{"id":23076,"date":"2023-06-27T11:31:26","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T09:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g100.us\/?p=23076"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:31:31","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T09:31:31","slug":"how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor [2024 Update]"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66844367ef6f9\" class=\"cssicon\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66844367ef6f9\" class=\"cssiconcheckbox\">1<\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66844367ef6f9\" checked><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#How_Can_I_Benefit_From_a_Second_Monitor\" title=\"How Can I Benefit From a Second Monitor?\">How Can I Benefit From a Second Monitor?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#How_to_Use_a_Laptop_as_a_Monitor_-_Easiest_Methods_for_Windows_and_Mac\" title=\"How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor \u2014 Easiest Methods for Windows and Mac\">How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor \u2014 Easiest Methods for Windows and Mac<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#1_How_to_Use_a_Laptop_as_a_Monitor_on_Windows_Using_Miracast\" title=\"1. How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor on Windows Using Miracast\">1. How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor on Windows Using Miracast<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#2_How_to_Use_a_MacBook_as_a_Monitor_Using_AirPlay\" title=\"2. How to Use a MacBook as a Monitor Using AirPlay\">2. How to Use a MacBook as a Monitor Using AirPlay<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#3_Use_a_Third-Party_Program_Like_Spacedesk\" title=\"3. Use a Third-Party Program Like Spacedesk\">3. Use a Third-Party Program Like Spacedesk<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#Can_you_use_a_laptop_as_a_monitor_with_HDMI\" title=\"Can you use a laptop as a monitor with HDMI?\">Can you use a laptop as a monitor with HDMI?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#Should_I_invest_in_an_external_display\" title=\"Should I invest in an external display?\">Should I invest in an external display?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#Does_connecting_a_second_monitor_affect_battery_life\" title=\"Does connecting a second monitor affect battery life?\">Does connecting a second monitor affect battery life?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#What_is_an_HDR_monitor_and_do_I_need_one\" title=\"What is an HDR monitor and do I need one?\">What is an HDR monitor and do I need one?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-use-laptop-as-a-monitor\/#Over_to_You\" title=\"Over to You\">Over to You<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>An extra monitor can boost your productivity tenfold. After all, it doubles the amount of workspace, lets you effortlessly multi-task, and makes switching between tabs or documents a hassle-free experience.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, an extra monitor isn\u2019t exactly cheap \u2014 most retail at a price between $100 to $500, with some, specced-out monitors even reaching a retail price of over $1,000.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23087\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor.jpg\" alt=\"Laptop as a Second Monitor\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23087 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Laptop as a Second Monitor\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Laptop-as-a-Second-Monitor.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>But you\u2019ll be pleased to know that you don\u2019t have to give up your dream for a dual-monitor experience. You can actually repurpose your old laptop into a monitor for your PC.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s super easy to do, even for someone that isn\u2019t a tech wiz. We\u2019ll cover the step-by-step process below, and also answer some common questions about dual-monitor setups.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_I_Benefit_From_a_Second_Monitor\"><\/span>How Can I Benefit From a Second Monitor?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A second monitor can be a total game-changer. Chances are, once you experience a dual display setup, you won\u2019t want to use a PC without it ever again!<\/p>\n<p>Some of the benefits it offers include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complex Applications can be spread across multiple monitors for more efficient work. E.g. Video Editing Footage Preview on one, your editing timeline on the secondary monitor<\/li>\n<li>Ability to watch a video, lecture, or meeting on one display while you work on the other<\/li>\n<li>Lessens the need to switch between various sites while researching<\/li>\n<li>Ability to easily view and compare multiple documents, tabs, or programs side-by-side<\/li>\n<li>Aesthetic value; can use one of the displays solely for wallpapers or videos<\/li>\n<li>Can extend the screen to provide a more immersive experience<\/li>\n<li>Makes collaborating with colleagues while using a video conferencing tool an effortless experience<\/li>\n<li>Easier to organize your workspace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unsurprisingly, all of these factors can help increase your productivity \u2014 in fact, studies have even shown that the average productivity <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jonpeddie.com\/news\/jon-peddie-research-multiple-displays-can-increase-productivity-by-42\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increases by 42%<\/a> when people work with two monitors instead of one.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Use_a_Laptop_as_a_Monitor_-_Easiest_Methods_for_Windows_and_Mac\"><\/span>How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor \u2014 Easiest Methods for Windows and Mac<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A laptop isn\u2019t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a second monitor. And this is pretty understandable. Unlike external monitors, you can\u2019t just connect your PC to a laptop with an HDMI cable.<\/p>\n<p>Most laptops only come with a video output port, not an input port. Meaning, you can <strong>output<\/strong> your laptop screen information to an external monitor, but you can\u2019t then use it as a <strong>video <em>input<\/em><\/strong> for other devices.<\/p>\n<p>There are some laptops that have this feature, like the Alienware M17x R4, though this is incredibly rare.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So, if an HDMI or other directly connected display cable is out of the question, how exactly can a laptop be used as a second monitor?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s pretty simple: you cast the device\u2019s screen to your laptop by using a wireless streaming protocol. We\u2019ll first explain how to go about this process on a Windows device:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_How_to_Use_a_Laptop_as_a_Monitor_on_Windows_Using_Miracast\"><\/span>1. How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor on Windows Using Miracast<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23088\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup.jpg\" alt=\"Windows Miracast Wireless Display Setup\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23088 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Windows Miracast Wireless Display Setup\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Windows-Miracast-Wireless-Display-Setup.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>The easiest and simplest method is to use Windows\u2019 built-in Miracast feature.<\/p>\n<p>For those not familiar, Miracast is a wireless technology that can be used to cast your PC\u2019s screen onto a compatible device.<\/p>\n<p>Most modern Windows devices running 8.1 or later support this technology, though there are a few requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Your devices must:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A WiFi adapter that supports Miracast<\/li>\n<li>Be connected to the same WiFi network<\/li>\n<li>Run the same operating system (Windows)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can easily check if your laptop is compatible in the Windows \u201cSettings Panel:\u201d<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Hold down the \u201cWin\u201d and \u201cI\u201d keys simultaneously<\/li>\n<li>Navigate to the \u201cSystem\u201d tab and scroll down to the \u201cProjecting to this PC\u201d option<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If your device is compatible with Miracast, it\u2019ll show you the options to set up a wireless display.<\/p>\n<p>If you get the \u201cAdd the Wireless Display\u201d message, you\u2019ll need to first manually install the Wireless Display feature to use Miracast.<\/p>\n<p>The installation is a simple process and only takes a few minutes:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Click on the \u201cOptional Features\u201d text<br>\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23091\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel.jpg\" alt=\"Projecting this PC Control Panel\" width=\"1402\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel.jpg 1402w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel-768x323.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1402px) 100vw, 1402px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23091 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201402%20590%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Projecting this PC Control Panel\" width=\"1402\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201402%20590%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1402w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1402px) 100vw, 1402px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel.jpg 1402w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel-768x323.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Projecting-this-PC-Control-Panel.jpg\"><\/li>\n<li>Select the \u201cView Features\u201d button in the \u201cAdd an Optional Feature\u201d box at the top<br>\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23092\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features.jpg\" alt=\"Miracast Optional Features\" width=\"1401\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features.jpg 1401w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features-768x323.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23092 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201401%20589%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Miracast Optional Features\" width=\"1401\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201401%20589%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1401w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features.jpg 1401w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features-768x323.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Optional-Features.jpg\"><\/li>\n<li>Search for \u201cWireless Display,\u201d then click on it and hit the \u201cNext\u201d button<br>\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23089\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"Miracast Wireless Display Feature\" width=\"1401\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature.jpg 1401w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature-768x323.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23089 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201401%20589%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Miracast Wireless Display Feature\" width=\"1401\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201401%20589%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1401w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature.jpg 1401w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature-768x323.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Feature.jpg\"><\/li>\n<li>Click \u201cInstall\u201d<br>\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23093\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Miracast Wireless Display Install\" width=\"1401\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install.jpg 1401w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install-768x323.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23093 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201401%20589%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Miracast Wireless Display Install\" width=\"1401\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201401%20589%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1401w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install.jpg 1401w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install-768x323.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Miracast-Wireless-Display-Install.jpg\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If your device isn\u2019t compatible with Miracast, it won\u2019t show you these options and will instead show a message saying: \u201c<em>This device doesn\u2019t support receiving Miracast, so you can\u2019t project to it wirelessly<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you experience this issue, your best bet is to try using a third-party program, which we discuss later on in this article.<\/p>\n<h4>Setting up and Configuring Miracast<\/h4>\n<p>Great! You\u2019ve determined that your devices support Miracast.<\/p>\n<p>Now it\u2019s time to set it up and configure your laptop as a second monitor. This process will only take a few minutes, and while some of the options may seem confusing, don\u2019t worry as we\u2019ll explain everything below.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the steps to follow:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>On the laptop you want to use as your second display, go to the \u201cProjecting to this PC\u201d option (check the steps above to locate this feature)<\/li>\n<li>In the \u201cWindows and Android devices can project to this PC when you allow them to,\u201d section, toggle the \u201cAlways Off\u201d to \u201cAvailable Everywhere\u201d or \u201cAvailable Everywhere on Secured Networks.\u201d We personally recommend sticking to \u201cSecured Networks,\u201d though you can opt for \u201cAvailable Everywhere\u201d if it better suits your needs (e.g. if you travel a lot).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You can then configure the following display settings to your liking and preferred security level:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cAsk to project to this PC:\u201d <\/strong>\u201cFirst time only\u201d means it\u2019ll connect automatically without notification after the initial setup, while \u201cEvery time a connection is requested\u201d means it\u2019ll notify you every time you want to use it<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u201cRequire Pin for pairing:\u201d <\/strong>You can enable this feature for additional security. It essentially prevents other, unknown devices from using your laptop as a monitor. Just like the option above, you can opt for the pin to be required every single time, or just for the initial setup.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u201cThis PC can only be discovered for projection when it\u2019s plugged in:\u201d <\/strong>This just means that you\u2019ll only be able to use the device as a monitor if it\u2019s plugged into a power source. It\u2019s a good feature to enable if your laptop suffers from battery performance issues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rename your PC<\/strong>: Make sure to give your laptop a memorable and easily recognizable name, especially if you have multiple devices connected to the same WiFi network<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border alignnone wp-image-23079\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration.png\" alt=\"Miracast configuration\" width=\"1048\" height=\"735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration.png 1048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration-1024x718.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration-768x539.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1048px) 100vw, 1048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border alignnone wp-image-23079 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201048%20735%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Miracast configuration\" width=\"1048\" height=\"735\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201048%20735%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1048px) 100vw, 1048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration.png 1048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration-1024x718.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration-768x539.png 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/miracast-configuration.png\"><\/p>\n<h4>Using Your Windows Laptop as a Monitor<\/h4>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve configured the display options to your preferences, your laptop should now be ready to use as a monitor:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23094\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App.jpg\" alt=\"Wireless Display App\" width=\"1387\" height=\"698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App.jpg 1387w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App-768x386.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1387px) 100vw, 1387px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23094 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201387%20698%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Wireless Display App\" width=\"1387\" height=\"698\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201387%20698%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1387w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1387px) 100vw, 1387px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App.jpg 1387w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App-768x386.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/Wireless-Display-App.jpg\"><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Launch the \u201cWireless Display\u201d app on the laptop (enter \u201cWireless Display\u201d in the Windows search bar to find it)<\/li>\n<li>On the primary device, hold down the \u201cWin\u201d and \u201cK\u201d keys simultaneously<\/li>\n<li>Select your laptop once it shows up and connect to it<\/li>\n<li>On your laptop, accept the connection request. It should appear in your notification bar<\/li>\n<li>Now, go back to your main device and press the \u201cWin\u201d and \u201cP\u201d keys to choose your preferred display style:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duplicate: <\/strong>Your device\u2019s display will be mirrored on the laptop\u2019s monitor<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extend: <\/strong>Your device\u2019s display will be extended onto the laptop\u2019s monitor, giving you additional screen space<\/li>\n<li><strong>Second Screen Only:<\/strong> Your device\u2019s display will only show on the laptop\u2019s monitor<br>\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"437\" height=\"485\" class=\"wp-image-23080\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/second-screen-only-option.png\" alt=\"Second Screen Only option\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/second-screen-only-option.png 437w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/second-screen-only-option-270x300.png 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 437px) 100vw, 437px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"437\" height=\"485\" class=\"wp-image-23080 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20437%20485%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Second Screen Only option\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20437%20485%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 437w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 437px) 100vw, 437px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/second-screen-only-option.png 437w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/second-screen-only-option-270x300.png 270w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/second-screen-only-option.png\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We hope you enjoy the dual-monitor experience!<\/p>\n<p>If, for whatever reason, this method doesn\u2019t work for you, proceed to step 3.<\/p>\n<p>Also keep in mind that if you\u2019re using a Mac, you\u2019ll need to use Airplay instead since Miracast is only compatible with Android and Windows devices.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_to_Use_a_MacBook_as_a_Monitor_Using_AirPlay\"><\/span>2. How to Use a MacBook as a Monitor Using AirPlay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A great aspect of the Apple ecosystem is how connected everything is \u2014 you can easily transfer files, data, and photos between devices at a click of a button. Unsurprisingly, Apple has also made it incredibly easy to turn a MacBook into a secondary monitor.<\/p>\n<p>The process requires both devices to be compatible with AirPlay (running MacOS Monterey or later). Both devices also need to be signed into the same Apple ID account.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll next want to ensure that the devices are connected to the same WiFi network, or are connected together through a lightning cable.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re not bothered by cables, we recommend sticking with a cable connection \u2014 it\u2019s more reliable and offers a lower-latency experience.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>On your main device, click on the \u201cControl Center\u201d icon in the menu bar<\/li>\n<li>Choose the \u201cScreen Mirroring\u201d option<\/li>\n<li>Wait for your MacBook to appear and then connect to it<\/li>\n<li>Once connected, go to \u201cSystem Settings,\u201d and click on the \u201cDisplays\u201d option<\/li>\n<li>Here, you can customize your monitor experience \u2014 in the \u201cUse as\u201d option, you can choose to use your laptop as a \u201cMain display,\u201d \u201cExtended display,\u201d or \u201cMirror display\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border alignnone wp-image-23081\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option.png\" alt=\"Mac \u201cDisplays\u201d option\" width=\"1414\" height=\"1244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option.png 1414w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option-300x264.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option-1024x901.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option-768x676.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1414px) 100vw, 1414px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border alignnone wp-image-23081 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201414%201244%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Mac \u201cDisplays\u201d option\" width=\"1414\" height=\"1244\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201414%201244%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1414w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1414px) 100vw, 1414px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option.png 1414w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option-300x264.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option-1024x901.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option-768x676.png 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-displays-option.png\"><\/p>\n<p>Next, click on the \u201cArrange\u201d button to rearrange the displays to your preferred position. This setting will also allow you to relocate the menu bar.<\/p>\n<p>Personally, we recommend positioning the displays side by side for a seamless experience, like this:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border alignnone wp-image-23082\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings.png\" alt=\"Mac \u201cArrange Displays\u201d settings\" width=\"1410\" height=\"1222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings.png 1410w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings-1024x887.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings-768x666.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1410px) 100vw, 1410px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border alignnone wp-image-23082 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201410%201222%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Mac \u201cArrange Displays\u201d settings\" width=\"1410\" height=\"1222\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201410%201222%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1410w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1410px) 100vw, 1410px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings.png 1410w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings-1024x887.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings-768x666.png 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/mac-arrange-displays-settings.png\"><\/p>\n<p>Press the \u201cdisconnect\u201d icon in the sidebar to end the screen mirroring<\/p>\n<p>If your MacBook isn\u2019t showing up in the \u201cScreen Mirroring\u201d option, don\u2019t panic. Double-check that your devices are both connected to the same WiFi network and then restart them.<\/p>\n<p>If this doesn\u2019t fix the issue, try connecting your devices together via a lightning cable if you haven\u2019t done so already. In most cases, your primary device will recognize your laptop after this and it should appear in \u201cScreen Mirroring.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if none of the above works, it\u2019s likely one of your devices isn\u2019t compatible. Upgrading to a later MacOS version may help if your MacBook is able to do this. You can also try using a Mac-compatible third-party program.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Use_a_Third-Party_Program_Like_Spacedesk\"><\/span>3. Use a Third-Party Program Like Spacedesk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are plenty of third-party programs that can make it easy to use your laptop as a monitor for another device, many of which are free to download. One of the best third-party programs is Spacedesk.<\/p>\n<p>This software is compatible with Windows devices running 8.1 or later and also supports iOS and Android devices too. Spacedesk is super easy to install and set up.<\/p>\n<p>You just need to go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spacedesk.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spacedesk\u2019s official website<\/a> and download the <strong>compatible driver software<\/strong> on your primary device.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23095\" style=\"width: 1790px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23095\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-23095 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software.jpg\" alt=\"SpaceDesk Multi Screen Software\" width=\"1790\" height=\"842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software.jpg 1790w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-1024x482.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-1536x723.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1790px) 100vw, 1790px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23095\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-23095 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201790%20842%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"SpaceDesk Multi Screen Software\" width=\"1790\" height=\"842\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201790%20842%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1790w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1790px) 100vw, 1790px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software.jpg 1790w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-1024x482.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software-1536x723.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/SpaceDesk-Multi-Screen-Software.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-23095\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spacedesk.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SpaceDesk<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Then, on your secondary device, download the <strong>compatible viewer software<\/strong>. Keep in mind that you do need to make a firewall exception for the software to run.<\/p>\n<p>After that, you just need to launch the software on each device to establish the connection. You should also ensure that they\u2019re using the same WiFi connection.<\/p>\n<p>Other noteworthy third-party programs you can try include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.duetdisplay.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Duet Display<\/a> (subscription-based), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashtop.com\/wiredxdisplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Splashtop XDisplay<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/deskreen.com\/lang-en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deskreen<\/a>. Mac owners can also use <a href=\"https:\/\/astropad.com\/product\/lunadisplay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luna display<\/a> if they\u2019re willing to invest in the dongle.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_use_a_laptop_as_a_monitor_with_HDMI\"><\/span><strong>Can you use a laptop as a monitor with HDMI?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Generally, no. Most laptops only have an HDMI input source, not an output source.<\/p>\n<p>In layman\u2019s terms, you can share your laptop screen with another device, but your laptop itself can\u2019t be used as a monitor for another device \u2014 it has no means to accept video\/audio information from an external source.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_invest_in_an_external_display\"><\/span><strong>Should I invest in an external display?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Investing in an external display is definitely worth it if you can afford to do so.<\/p>\n<p>While the measures above are convenient for repurposing an old laptop, nothing can quite replace an actual monitor experience \u2014 it provides more screen space and ensures a strong, lag-free connection.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_connecting_a_second_monitor_affect_battery_life\"><\/span><strong>Does connecting a second monitor affect battery life?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, in most cases connecting a second monitor does drain your device\u2019s battery quicker, though the exact impact can vary depending on how you\u2019re using the monitor and the external monitor\u2019s resolution.<\/p>\n<p>You might even save battery life if you solely use the external monitor and switch off your device\u2019s own display.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_HDR_monitor_and_do_I_need_one\"><\/span><strong>What is an HDR monitor and do I need one?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An HDR (High Dynamic Range) monitor is a monitor that supports the latest-gen display HDR technologies.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23096\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23096\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23096\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR.jpg\" alt=\"HDR vs SDR\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-420x236.jpg 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23096\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23096 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201920%201076%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"HDR vs SDR\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1076\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201920%201076%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR-420x236.jpg 420w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/06\/HDR-vs-SDR.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-23096\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acer.com\/us-en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Acer<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>We cover this in more detail and discuss whether or not you need one, in our in-depth <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/what-is-an-hdr-monitor\/\">HDR monitor guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Over_to_You\"><\/span>Over to You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>That\u2019s a wrap! We hope the methods above have helped you repurpose your laptop as a handy external monitor for your main device. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>If you need any more help, whether with this issue or another PC-related issue, make sure to reach out to an expert on <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/forum\/\"><strong><em>our forum<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>. You can also leave a <a href=\"#comments\">comment<\/a> below.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An extra monitor can boost your productivity tenfold. After all, it doubles the amount of workspace, lets you effortlessly multi-task, and makes switching between tabs or documents a hassle-free experience. Of course, an extra monitor isn\u2019t exactly cheap \u2014 most retail at a price between $100 to $500, with some, specced-out monitors even reaching a...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2343,"featured_media":23077,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[173,209],"tags":[147,141],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23076"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2343"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23076"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23076\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23128,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23076\/revisions\/23128"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23076"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23076"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23076"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}