Transforming Your Spare Laptop into a Second Monitor
Utilizing a spare laptop as a second monitor can significantly enhance your workflow, whether for gaming, work, or casual browsing. This setup allows for either mirroring the display for presentations or extending it for a wider desktop experience, which can improve multitasking and productivity.
However, converting your laptop into a second screen is not as simple as connecting an HDMI cable. It involves checking compatibility, choosing between wired and wireless options, and adjusting settings on your system. Here’s how to set up your laptop as a second monitor across different operating systems.
Using a Windows Laptop as a Second Monitor
If both your main computer and the spare laptop are running Windows 10 or 11, you can easily extend or mirror your displays using the built-in wireless casting tools that utilize Miracast. This feature allows devices to connect via Wi-Fi.
To set it up, go to your spare laptop, open Settings, then System, and select Projecting to this PC. Click on Optional features, then View features, and add Wireless Display. After installation, set it to Available everywhere and open the Wireless Display app.
On your main computer, press the Windows key + K, select the spare laptop from the available displays, enter the PIN, and allow keyboard and mouse input. You can choose to duplicate or extend your screen and switch between these options using Windows key + P. Note that this method requires Wi-Fi on both devices and may experience some lag, making it less ideal for gaming.
Connecting Other Operating Systems
If both devices are Macs, you can use AirPlay to connect them, provided the MacBook is from 2018 or later. On the MacBook you want to use as the second screen, open System Settings, select General, then AirDrop & Continuity. Enable AirPlay Receiver and select Current User under Allow AirPlay for. Ensure both MacBooks are signed into the same Apple ID.
On your primary device, open System Settings, then Displays, and select your secondary device from the dropdown menu. Choose between mirroring or extending the display in the settings. Like Windows’ Miracast, AirPlay operates over Wi-Fi and may have slight delays. For a wired option, refer to the HDMI section below.
For connections between different operating systems, such as Windows and Mac or Linux, you can use software like Deskreen, a free, open-source tool that operates over Wi-Fi. Ensure both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network, download Deskreen on the main device, and follow the instructions to connect. Deskreen mirrors the display by default, but to extend it, a virtual display adapter or ‘dummy plug’ is needed in the main computer’s HDMI port.
Using an HDMI Cable for Connection
Most laptop HDMI ports are video-out only, meaning directly connecting two laptops with an HDMI cable won’t allow for display extension or mirroring. To work around this, use an HDMI-to-USB video capture card, which connects both laptops. Plug the main device’s HDMI cable into the card, then connect the card’s USB end to the spare laptop. This setup allows the capture card to function as a webcam, enabling you to view the feed in the laptop’s camera app or a free video app like OBS Studio.
If you want to connect a gaming console like a PlayStation or Nintendo Switch to the laptop, you can use the same method. While some lag may occur, it is generally less than with Wi-Fi connections, making it suitable for casual gaming. If these options do not meet your needs, consider using your old laptop as a smart home hub.
Source: Engadget