One might desire to utilize their laptop as a monitor for a number of different reasons such as expanding their screen space for multitasking or a presentation or as a B-side for gaming. It can be a damn good idea to make use of an unoccupied laptop as a monitor as well as a portable peripheral screen for your main desktop. When we require an extended screen to get a job done the first click our mind get is “Can I use a laptop as a monitor” and if it’s possible then how to use a laptop as monitor. It’s relatively easy to use a laptop as a monitor by preceding with simple and quick methods. To begin with, confirm that the laptop provides an input-compatible HDMI or VGA port. Ultimately, users have to employ a compatible connector, like the HDMI cable, to link one laptop to the main computer. The user can then begin utilizing a laptop as a monitor by altering a few display settings.
Some wireless connection options (Miracast, WiDi, TeamViewer & AnyDesk) are also operative to use a laptop as a monitor which we will also discuss in detail. To enhance productivity and multitasking let’s learn together the methods & swift actions to use a laptop as a monitor!
Method No 1: Using Laptop As Monitor Via HDMI or VGA Connection
Using a laptop as a monitor requires a specific type of port, either HDMI or VGA. These ports allow for video input to be received by the laptop’s display, essentially turning it into an external monitor for another device. Proceed with the 5 following actions to use the laptop as a monitor via HDMI or VGA connection!
Action No 1: Review The Ports On Your Laptop.
It is important to note that not all laptops have HDMI or VGA ports, and some newer models may only have USB-C ports. In this case, you would need a USB-C to HDMI or VGA adapter to use the laptop as a monitor. To check if your laptop has an HDMI or VGA port, you can follow these steps:
- Look at the sides of your laptop for any rectangular ports that may resemble the shape of an HDMI or VGA connector.
- If you see a port that looks like an HDMI port, it will typically have the letters “HDMI” or “HD” next to it.
- If you see a port that looks like a VGA port, it will typically have three rows of pins and may have the letters “VGA” or “RGB” next to it.
- If you are unsure, you can consult your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website for specifications on the available ports.
By following these steps, you can determine if your laptop has an HDMI or VGA port and whether it can be used as an external monitor for another device.
Action No 2: Verify The Ports On Your Desktop Or Other Devices
Yes, it’s important to note that the device that you want to connect to your laptop as a monitor must also have an HDMI or VGA port. Without this port, it will not be possible to use the laptop as an external monitor for that device. To check if a desktop or other device has an HDMI or VGA port, you can follow these steps:
- Look at the back of the device for any rectangular ports that may resemble the shape of an HDMI or VGA connector.
- If you see a port that looks like an HDMI port, it will typically have the letters “HDMI” or “HD” next to it.
- If you see a port that looks like a VGA port, it will typically have three rows of pins and may have the letters “VGA” or “RGB” next to it.
- If you are unsure, you can consult the device’s manual or manufacturer’s website for specifications on the available ports.
It’s important to note that some devices may have mini or micro versions of these ports, so be sure to check for those as well. If your device does not have an HDMI or VGA port, you may need to consider other options for using your laptop as a secondary display, such as using a USB-C to HDMI or VGA adapter.
Action No 3: Connect Laptop With Respective Desktop Or Device
Connecting a laptop to a desktop or other device using an HDMI or VGA cable is a straightforward process. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
-
Connecting Using HDMI Cable:
| Step 1: | Check the laptop and the desktop or other devices to ensure they have an HDMI port. |
| Step 2: | Purchase an HDMI cable if you do not already have one. Make sure the cable is long enough to connect the two devices. |
| Step 3: | Turn off both the laptop and the desktop or other devices. |
| Step 4: | Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the laptop, and plug the other end into the HDMI port on the desktop or other device. |
| Step 5: | Turn on both the laptop and the desktop or other devices. |
| Step 6: | Select the appropriate HDMI input on the desktop or other device. You may need to use the input button on your remote control or navigate to the input settings in your menu. |
| Step 7: | Your laptop should now be connected to the desktop or other device via the HDMI cable. |
-
Connecting Using VGA Cable:
| Step 1: | Check the laptop and the desktop or other devices to ensure they have a VGA port. |
| Step 2: | Purchase a VGA cable if you do not already have one. Make sure the cable is long enough to connect the two devices. |
| Step 3: | Turn off both the laptop and the desktop or other devices. |
| Step 4: | Plug one end of the VGA cable into the VGA port on the laptop, and plug the other end into the VGA port on the desktop or other device. |
| Step 5: | Turn on both the laptop and the desktop or other devices. |
| Step 6: | Your laptop should automatically detect the VGA connection and adjust its display settings accordingly. |
You might be required to manually change the display settings when it fails to automatically detect. To do this, right-click on the desktop, click on “Display Settings” and select “Extend desktop” or “Duplicate desktop” under the Multiple displays option.
-
Some Quick Troubleshooting Tips:
- If you do not see the laptop screen on the desktop or other device, ensure that the correct input is selected on the desktop or other device.
- If you see a black screen or the display is not working correctly, check that both the HDMI or VGA cable and the ports are clean and not damaged.
- If the display still isn’t working correctly, try restarting both the laptop and the desktop or other devices.
- Consult the manufacturer’s user guide or support website for more troubleshooting instructions if you’re still having problems.
Action No 4: Configure The Display Settings
To use a laptop as a monitor, you’ll need to configure the display settings on both the laptop and the computer that you want to connect it to. Here are step-by-step instructions for Windows and Mac operating systems:
-
Windows Display Setting Options
- Connect the laptop to the computer you want to use it as a monitor using a VGA or HDMI cable.
- Press the Windows key + P on your keyboard to open the Project screen.
- Choose the “Extend” option from the Project screen. This will allow your laptop to be used as a secondary monitor.
- To adjust the screen resolution and other display settings, right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” from the menu.
- In the Display settings window, scroll down and select “Advanced display settings”.
- From the Advanced display settings window, you can adjust the resolution, orientation, and scaling of the laptop screen.
-
Mac Display Setting Options
Connect the laptop to the computer you want to use as a monitor using a Thunderbolt or HDMI cable.
- Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
- Select the “Displays” option.
- Click on the “Arrangement” tab.
- Check the “Mirror Displays” option to use the laptop as a duplicate monitor of the connected computer, or uncheck it to use it as an extended monitor.
- To adjust the screen resolution and other display settings, click on the “Scaled” option and choose the appropriate resolution.
With these steps, you should be able to configure the display settings on both Windows and Mac operating systems to use a laptop as a monitor.
Action No 5: Adjust The Display Settings On The Laptop
To adjust the display settings on a laptop so that it works as a monitor, you’ll need to access the display settings on the laptop. Here are step-by-step instructions for adjusting the resolution, display orientation, and other settings:
Proceed With The Following Actions To Adjust the Resolution
- Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” from the menu.
- In the Display settings window, scroll down and select “Advanced display settings”.
- From the Advanced display settings window, you can adjust the resolution by selecting the appropriate option from the drop-down menu under “Resolution”.
- Click “Apply” to save the changes.
Proceed With The Following Actions To Adjust Display Orientation:
- Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” from the menu.
- In the Display settings window, scroll down and select “Advanced display settings”.
- Under “Orientation,” select the option that corresponds to the desired orientation (e.g., Landscape, Portrait, etc.).
- Click “Apply” to save the changes.
Proceed With The Following Actions To Adjust Other Display Settings:
- Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” from the menu.
- In the Display settings window, you can adjust other display settings such as brightness, contrast, and color calibration by selecting “Display adapter properties”.
- From the Display Adapter Properties window, select the “Color Management” tab to adjust color settings.
- You can also adjust other settings such as scaling and text size by selecting “Advanced sizing of text and other items”.
- Click “Apply” to save the changes.
By following these instructions, you should be able to adjust the display settings on a laptop to work as a monitor.
Method No 2: Using Laptop As A Monitor With Software Or Wireless Connections
Not everyone appreciates cable or wire-based connections, considering this we have gathered the wireless options for how to use laptop as monitor. With the aid of Bluetooth, software, or other wireless connections, a laptop can serve as a monitor for another device, such as a desktop computer. The specific hardware and software being utilized may, consequently, affect the exact procedure. Bluetooth can also be used to connect devices, but it may not be the best option for using a laptop as a monitor due to its limited bandwidth and range. However, it may be useful for connecting other devices, such as a wireless keyboard or mouse, to the laptop. Let’s check out the wireless connectivity options gradually to use a laptop as a monitor in detail!
Windows Laptop Wireless Display Connection
- To use a laptop as monitor for pc with the windows operating system simply link it with the wifi hotshot by enabling the feature. Search for “Connect to a wireless display”. Open the settings option and go for “connect to a wireless display”. When you click on that option your laptop will start detecting the other device to connect the display.
- While getting the “Available display” you need to choose the respective PC or device you want to connect with your laptop display. And it will be finished in a short while. After connecting your laptop as a monitor to another device you will get the option to change the respective display settings accordingly. (Make sure your laptop has the wireless connectivity option)
MacOS Laptop Wireless Display Connection
- To use your macOS computer as a monitor for another device, first, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to System Preferences > Displays on the device you want to utilize as a secondary display.
- Check the box for “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.” On your macOS computer, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle below it). Select “Connect to AirPlay Display” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the device you want to use as a secondary display from the list of available AirPlay devices. Once connected, you can adjust the display resolution and other settings by going to System Preferences > Displays on your macOS computer.
Note: that both devices must support AirPlay, and you may experience some latency or lag depending on your Wi-Fi network’s strength and other factors. Additionally, some applications may not support being displayed on a secondary screen, so be sure to test your setup before relying on it for work or other important tasks.
Using A Laptop As A Monitor With TeamViewer & AnyDesk
Using software that facilitates remote desktop connections across devices is one typical approach. With the use of this software, a user’s laptop can access and manage the desktop of another device, such as a desktop computer. TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Windows Remote Desktop are a few examples of well-known remote desktop programs. Proceed with the following steps to use TeamViewer and AnyDesk to remotely use a laptop as a monitor:
-
Using “TeamViewer” Dekstop Program
Download and install the TeamViewer software on both the device you want to control and the device you want to use for remote access. On the device, you want to control, launch the TeamViewer software and take note of the “Your ID” and “Password” values displayed on the main screen. On the device, you want to use for remote access, launch the TeamViewer software and enter the “Your ID” value from the previous step in the “Partner ID” field. Click “Connect” and enter the “Password” value from the previous step when prompted. Once connected, you should be able to see and control the remote device’s desktop.
-
Using the “AnyDesk” Dekstop program
Download and install the AnyDesk software on both the device you want to control and the device you want to use for remote access. On the device, you want to control, launch the AnyDesk software and take note of the “This Desk” ID value displayed on the main screen. On the device, you want to use for remote access, launch the AnyDesk software and enter the “This Desk” ID value from the previous step in the “Remote Desk” field. Click “Connect” and wait for the remote device to authorize the connection. Once connected, you should be able to see and control the remote device’s desktop.
Both TeamViewer and AnyDesk offer a range of additional features and customization options for remote access and support, so be sure to explore the software’s settings and documentation to get the most out of them. Additionally, be sure to use strong passwords and other security measures to protect your devices and data from unauthorized access.
Using a Laptop As A Monitor With Miracast or WiDi
Another option is to use wireless display technology, such as Miracast or WiDi (Wireless Display), which allows the user to wirelessly connect their laptop to a compatible display device, such as a TV or monitor. This method typically requires both the laptop and display device to support the same wireless display technology.
Also Read: Best Laptop For Insurance Agents
Here are the steps to use Miracast or WiDi to wirelessly display your computer’s screen on a compatible display:
-
Using “Miracast Device” For Wireless Display Monitoring
To use the Miracast option you should attach the wireless device to your laptop and another device you want to link it with. So, make sure the display you intend to use and your laptop or computer both support Miracast.On your laptop, click the “Action Center” icon in the taskbar and select “Connect” from the list of options. In the “Connect” pane, select the name of the display you want to connect to from the list of available devices. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process. Once connected, your computer’s screen should be displayed on the connected display.
-
Using WiDi For Wireless Display Monitoring
Make sure both your computer and the display you want to use support WiDi. On your computer, open the Intel WiDi application. You can typically find this by searching your computer’s programs list. In the WiDi application, select the name of the display you want to connect to from the list of available devices. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process. Once connected, your computer’s screen should be displayed on the connected display.
Note that the specific steps to use Miracast or WiDi may vary depending on your computer’s hardware and software configuration, as well as the display you want to use. Additionally, you may experience some latency or lag depending on your Wi-Fi network’s strength and other factors, so be sure to adjust your display settings accordingly for the best performance.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that both devices are compatible and that the necessary software and drivers are installed and up to date. Additionally, it is important to consider the limitations of the wireless connection, such as potential latency or signal interference, and adjust settings accordingly to ensure a smooth and reliable connection.
WrapUp: How To Use Laptop As Monitor For Pc
For professional tasks like presentations, multitasking, gaming, or video editing, we acquire multiple windows open at the same time where we need an additional display. Here we search for swift instructions on how to use laptop as monitor for both Windows and Mac operating systems. Users can use a laptop as a monitor via HDMI or VGA port, configure the display settings, and adjust the resolution, display orientation, and other settings. You need to follow the 5 general actions mentions above in the article to connect the laptop to another device. We also cover all the wireless options including windows & macOS programs for monitoring, TeamViewer & AnyDesk, and Miracast or WiDi. hopefully, this piece of information thoroughly justify about how to use laptop as monitor for pc and provides detailed guidelines on quick methods to use a laptop as monitor for pc including both hardware and software options