How To Use Laptop As Monitor: Everything You Need To Know

Mark Dalio November 10, 2024 36 0

Millions of people want to use their laptops as a monitor, just like you. People want to know how to use laptop as monitor, so I will show you exactly how to do it.

Whether working, studying, or being creative, having one screen isn’t always enough to be productive.

If you already own a laptop—or more than one—and at least one external monitor, then it’s relatively simple to set up a dual-screen workstation.

You can extend your laptop’s screen onto an external monitor(s) by making a few quick adjustments to the settings menu.

There is also an option for desktop owners who want their laptops to function solely as screens for their PCs, although this is a bit more complicated.

I will show you how to use laptop as monitor on both macOS and Windows operating systems so you can expand your desktop and eliminate squinting at cramped windows.

It’s essential to have the right display cable on hand (if you’re a macOS user, you may also need an adaptor). Depending on your laptop model, you may require either an HDMI cable, a DisplayPort, or a mini-DisplayPort cable.

How to Use Laptop As Monitor On Windows

Now, the question comes to how to use laptop as monitor on Windows.

Follow the below steps:

Click Start on the left end of your taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, press the Windows key to open the main menu.

Open the settings menu by selecting the settings icon on the left side.

Select the Display option, located in the menu’s top-left corner.

Make sure your cable connection is working correctly. You should be able to see numbered rectangles showing the connected display devices and working under ‘Select and rearrange displays’ once your display cable has been successfully connected. If you still can’t see it, click ‘Detect’ to make your device search for a display.

Select ‘Extend these displays’ from the ‘Multiple displays’ drop-down menu.

Select ‘Identify’ to identify which screen is which (as shown in the ‘Select and rearrange displays’ section). Each display will be forced to show the appropriate number by dragging them to the desired position. You may rearrange them as you please.

Check out Video Guide on how to use laptop as monitor – Click here

How to Extend Laptop Display on Windows

If you wish to extend your laptop display on Windows, follow the below steps:

Press the Apple menu button on the top-left corner of your screen to navigate to the left end of your taskbar.

Go to ‘System Preferences’ to open the settings window.

Click on the ‘Displays’ option, which is located in the bottom left corner. A new window will open.

Once you’ve connected your display cables, go to the ‘Arrangement’ tab, which will be the second option from the top.

The blue rectangles that indicate your connected and existing displays are now visible to you. Make sure the Mirror Displays option is unchecked on your main display.

Select the locations where you want to relocate the displays by dragging the rectangles. You can also move the menu bar by dragging it to switch to a different monitor.

How To Extend Laptop Display On macOS

Look at the ports on your MacBook to see whether you’ll need an adaptor to connect to another display. You’ve chosen the correct cable for the job. Now plug it into your monitor and proceed to the next phase.

Click ‘System Preferences > Displays’ to open the display preference window. Click the ‘Arrangement’ tab.

Uncheck the ‘Mirror Displays’ option and then position your displays by dragging them to where you want them.

Simply move the menu bar to the screen you want to use to create a different display from the default one.

How to Use Laptop as Monitor for your Desktop PC

Now the question comes to how to use laptop as monitor for a Desktop PC.

You need to follow these steps:

On Windows laptop, locate the ‘Start’ button at the left end of the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. You can also trigger the main menu by tapping on the Windows key.

Open the settings menu by selecting the settings icon on the left side.

Select ‘Projecting to this PC’ from the list of ten options.

Once a desktop machine is connected to your preferred laptop, modify the drop-down menu from ‘Always off’ to ‘Available everywhere on secure networks.’ You can also configure a PIN for pairing and ‘Ask to project to this PC every time a connection is requested (those two settings can be adjusted to suit your preferences).

Select the ‘Action Center’ icon on your desktop PC’s bottom right corner to open the ‘Action Center’ menu. After that, click ‘Connect,’ and your laptop will show up on the screen. Select it as soon as it appears on your screen.

After that, you must turn to your laptop and accept the connection request. After you pair your devices, enter the PIN.

Select ‘Desktop settings’ from the right-click menu on your desktop device. Select ‘Extend desktop to this display’ option from the display menu. You can now move the displays to the desired location by dragging them.

FAQs on How To Use Laptop As Monitor:

1. How to use laptop as monitor for my PC?

Sure, you can. You must first obtain the proper display cable for your laptop to connect it to a monitor. Your laptop may include an HDMI cable, a DisplayPort cable, a mini-DisplayPort cable, or a docking station, so find the one that is right for you and hook it up to your monitor.

2. How to use laptop as monitor for my Xbox?

You can use laptop as an Xbox monitor if your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port. You can wirelessly connect your Xbox One to your laptop by downloading the XBOX app from the Windows Store.

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Summary

It is true that you can use your laptop as a monitor by following some easy steps.

Using a laptop as a monitor gives a new life that is a responsible way to keep devices out of the landfill.

Today, most laptops provide great resolution with large graphics and bold graphics. In that case, it makes a good sense to integrate high-tech displays into your workflow.

I hope the above instructions will help you understand how to use laptop as monitor. Remember to share your opinions in the comment section!

Mark Dalio

Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.