The editor of Downcodes will show you how to turn your laptop into a second monitor! In daily work or entertainment, one screen is often not enough. This article will introduce several methods in detail, including using the built-in functions of Windows system, third-party software and hardware solutions to help you easily achieve dual-screen display and improve efficiency. Whether it is a wireless connection or a wired connection, it can meet your needs. Let’s explore together how to make full use of existing resources to create an efficient and convenient office and entertainment environment!
Using your laptop as a monitor for another computer can be done through a wired connection, a wireless connection, or specific software or applications. The most common method is to use the built-in "project to this computer" function of Windows system, or use specific software such as SpaceDesk and Synergy. With the right setup and configuration, you can use your laptop as a second monitor, increasing productivity and multitasking capabilities.
1. Why use a laptop as a second monitor?
Sometimes, one screen space may not be enough to meet the needs of work or entertainment, and using a laptop as a second monitor can expand your work area for multitasking. This allows you to make full use of existing equipment resources without purchasing a new monitor.
2. Prerequisites for setting up the second monitor
Before setting up a laptop as a second monitor, you need to ensure that both computers are on the same network and running Windows 10 or above. In addition, the source computer must support Miracast wireless display technology, and check whether the laptop's "Project to this computer" setting is turned on.
3. Take advantage of Windows built-in functions
Windows 10 and above operating systems have built-in "Project to this PC" functionality, allowing you to use your laptop as a wireless display.
On the mirrored laptop:
Open the Settings app. Select "System" and click "Project to this PC." Configure the "Windows PCs and phones can project to this PC when you say it's OK" setting to make sure you can connect wirelessly.On the original computer:
Use the shortcut key Win+P to open the projection settings. Select "Connect to a wireless display" to find and connect to your laptop.4. Use third-party software
If the built-in functions do not meet your needs or you are using a different operating system, you can also choose third-party software to implement this function.
SpaceDesk:
On the laptop, as a second monitor, install SpaceDesk's viewer software. Install the SpaceDesk driver on the main computer, making sure both machines are on the same network. Launch the software to connect and configure display settings.Synergy:
This software allows you to share your mouse and keyboard between computers with different operating systems. Install the Synergy software and set one device as the main server, and other devices are connected to this server. During the connection process, you can choose to use your laptop's screen as an extended display on your host computer.5. Consider hardware solutions
Connecting through a hardware device, such as a video capture card, is also a way to use a laptop as a monitor, which is especially useful for refreshing older laptops.
KVM switch: Use a KVM switch (keyboard, video, mouse switch) to share a monitor between two computers. Connect your laptop to the KVM switch via the video output port and another computer to the same switch. Use the toggle button to switch the display between the two computers.6. Optimization settings and handling of common problems
When using a laptop as a second monitor, you may encounter some issues and challenges, such as resolution matching, lag, or unstable connections. To ensure the best experience, carefully adjust display settings such as resolution, display orientation, and refresh rate.
7. Summary
Using your laptop as a second computer monitor not only increases productivity, it's also a way to repurpose old hardware. Through the above methods, you can flexibly expand your digital work area and make full use of existing technology resources. However, please remember to ensure that the operating system version is compatible, the hardware requirements are met, and appropriate configuration adjustments are made before setting up to ensure smooth and stable use.
1. Can I use my laptop as another monitor using an HDMI connection? sure! Just make sure your laptop and the other device have HDMI ports. Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI interface between the notebook and another device, then press the "Win + P" keys on the notebook and select "Extended" mode to extend the notebook screen to another device.
2. In addition to using HDMI connection, are there any other ways to use the laptop as a monitor? In addition to HDMI connection, you can also use the notebook as a monitor by using software or wireless screen mirroring. By installing specific software, such as Splashtop or TeamViewer, you can cast your laptop's screen to another device in real time. In addition, some modern laptops have wireless screen projection capabilities. You only need to ensure that your laptop and another device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network to project the laptop screen to another device.
3. Will using a laptop as a monitor affect performance? Using your laptop as another monitor does have some impact on performance. Because screen projection requires additional computing resources to handle image transmission in real time. For some laptops with lower performance, this may cause delays or freezes. In addition, long-term use of laptop screen projection will also increase the power consumption of the laptop. Therefore, if you need to maintain good performance during long-term use, it is best to choose a dedicated monitor instead of a laptop screen.
I hope this article can help you easily implement dual-screen display and improve work efficiency! If you have any questions, please leave a message in the comment area. The editor of Downcodes looks forward to your feedback!