By Administrator Are you feeling cramped with limited screen space? Juggling multiple windows and constantly switching between applications can severely hinder productivity. Before you rush out to purchase a brand-new monitor, consider this: you might already possess a fantastic second screen gathering dust in a closet or tucked away in storage. That old laptop you no longer use could be repurposed as a fully functional external display, providing a significant boost to your workflow and saving you money.
Imagine having your email and messaging apps open on one screen while you write reports or browse the web on another. Envision editing videos on your primary display while keeping your editing software and project files readily accessible on your repurposed laptop screen. This dual-monitor setup can dramatically enhance your ability to multitask and stay organized, leading to greater efficiency and reduced frustration.
Turning a laptop into a monitor is not only a cost-effective solution but also an environmentally conscious one. By repurposing existing hardware, you’re extending its lifespan and preventing it from ending up as electronic waste. This simple act contributes to a more sustainable approach to technology consumption.
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of various methods to transform your old laptop into a functional secondary display. We’ll explore software-based solutions that leverage your network connection and hardware options that offer potentially lower latency for more demanding tasks. Each method will be broken down with clear instructions, accompanied by the pros and cons, enabling you to choose the best approach that suits your needs and technical expertise. This article offers information on how to turn your laptop into a monitor.
Methods to Repurpose Your Laptop as a Monitor
This section explores the different ways to use your laptop as a monitor. Let’s start with the most common and generally easiest way to accomplish this.
Software Solutions: The Power of Connectivity
The most convenient method for turning your laptop into a second monitor typically involves utilizing software. These solutions leverage your existing network connection to transmit the display signal from your primary computer to your laptop, allowing you to use its screen as an extension of your desktop.
Utilizing Windows Built-in Features: Projecting to this PC
Windows operating systems come equipped with a built-in feature called “Projecting to this PC,” which facilitates screen sharing over a network. This is often the quickest and simplest solution to get started, provided both your computers are running a compatible version of Windows.
Step-by-step Instructions:
On the laptop you want to use as a monitor, navigate to the Settings app. You can access this by pressing the Windows key + I. In the Settings app, click on “System,” then select “Projecting to this PC.” You will be presented with several options. The first dropdown menu, “Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you say it’s OK,” allows you to specify who can project to your laptop. Choose your preferred setting, such as “Available everywhere on secure networks” for use on your home network. The next option, “Ask to project to this PC,” lets you choose whether to require permission before a device can project. Select your preference. The dropdown menu “Require PIN for pairing” gives you the option to add a layer of security. Enabling this requires a PIN to be entered before the connection is established. Note the setting under “This PC can be discovered as”, this is the name of the computer. Finally, enable the feature by clicking the “Launch the Connect app to project to this PC” button.
On the primary machine you want to use, press Windows Key + P. Choose “Extend”. And select “Connect to a wireless display” it should find the other computer.
Pros:
Free: This feature is included in Windows, so there are no additional costs involved. Relatively Easy to Set Up: The process is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge.
Cons:
Performance Variability: The quality and responsiveness of the connection heavily depend on the strength and stability of your network. Not Ideal for High-Bandwidth Tasks: Activities like gaming or video editing may experience lag or stuttering due to the limitations of the network connection. Potential Latency Issues: There may be a noticeable delay between actions on your primary computer and their appearance on the laptop screen. Security Considerations: Using this feature on a public network may pose security risks. Ensure your network is secure and password-protected.
Leveraging Third-Party Software Solutions
Several third-party software applications are designed specifically for turning a laptop into a second monitor. These programs often offer more advanced features, improved performance, and greater compatibility across different operating systems.
Spacedesk:
Overview: Spacedesk is a popular free software solution that allows you to extend your Windows desktop to other devices, including laptops, tablets, and even smartphones.
Setup Process: Download and install the Spacedesk driver on your primary computer. Download and install the Spacedesk Viewer app on the laptop you want to use as a monitor. Ensure both devices are connected to the same network. Launch the Spacedesk Viewer app on the laptop. It should automatically detect your primary computer. Click on the connection to establish the link.
Pros:
Free: Spacedesk is available for free. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports various operating systems, including Windows, Android, and web browsers.
Cons:
Network Dependent: Performance is heavily reliant on the quality of your network connection. Potential for Lag: Similar to Windows’ built-in feature, you may experience lag depending on network conditions.
SuperDisplay:
Overview: SuperDisplay is a paid application primarily designed for Android devices, but it can also be used to turn a laptop into a touch-enabled second monitor for a Windows PC. Setup Process: Purchase and install the SuperDisplay app on your Android device (the laptop you want to use as a monitor). Download and install the SuperDisplay driver on your Windows PC. Connect both devices to the same network or via USB. Launch the SuperDisplay app on your Android device. It should automatically connect to your Windows PC.
Pros:
Low Latency: SuperDisplay is known for its low latency, making it suitable for more demanding tasks. Touch Screen Functionality: If your laptop has a touch screen, you can use it to interact with applications on your primary computer.
Cons:
Paid Application: SuperDisplay requires a purchase. Android Requirement: Requires an Android device to function as the secondary display. Potential Bug Issues: Some users have reported occasional bugs or instability.
Deskreen
Overview: Deskreen is another application that allows you to turn almost any device with a web browser into a second screen. Setup Process: Download and install Deskreen on the primary computer. Connect to the browser that it lists. Follow the instructions to set up the mirroring or extension.
Pros:
Simple: No need to install on the secondary device. Browser Based: Can connect using a web browser on almost any device.
Cons:
Network Dependant: Relies on the network.
General Pros of Software Solutions:
Ease of Setup: Generally easier to configure compared to hardware options. Cost-Effective Options: Free or low-cost solutions are readily available.
General Cons of Software Solutions:
Network Reliance: Dependent on a stable and fast network connection. Performance Limitations: Performance may be hindered by network speed and latency. Software Installation: Requires installing software on both computers.
Hardware Solutions: A Direct Connection Approach
For users seeking the lowest possible latency and the most stable connection, hardware-based solutions provide a direct link between your primary computer and the laptop you want to use as a monitor. However, these options typically involve additional costs and require a slightly more technical setup.
Employing an HDMI Capture Card
An HDMI capture card allows you to input the video signal from your primary computer directly into the laptop, effectively treating it as an external display.
Step-by-step Instructions:
Connect the HDMI capture card to a USB port on the laptop you intend to use as a monitor. Connect the HDMI output of your primary computer’s graphics card to the HDMI input of the capture card. Install the necessary drivers and software for the capture card on the laptop. Open the capture software on the laptop. The display from your primary computer should now be visible.
Pros:
Lower Latency: Provides a significantly lower latency compared to software solutions, making it suitable for gaming or other real-time applications. Stable Connection: Doesn’t rely on a network connection, ensuring a more reliable and consistent display.
Cons:
Additional Cost: Requires purchasing an HDMI capture card, which can range in price depending on features and specifications. More Complex Setup: May require some technical knowledge to configure the capture card and software correctly. Resolution Limitations: The maximum supported resolution may be limited by the capabilities of the capture card. Software Requirement: Specific capture software is needed to view the display.
Troubleshooting and Optimization Tips
This section will offer some tips to make the process of turning a laptop into a monitor easier.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Connection Issues: Verify that both computers are connected to the same network. Check firewall settings to ensure that the necessary ports are open for the chosen software. Performance Problems: Reduce the resolution of the display to improve performance. Close any unnecessary programs running in the background on both computers. Display Issues: Ensure that the resolution settings on both computers are compatible. Update graphics card drivers to the latest version. Sound Issues: Verify that the audio output is correctly configured on your primary computer. Driver Problems: Always download and install the latest drivers for your graphics cards and capture cards from the manufacturer’s website.
Optimizing for Performance
Prioritize a wired Ethernet connection over wireless Wi-Fi for a more stable and faster network connection. Close any programs you are not using on either computer. Adjust the resolution of the display to one that is appropriate for the laptop’s screen and your usage needs. Pick a good software for your needs.
Safety Considerations
Always use a strong password to protect your home network from unauthorized access. Exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they may be less secure. Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
In Conclusion: Breathing New Life into Old Hardware
Repurposing your old laptop as a second monitor is a fantastic way to increase productivity, save money, and reduce electronic waste. We’ve explored a variety of methods, from the simplicity of Windows’ built-in feature to the versatility of third-party software and the low-latency performance of hardware solutions.
Whether you choose a software-based approach for its ease of setup or a hardware solution for its superior performance, turning your laptop into a second monitor can significantly enhance your computing experience. The methods here will help to turn your laptop into a monitor.
Now it’s your turn! Experiment with these methods, explore the options, and discover the power of repurposing your old laptop into a valuable asset for your digital workflow. Don’t let that old laptop sit idle – give it a new life as a second monitor and unlock its full potential! And, most importantly, have fun!
