Requirements to use Laptop as Second Monitor?
Just like any recipe needs to have its ingredients and preparations sorted beforehand. We will look at the features and system requirements before we jump into execution details. Can I use my laptop as a monitor? The critical point is that this can only be executed on a window-based laptop and computer. If you are a macOS user, you will probably have to look for special instructions or methods to utilize it as an additional screen.
Here’s a list of items you need to use a laptop as second monitor.
- One primary computer to connect and control the whole setup.
- A laptop which is compatible to be used as the second screen.
- Preferably, both the computer and laptop have an updated version of Microsoft Windows 10.
Windows 10 has built-in Miracast technology, which aids the connection of the laptop and desktop easy for everyone. With this, you will probably be free from all cords, connectors, or wireless dongles hassle, given that both the systems have updated operation systems.
Worry not; if both your systems are not updated to the latest version, we can still have it utilized as an additional screen.
How to use a laptop as a monitor?
Laptops are one ideal and underrated option which can be used as a monitor if you don’t have any other option in sight. With Windows 10, there is innate support available for this functionality. You won’t be required to add any extra equipment apart from the primary desktop, your laptop, and a few minutes. Windows 10, known as Miracast, allows the user for video and audio data to be projected from the primary device to another.
Follow the below steps to use a laptop as a monitor
- Initiate the process by searching “settings” in the taskbar
- Select ‘system‘ from windows settings
- From the left side menus click on ‘Projecting to this PC‘
With this done, you must be ensuring that the real connection is secure. To do so, you must create a PIN; if you are concerned that other devices might project data to the screen or for security purposes, it is highly recommended to create a PIN. This way, you can ensure the connection while blocking out all the attached harms.
All you must do is enable the projection on your laptop and then do it on your primary device, which can be done by clicking the ” Windows Key + P ” It will have the projection settings popped up, and then you can select your laptop as the device to project to. With this done, you will be advanced to select the display type. If you are utilizing the laptop as the secondary system, go for the ‘Extend‘ option, enabling it to continue your desktop.
Some more ways of using a laptop as a monitor
The ‘Extend’ feature allows the user to utilize the laptop screen as a monitor and view the original screen, but you also have some more options for connecting the two. If you want the laptop screen to display the same information as the primary desktop, you can go for the available ‘Duplicate.’ Lastly, to show just the laptop screen and not the screen of the original monitor, go for the “second screen only.”
The third-party option to use laptop as second monitor
If you do not prefer the Windows 10 feature known as Miracast, then you can go for the third-party option for the multiple screen setup. Spacedesk is one free application that enables users to extend their laptops to be utilized as an additional monitor using the local area network. It can be done either through a wired or Wi-Fi connection. You can load the primary system’s spacedesk application and then on the laptop you wish to use as a secondary monitor.
With this done, you can begin your work with a perfect multiple screen setup. One of the highlighted perks of using spacedesk is that you can have more than one screen connected to the primary system. Not just one laptop but, several screens can be connected to one primary for better display and instead of working.
You can execute this by downloading and installing the space desk on the primary desktop. This is compatible with several versions like windows 7, windows 8.1, and Windows 10. The next step is downloading and installing the spacedesk windows viewer on the laptop you wish to use as a secondary screen.
Once both systems are installed, the space desk server on the main PC is ready for incoming connections that allow the user to mirror or extend the desktop display to another system. Before opening the connection, alter the connection setting utilizing the Functionality menu. This will ensure you use the primary system’s keyboard and mouse and set the screen resolution of the connection.
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Conclusion
Suppose you are thinking of utilizing your laptop as the multi-screen set up for work. In that case, you can either go for the Miracast technology or merely selecting the Second Screen Only to have the two systems connected for your work. This works perfectly fine without any need for cables or other connected devices. If you do not have a windows 10 option available with you and wish to use your laptop as the additional screen, you can connect an HDMI cord from your PC to your laptop or use the spacedesk option allowing you to switch to that display.
Source
https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-use-your-laptop-as-a-monitor
