that I expect from an operating system. But maybe this is the wrong place for such a discussion.

And I'm not blinded. For gaming, for example. Windows is still the best - but that is not due to Windows, but to the game manufacturers. Linux also has some problems. But a sensible workflow is not possible for me under Windows due to a lack of skills such as freely definable keyboard shortcuts and a good implementation of virtual desktops.

Because almost nothing works, which I expect from an operating system.

Give me a few examples

Updates, updates of programs, restarts, simply moving windows, installing programs without having searched the Internet for 1 hour afterwards, with every new USB device the system first searches forever for drivers and then fails to create freely definable keyboard shortcuts, …

PS: the Windows Date Manager is an imposition. No split screen, no tags, all the time the folder structure on the left, which is cut off from the 2nd subfolder, and much more.

Wambuzi is right. You really have to reckon with every task that something will go wrong and then you can google again. That has absolutely nothing to do with a lack of knowledge or something. I was a full-time Linux user and software developer for 1.5 years and still keep coming up with new errors that I have never seen before. Above all, the errors are mostly small things that you do not even expect because they are such trivialities… There's something like that with Windows, of course, but it happens much less often and then it is not small things, but some bigger things. Which you mostly got yourself into.

Linux for servers is the best there's, but unfortunately it is really not ideal for desktop and just makes you more work.