Yes, you can use a notebook as a monitor for another computer. The process is called screen sharing or using your laptop as a second display, and it’s easier than you think.
Maybe your main monitor broke. Or you want a second screen for work. Your old laptop can help you out here. It’s a smart way to get more screen space without buying new gear.
I’ve set this up many times for my own work. It’s a great trick that saves you money. You just need the right cables or software to make the connection work.
This guide will show you all the ways to do it. We’ll cover simple cables and free software options. You’ll learn how to use notebook as monitor by the end.
What You Need to Start
First, let’s talk about what you need. The gear list is pretty short and cheap.
You need two computers. One is your main desktop or laptop. The other is the notebook you want to use as the extra screen.
Both machines need to be on the same network for software methods. For cable methods, they just need the right ports. Check your laptop’s sides for HDMI or USB-C ports.
You might need a specific cable. An HDMI cable is common for this job. Some setups use a USB cable to share the screen.
Software is the other big piece. Windows has a built-in feature called “Projecting to this PC”. Macs have Sidecar and AirPlay. Third-party apps work great too.
That’s really all you need. Now let’s look at why you’d want to use notebook as monitor in the first place.
Why Use a Laptop as a Second Screen
There are some good reasons to try this. It’s not just a tech trick for fun.
It saves you money on a new monitor. Good screens can cost a lot. Your old laptop is free if you already own it.
It gives you more space for your work. You can put your email on one screen. Your main project stays on the other screen. This helps you get more done.
It’s great for travel too. Maybe you’re working from a hotel. Your laptop screen feels small. Using a second laptop as a monitor gives you a bigger view.
It helps with presentations. Show your slides on the laptop screen. Face your audience while you control everything from your main machine. It looks very professional.
It reuses old gear. That laptop from three years ago still works fine. Now it has a new job as your second monitor. You keep it out of the trash.
These benefits make learning how to use notebook as monitor worth your time. The setup is pretty simple once you know the steps.
Method 1: Windows Built-In Feature
Windows 10 and 11 have a tool for this. It’s called “Projecting to this PC”.
First, open Settings on the laptop that will be the monitor. Go to System and then Display. Look for “Multiple displays” and click “Connect to a wireless display”.
Turn on the “Projecting to this PC” option. Set it to “Available everywhere” for easy connecting. You can also choose “First time only” for more security.
Now go to your main Windows computer. Press the Windows key + P on your keyboard. This opens the projection menu.
Choose “Connect to a wireless display”. Your laptop should show up in the list. Click on it to connect.
Your laptop screen will now show your main computer’s desktop. You can move windows between the two screens. This is how to use notebook as monitor without any cables at all.
According to Microsoft’s support site, this feature works best on newer devices. Both computers need to support Miracast for wireless projection.
Method 2: macOS Sidecar and AirPlay
Apple users have great options too. Sidecar lets you use an iPad or Mac as a second display.
First, check if your devices work with Sidecar. You need macOS Catalina or newer on both machines. They should be signed in with the same Apple ID.
Click the AirPlay icon in your Mac’s menu bar. It looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Choose your laptop from the list that appears.
Your laptop will now act as a second screen. You can drag windows to it just like a real monitor. The connection uses Wi-Fi, so no cables are needed.
For older Macs, you can use AirPlay to Mac. This feature came in macOS Monterey. It lets any Apple device stream to your Mac’s screen.
According to Apple’s support pages, Sidecar works with Macs from 2016 or later. It also needs an iPad from 2018 or later if you’re using a tablet.
These tools show you how to use notebook as monitor in the Apple world. The setup is smooth if your gear is fairly new.
Method 3: Third-Party Software Solutions
Don’t have Windows or Mac’s built-in tools? Third-party apps can help. Many of them are free to use.
SpaceDesk is a popular free option. You install the driver on your main computer. Then you install the viewer app on the laptop that will be the monitor.
Both computers connect over your network. The laptop shows whatever is on your main screen. You get very low lag with this setup.
Duet Display is another good choice. It works with both cables and wireless connections. The paid version gives you better performance and extra features.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay is my pick for cable use. It connects your laptop with a USB cable. This gives you a super stable connection with no lag at all.
These apps make it easy to learn how to use notebook as monitor. They work on older computers too. You don’t need the latest operating system.
I’ve used SpaceDesk for years now. It just works every time I need an extra screen. The setup takes about five minutes total.
Method 4: Hardware Cable Connection
Sometimes software feels too complicated. A simple cable might work better for you.
Check what ports your computers have. Most laptops have HDMI or USB-C now. Desktops usually have HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA.
You need a cable that connects both machines. An HDMI cable is the most common choice. Just plug one end into your desktop and the other into your laptop.
But here’s the catch. Most laptops have HDMI OUT ports, not HDMI IN. This means they send video out, but don’t take video in. You can’t use notebook as monitor with a simple HDMI cable in most cases.
Some gaming laptops are different. They have HDMI IN ports for this exact purpose. Check your laptop’s manual to see what yours can do.
There are special adapters that can help. A USB to HDMI capture card tricks your laptop. It makes the laptop think the incoming video is a webcam feed.
This method takes more gear and setup. But it gives you the best performance with no lag. It’s how to use notebook as monitor when you need perfect video quality.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Let’s walk through a complete setup. We’ll use the Windows method since it’s the most common.
Step one: Prepare your laptop. Make sure it’s charged or plugged in. Open Settings and go to System > Display.
Step two: Find “Multiple displays” on the left. Click “Connect to a wireless display”. Turn on “Projecting to this PC” and choose your settings.
Step three: Go to your main computer. Press Windows key + K to open the Connect panel. Your laptop should appear in the list of available devices.
Step four: Click your laptop’s name. Wait for the connection to complete. Your laptop screen will go black for a moment, then show your desktop.
Step five: Arrange your displays. Go to Settings > System > Display on your main computer. You’ll see both screens shown as boxes.
Step six: Drag the boxes to match how your screens sit on your desk. Click “Apply” to save the layout. Now you know how to use notebook as monitor successfully.
Test it by dragging a window from one screen to the other. If it works, you’re all set. If not, check that both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes things don’t work right away. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Problem: Laptop doesn’t show up in the device list. Fix: Make sure both computers are on the same network. Restart the wireless display feature on the laptop.
Problem: Connection is slow or laggy. Fix: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router. Or use a cable method instead of wireless. Close other apps that use the internet.
Problem: Screen resolution looks wrong. Fix: Adjust display settings on your main computer. Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings. Set the right resolution for your laptop screen.
Problem: Laptop screen goes to sleep. Fix: Change power settings on the laptop. Set it to never sleep when plugged in. This keeps the connection alive.
Problem: Can’t drag windows between screens. Fix: Check your display arrangement. The screens might be stacked instead of side-by-side. Drag them to the right positions in settings.
These fixes solve most issues people face. Now you know how to use notebook as monitor even when things go wrong. Don’t give up if the first try fails.
Performance Tips for Best Results
Want the best experience? Follow these tips for smooth performance.
Use a wired network if you can. Connect both computers to your router with Ethernet cables. This gives you faster speeds than Wi-Fi.
Lower the resolution on your laptop screen. A 1080p display works better than 4K for streaming. It uses less bandwidth and reduces lag.
Close apps you don’t need. Browser tabs and video players use system resources. More free RAM means better performance for your screen sharing.
Update your graphics drivers. Old drivers can cause problems with screen projection. Check for updates on your GPU maker’s website.
Position your laptop close to your main computer. This helps with wireless signals. It also makes the setup feel more like a real dual-monitor desk.
Practice makes perfect. The first time you learn how to use notebook as monitor might feel clunky. After a few tries, it becomes quick and easy.
Safety and Security Considerations
Sharing your screen has some risks. Let’s talk about how to stay safe.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi for this. Someone could see what’s on your screen. Use a private, password-protected network instead.
Turn off the feature when you’re done. Don’t leave “Projecting to this PC” on all the time. This stops others from connecting without your permission.
Use the “First time only” setting in Windows. This means people need permission each time they connect. It’s safer than “Available everywhere”.
Be careful what you show on the second screen. Don’t display passwords or private documents. Treat it like any other monitor in a shared space.
According to CISA, you should secure all network connections. Use a firewall and keep your software updated. This protects you from online threats.
These steps keep your data safe. Now you know how to use notebook as monitor without risking your privacy. Security matters even for simple tech tricks.
Creative Uses for Your New Setup
Got it working? Here are fun ways to use your extra screen.
Make a dedicated chat window. Put your messaging apps on the laptop screen. Your main screen stays clean for work.
Watch videos while you work. Play a tutorial on the laptop. Follow along on your main computer. This is great for learning new software.
Track system performance. Open task manager on the laptop screen. Watch your CPU and RAM usage while you game or work.
Display reference materials. Writers can put research articles on the second screen. Artists can show reference images. Students can have textbooks open.
Control smart home devices. Put your security cameras on the laptop screen. Watch your front door while you work at your desk.
These ideas go beyond just having more space. They show you how to use notebook as monitor in smart ways. Get creative with your new setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any laptop be used as a monitor?
Most laptops can do this with software. Very old laptops might struggle. Check if your laptop supports Miracast for the easiest setup.
How to use notebook as monitor for a gaming PC?
Use a cable method for gaming. Wireless has too much lag. A USB capture card gives you the best performance for games.
Does this work with different operating systems?
Yes, with the right software. SpaceDesk works on Windows, Mac, and even Linux. You can mix and match different computer types.
Can I use my laptop as a monitor for a console?
Yes, with a capture card. Plug your PlayStation or Xbox into the capture card. Then connect the card to your laptop via USB.
How to use notebook as monitor without Wi-Fi?
Use a direct cable connection. Some software works over a direct Ethernet cable too. You don’t need internet, just a local network.
Will this damage my laptop?
No, it’s completely safe. You’re just displaying video, like watching a movie. The laptop doesn’t work harder than normal.
Can I use multiple laptops as monitors?
Yes, but it gets complicated. Most software supports one extra screen. For multiple screens, you need special enterprise software.
Conclusion
So that’s how to use notebook as monitor. It’s a useful trick that saves money and space.
Start with the built-in tools on your computer. They’re free and usually work well. Move to third-party apps if you need more features.
Remember the cable option for the best performance. Wireless is convenient but can lag. Choose the method that fits your needs.
According to Sleep Foundation, proper screen setup helps your posture. Position your laptop at eye level when using it as a monitor. This reduces neck strain during long work sessions.
Try this setup today. Dig out that old laptop from your closet. Give it new life as your second screen. You might wonder how you worked without it.
Now you know exactly how to use notebook as monitor. The steps are simple once you understand them. Go ahead and set up your extra display right now.