Having a second monitor can significantly boost your productivity. It provides extra screen real estate, allowing you to multitask efficiently and manage multiple applications simultaneously. But what if you don’t want to buy a dedicated monitor? The good news is you can often repurpose an old or unused laptop and turn it into a secondary display. This article will explore the various methods for using a second laptop as a monitor, covering both software and hardware solutions, and highlighting their pros and cons.
Understanding the Possibilities and Limitations
Before diving into the specific methods, it’s important to understand the inherent limitations of using a laptop as a monitor. Unlike a dedicated monitor, laptops aren’t designed to directly receive video input. They are designed to display their own output. Therefore, using a laptop as a monitor usually involves some form of software or hardware trickery to redirect the video signal.
One key limitation is that you generally can’t use the HDMI port (or other video output ports) on a laptop as an input port. These ports are designed for outputting video to an external display, not receiving it. Therefore, the solutions we’ll explore typically involve using your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) or specialized hardware designed for video capture.
Software-Based Solutions: Remote Desktop and Screen Sharing
One of the most common ways to use a second laptop as a monitor involves utilizing software-based solutions like Remote Desktop or dedicated screen sharing applications. These methods rely on your local network to transmit the video signal from your primary computer to the secondary laptop.
Windows Remote Desktop
Windows Remote Desktop is a built-in feature in most versions of Windows that allows you to remotely control one computer from another. While primarily designed for accessing files and applications on a remote machine, it can also be used to effectively turn a second laptop into a secondary display.
To use Remote Desktop, you first need to enable it on the laptop you want to use as the monitor (the “host” laptop). Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and toggle the “Enable Remote Desktop” option. You’ll likely need to provide administrator credentials to proceed. Make note of the computer name displayed on this screen; you’ll need it later.
On your primary computer, search for “Remote Desktop Connection” and open the application. Enter the computer name or IP address of the host laptop. You’ll be prompted for the username and password of an account on the host laptop. Once connected, you’ll see the desktop of the second laptop displayed in a window on your primary computer.
You can then configure your display settings to extend your desktop onto the Remote Desktop window. This effectively treats the second laptop as a second monitor. You can drag windows and applications between your primary screen and the Remote Desktop window.
The advantage of using Remote Desktop is that it’s a built-in feature of Windows, so you don’t need to install any additional software. However, it can be somewhat laggy, especially over Wi-Fi. Performance will depend on the speed and stability of your network connection.
Third-Party Screen Sharing Applications
Several third-party screen sharing applications offer similar functionality to Remote Desktop, but often with improved performance and additional features. Popular options include spacedesk, Deskreen, and TeamViewer. These applications typically require you to install software on both the primary computer and the secondary laptop.
spacedesk, for example, is specifically designed to turn Android tablets and secondary computers into extended displays. It often offers better performance than Remote Desktop, particularly over Wi-Fi.
Deskreen allows you to turn any device with a web browser into a secondary screen. This can be useful if you want to use a tablet or even a smartphone as a monitor.
TeamViewer is a more general-purpose remote access tool, but it can also be used for screen sharing. It’s known for its robust security features and ability to connect to computers over the internet, not just on the local network.
When choosing a screen sharing application, consider factors like performance, ease of use, features, and price (some applications offer free versions with limited features).
Hardware-Based Solutions: Video Capture Devices
While software-based solutions are convenient, they can suffer from lag and performance issues, especially over Wi-Fi. If you need a more responsive and reliable solution, you might consider using a hardware-based video capture device.
A video capture device is a piece of hardware that allows you to record video from an external source. Some capture devices also allow you to view the incoming video signal in real-time on your computer screen. This makes them suitable for using a second laptop as a monitor, although with a few caveats.
To use a video capture device, you’ll need a capture card or external capture device with an HDMI input. You’ll also need an HDMI cable to connect the primary computer’s HDMI output to the capture device’s HDMI input. The capture device then connects to the secondary laptop via USB.
Once the capture device is connected, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers and software on the secondary laptop. The software will allow you to view the incoming video signal from the primary computer.
The main advantage of using a video capture device is that it offers a much more responsive and lag-free experience compared to software-based solutions. The video signal is transmitted directly via HDMI, bypassing the network.
However, there are also some drawbacks. Video capture devices can be relatively expensive. They also typically only support a single resolution and refresh rate. You may need to experiment with different resolutions and refresh rates on your primary computer to find one that works well with the capture device and the secondary laptop’s screen.
Furthermore, using a video capture device doesn’t truly extend your desktop in the same way as a traditional monitor. Instead, it mirrors the output from your primary computer onto the secondary laptop’s screen. This means you can’t drag windows and applications between the two screens.
Configuring Your Display Settings
Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll need to configure your display settings on your primary computer to take advantage of the second screen.
For software-based solutions like Remote Desktop and screen sharing applications, the second laptop will typically appear as a separate window on your primary computer. You can then configure your display settings to extend your desktop onto this window.
In Windows, go to Settings > System > Display. You should see two displays listed. Select the second display and choose “Extend these displays” from the “Multiple displays” dropdown menu. You can then drag the display icons to arrange them in the desired configuration.
For hardware-based solutions using a video capture device, you may not need to configure any display settings. The secondary laptop will simply mirror the output from your primary computer. However, you may want to adjust the resolution and refresh rate on your primary computer to match the capabilities of the capture device and the secondary laptop’s screen.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Each method for using a second laptop as a monitor has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Software-based solutions are generally more convenient and less expensive, as they don’t require any additional hardware. However, they can suffer from lag and performance issues, especially over Wi-Fi.
Hardware-based solutions offer a more responsive and reliable experience, but they can be more expensive and require additional hardware. They also don’t truly extend your desktop in the same way as a traditional monitor.
Consider your needs and budget when choosing a method. If you only need a second screen for occasional use and don’t mind some lag, a software-based solution may be sufficient. If you need a more responsive and reliable solution for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, a hardware-based solution may be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your specific circumstances and requirements. Experiment with different solutions to find the one that works best for you.
What are the main benefits of using a second laptop as a monitor?
Using a second laptop as a monitor offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides an immediate extension of your workspace, increasing productivity by allowing you to view multiple applications simultaneously without constantly switching windows. This is particularly useful for tasks like coding, video editing, or data analysis where you need to reference information from different sources at the same time.
Secondly, it’s a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing a dedicated external monitor. If you already have a spare laptop lying around, you can repurpose it and avoid the expense of buying new hardware. Furthermore, it provides portability; you can easily set up a dual-screen environment wherever you go, as long as you have both laptops and a network connection.
What connection methods can I use to connect my laptops?
There are several methods for connecting two laptops to use one as a monitor. Wireless options, such as using Windows’ built-in “Project to this PC” feature or third-party apps like spacedesk, are convenient as they require no physical cables. These options connect over your local Wi-Fi network, allowing for a flexible and uncluttered workspace.
Alternatively, you can use a wired connection if you have the right hardware and software support. Historically, using a physical cable to directly connect two laptops as display devices was limited, requiring specific software and capabilities. Modern solutions sometimes exist but are not universally supported, making wireless methods generally more practical and widely compatible.
What software do I need to use a second laptop as a monitor?
The software requirements depend heavily on the connection method you choose. For wireless solutions, applications like spacedesk are popular, requiring installation on both the primary and secondary laptops. Windows’ “Project to this PC” feature, found in the system settings, may be sufficient for basic mirroring or extending the display if both laptops are running compatible versions of Windows.
If attempting to use a wired connection, the necessary software is often more specialized and potentially dependent on specific hardware capabilities. While direct HDMI or USB-C connections for video input are rare on laptops, some software solutions might exist to facilitate this but generally lack widespread support. Regardless of the chosen method, verifying compatibility and following the software’s specific installation instructions is crucial for successful setup.
Is there any lag or performance issue when using a second laptop as a monitor?
Yes, lag and performance issues are potential concerns, especially with wireless connection methods. The quality of your Wi-Fi network significantly impacts the responsiveness of the secondary display. A weak or congested network can lead to noticeable delays, stuttering, or reduced image quality.
Wired connections, if supported, generally offer better performance with lower latency. However, even with a wired setup, processing power of both laptops can affect the overall performance. Resource-intensive applications running on the primary laptop may strain the secondary laptop’s display capabilities, leading to performance degradation. Optimizing network settings and reducing unnecessary background processes can help mitigate these issues.
How secure is using the “Project to this PC” feature in Windows?
The “Project to this PC” feature in Windows uses your local network to transmit display data, so security considerations are important. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to prevent unauthorized access to your network traffic.
Furthermore, Windows offers settings to control which devices can project to your laptop. You can configure it to require a PIN for each connection, restricting access to only authorized users. Regularly review and update these settings to maintain a secure connection and prevent unwanted devices from connecting to your laptop.
Can I use a second laptop with different operating systems as a monitor?
Yes, it is often possible to use a second laptop with a different operating system as a monitor, but the process and software requirements can vary. Solutions like spacedesk are designed to be cross-platform, supporting Windows, Android, and potentially other operating systems. This allows you to connect a Windows laptop to an Android tablet, for example, and use the tablet as a secondary display.
However, compatibility may not always be seamless. You may need to install specific drivers or software on both devices, and some features might not be fully supported across different operating systems. Always check the software’s documentation for compatibility details and follow the recommended setup instructions for your specific operating system combination.
What are the minimum hardware requirements for using a second laptop as a monitor?
The minimum hardware requirements depend on the chosen connection method and software. Generally, both laptops should have sufficient processing power (CPU) and memory (RAM) to handle the display tasks. A faster processor and more RAM will result in a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when running resource-intensive applications.
For wireless connections, a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial. Ensure both laptops are connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal with sufficient bandwidth. While a dedicated graphics card (GPU) isn’t strictly required, it can improve performance, particularly when displaying visually demanding content. The specifications outlined by the software solutions should be considered as the minimum requirements for proper function.