How To Use a Laptop as a Second Monitor

how to use a laptop as a second monitor

These days, with so many individuals working from home. To be more successful, you’ll certainly need two screens.

You don’t have to go out and get a new monitor right now.

If you have a functioning laptop running Windows 10, you may connect it to your PC or another laptop to serve as an additional display.

This feature is included in Windows 10 and is simple to set up.

It’s not exactly the same as having a second monitor attached via cable since the connection is wireless, but it may be useful if you’re stuck and need a solution.

Because Miracast is used, you may be able to use your TV as a second screen if you have a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.

This article will show you how to use your laptop as a second screen or monitor.

The main advantage of laptops is their mobility, which enables you to work anywhere you want, whenever you want.

Most people are unaware that if you’re sitting at a desk and don’t have another display device nearby, you may use your laptop as a monitor.

The easiest option is to utilise several monitors to extend the display of your laptop, which is a great way to boost your productivity.

Without having to move between several tabs, you may quickly read numerous web sites or cross-reference a document.

Instead of just mirroring your laptop’s screen on the monitor, you may utilise both displays to display separate applications and information.

Here’s a quick rundown of the procedure:

  • Using the laptop as a second screen, go to Settings.
  • System of clicks
  • Select Projecting to This PC from the drop-down menu.
  • Select your options.
  • Go to the second PC or laptop and do the same thing.
  • To connect to a wireless display, press Win-P and choose Connect to a wireless display.
  • Wait for your other laptop to be discovered.
  • Please pick whether to replicate or expand it after selecting it.

If you use a laptop as your main computer for business, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the issue of ports. 

These USB-C docks, on the other hand, allow you to add additional USB ports and video outputs for connecting displays.

Configure a Laptop as a Second Screen

Go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC on the laptop you want to use as your second display.

Press Windows Key + P on your main device, then click the ‘Connect to a Wireless Display’ option at the bottom. If your PC does not have Wi-Fi, this will most likely not display.

Because Windows views your laptop as a monitor rather than a laptop, your PC will search for available displays and give you the option to Extend or Duplicate once it has located one.

Extend, as the name suggests, will consider the extra screen as an extension of your existing configuration, providing you more room to work with. 

The duplicate will make your secondary screen precisely mirror your primary screen, resulting in two displays with the identical information. 

However, after you’ve made your choice, your main device will be connected to the monitor in the manner you’ve chosen.

If you have an extra monitor, we can also assist you in connecting it to your laptop or, more likely, a PC.

How to Use a Second Screen as a Collaboration Point?

You may utilise your second display laptop as a collaboration point by connecting it to your primary device and allowing people to write and use the mouse on it.

A check box will appear when you connect the screen, allowing you to enter extra information.

If you check this option, this monitor will accept input from a mouse and keyboard when connected to another PC.

There aren’t many situations in which this is useful, but it is. Nonetheless, it exists.

Check out how to convert your laptop into a desktop PC for additional information on utilising your laptop with an external monitor. You’ll probably be interested in learning how to set up a home office as well.

Repurpose a Tablet As a Second Monitor

If you already have a tablet, you may repurpose it as a second, smaller monitor rather than purchasing a new one.

Apple’s Sidecar is a built-in feature of the Mac operating system that enables iPads to connect to your computer through USB-C or Lightning.

If you don’t use Apple goods solely, third-party applications may help you accomplish the same goal. 

You may use Duet Display to link Android or iOS tablets to Mac or Windows computers. If you vary your platforms often, this is a more comprehensive alternative to consider.

Attach a Monitor Directly to Your Laptop

Some monitors, believe it or not, are specifically intended to serve as supplementary laptop screens.

The Deux Pro, for example, is a display that attaches to the back of your laptop’s screen. When you need it, it may slip out to the side, then back in and out of sight when you’re done.

This will save you a lot of room, and you can carry it with you when you travel.

So, even if you didn’t connect the monitor to your laptop directly, there are still portable displays that are intended to operate off of a single connection, which means they don’t need additional power.

These are simple to tuck into your laptop bag and plug in anytime you need a little more room without becoming too bulky.

Offload Some of Your Work to Your Phone

Even if you work from home, chances are you carry a smartphone or tablet in your pocket or have one on your desk.

It may be feasible to transfer part of your job duties to your phone and eliminate the need for a full monitor, depending on what you want to accomplish at work. 

In this case, a stand or a wireless charger that places your phone where you can see it may be sufficient.

If you get a lot of emails during the day, for example, your phone may be a better method to figure out which ones need your attention. 

If it’s an email you can delete or archive, just touch a button on the notice and it’ll be taken care of. 

On the other hand, if it’s critical, you may go to your primary computer’s inbox and take a closer look. 

This similar approach may be used to keep a watch on Slack conversations, news feeds, dashboards, and other metrics without making them so handy that they become distractions.

Working from home will most likely be more inconvenient than working in an office, but it will provide a great chance to rethink how you perform your job. 

If there are methods to make that job more productive and accessible, there is no better moment to change your behaviour than now.

Final verdict:

Even whether you use your laptop mainly for work, gaming, or education, there will 

come a moment when you need it to serve as a second screen for your computer. 

Understanding your connection choices, the operating system, and a few screen changes are all required to set up your laptop as a monitor.

It is inexpensive, and it is one of the lesser-known aspects that contribute to Windows 10’s popularity among computer users.

This approach is for you if you want to accomplish more with the equipment you currently have while saving money on a dedicated second monitor. 

When setting up a laptop monitor as a second screen for your home or business, here’s how to achieve the greatest results.

Read Also: How to Connect two Monitors to a Laptop – Top 3 Solutions