Can I Use a Laptop as a Monitor?

You’ve probably stared at your laptop, wondering, “Can I just use this thing as a monitor for my other device?” Maybe you grabbed a new desktop, a gaming console, or even another laptop, and you’d love to use your laptop’s screen to display it. It’s a practical idea, right? Why buy a new monitor when you already have a perfectly good screen on your laptop?

Well, the short answer is: sometimes. It mostly depends on the devices involved and what you want to connect. Let’s break down exactly what’s possible, what isn’t, and how to make it work if you can.

Can You Use a Laptop as a Monitor?

This question trips up a lot of people because it sounds simple, but the reality is a bit tricky. Most laptops have video output ports, like HDMI or DisplayPort, designed to send their screen image to an external monitor, not to receive video input from another device. That means, physically, most laptops can’t be plugged into via HDMI and used as monitors.

Think of it this way: your laptop screen is hardwired to its own graphics card. There’s no built-in way for it to display video coming from an external device through the typical ports.

However, there are software tricks and network-based solutions that let you use your laptop as a second screen for another device. And in some rare cases, certain laptops have features or ports designed specifically for this, but they’re exceptions, not the rule.

What Methods Let You Use a Laptop as a Second Screen?

There are two main ways to turn your laptop into a monitor for another device:

1. Software-Based Screen Sharing or Mirroring

This method uses a network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to stream or extend another device’s display onto your laptop. Both devices need to be connected to the same network or via USB tethering.

Popular options include:

• Windows 10/11 “Projecting to this PC” feature: If both devices run Windows 10 or newer, you can enable projecting on your laptop and wirelessly extend or mirror another Windows device’s screen. It’s built-in and free, but works only between Windows machines.
• Third-party apps: Apps like Spacedesk, Deskreen, and Duet Display let you use your laptop as a wireless or wired monitor. Some support cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS), which is great if your devices differ.
• Remote desktop tools: If you want full control of another PC, programs like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop let you view and control remotely but aren’t “true” second screens—they mirror, not extend.

2. Hardware-Based Solutions (Rare and Complex)

Some specialized hardware devices can convert HDMI output to USB input, enabling your laptop to receive video from consoles or other PCs. This generally requires an external capture card, like an Elgato game capture device, which is expensive and introduces lag—so it’s usually not practical for normal monitor use.

Hardware Limitations and Compatibility Issues

Okay, so why isn’t this straightforward? Here are some key reasons:

• No HDMI input on laptops: Almost all laptops have HDMI output only. Unlike TVs or monitors, they don’t accept video signals to display.
• Operating system differences: Windows can use its built-in “Projecting to this PC,” but MacOS doesn’t have an equivalent native feature, making software solutions more important.
• Network reliability: Software methods depend on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet speed. Lag and image quality may vary if the network isn’t stable.
• Input lag and resolution: Using your laptop as a second screen wirelessly can add latency and reduce resolution compared to a direct monitor connection. For gaming or fast video, this is noticeable.
• Device support: Some apps only work on specific OSes, and certain devices may not support screen sharing protocols, meaning your laptop and source may not “talk” properly.

How to Set Up a Laptop as a Monitor: Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the most beginner-friendly method: Using Windows’ built-in “Projecting to this PC” feature. This works best if you want to use your laptop as a second screen for another Windows PC.

Step 1: Prepare Your Laptop (the “Monitor”)

1. Check your Windows version: You need Windows 10 (Anniversary Update or newer) or Windows 11.
2. Enable projecting to this PC:
3. Go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC.
4. Under “Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you say it’s OK,” select Available everywhere or Available everywhere on secure networks.
5. Set “Ask to project to this PC” to Every time if you want a prompt.
6. Optionally, require a PIN for added security.
7. Keep your laptop awake: Under “Power & sleep,” ensure your laptop doesn’t go to sleep while projecting.

Step 2: Prepare Your Source Device (the Computer You Want to Display)

1. Connect to the same network: Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
2. Open the Connect app: On Windows 10, type “Connect” in the Start menu to open the app (this is a receiver for projecting). If it’s not installed, you can add it via Optional Features.
3. On the source computer:
4. Press Win + P to open the Project menu.
5. Choose Connect to a wireless display.
6. Select your laptop’s name when it appears.

Step 3: Accept the Connection on Your Laptop

Your laptop will prompt you to allow the connection. Agree, and your source computer’s screen will appear on your laptop.

Step 4: Adjust Display Settings

• You can extend or duplicate the display via Display Settings on the source PC.
• Arrange displays in the settings to match physical positions.

Using Third-Party Apps for Other Devices or Cross-Platform

If you’re not running Windows or want to connect a Mac, a gaming console, or even an Android device, here are some great software options:

Example: I once used Duet Display to extend my MacBook screen onto my Windows laptop via USB when I had no external monitor handy. It was surprisingly smooth and super useful for extra screen real estate.

Common Pain Points and How to Avoid Them

• “Why can’t I just plug an HDMI cable from my gaming console into my laptop?” Because laptops rarely have HDMI inputs, only outputs. You need a capture card if you want to use HDMI input.
• “My laptop can’t see my other device when projecting.” Make sure both are on the same network and firewall settings aren’t blocking connections.
• “The image is laggy or low quality.” Try a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Also, close bandwidth-heavy apps.
• “I want to use my MacBook as a second monitor for Windows.” Use third-party apps like Deskreen or Duet Display. Native solutions won’t work here.
• “Is it safe? What about privacy?” Using built-in Windows projecting is generally safe on secure networks. Always enable PINs, especially on public or shared Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Quick Answers

Q: Can I use a laptop as a monitor for a gaming console?
A: Not directly. You’d need a capture card (like Elgato) to connect HDMI output from the console to your laptop via USB, but it may introduce lag.

Q: Does this work with MacBooks?
A: MacOS doesn’t have a built-in “project to this PC” feature. Use apps like Duet Display or Deskreen instead.

Q: Can I connect over USB instead of Wi-Fi?
A: Some apps like Duet Display support USB connections, which reduces lag compared to wireless.

Q: Will this work over the internet?
A: Usually not. These methods require both devices to be on the same local network for best performance and security.

Wrapping It Up: Should You Use Your Laptop as a Monitor?

It depends! For casual use, quick presentations, or extra screen space between Windows devices, using your laptop as a monitor via wireless projection or software works fine. But if you want to hook up a gaming console or need zero lag for video editing, investing in a dedicated monitor or capture setup is better.

It’s a neat trick to save money and avoid clutter but comes with trade-offs like lag, lower resolution, and more setup time. Hopefully, this clears up the confusion and gives you a clear path to trying it out.

References

1. According to Microsoft Support, Windows 10 and 11 include a “Projecting to this PC” feature that allows devices to extend or mirror screens wirelessly within a network (source).
2. Spacedesk’s official documentation explains how their software can turn a laptop or tablet into a wireless second screen (source).
3. TechRadar reviewed Duet Display as a reliable way to use devices cross-platform as second screens (source).

If you want me to walk you through setting up a specific app or hardware for your setup, just ask!