How to Use a Laptop as a Second Monitor

This practical guide walks through how to use a laptop as a second monitor, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

Check out the instructions below!

1. Set up connection on Laptop

To get started, you first need to prepare some settings on your laptop.

Step 1: Open the laptop you want to set as the second monitor. You press Windows + I to open settings, then select System.

Step 2: You open the Projecting to this PC tab in the right menu column.

Step 3: Usually, you will find the functions in this tab are locked, and there is a line asking: 'Add the 'Wireless Display' optional feature to project to this PC'.

In this case, click the Optional features line.

If you find the features in this section to be subject to change, proceed to Step 7.

Step 4: At the Optional features screen, select Add a feature.

Step 5: Type Wireless in the search box at the top of the window.

Step 6: Check the box next to the Wireless Display feature and click Install.

Then you wait for the feature to complete the installation (Installed), press the arrow button on the top left to return.

Step 7: Now you set the features as follows.

• Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you allow to them: Available everywhere or Available everywhere on secure networks.
• Ask to project to this PC: Every time a connection is requested or First time only.

Your laptop is now ready to become a second monitor.

2. Connect to Laptop on Main PC

Now you open your main PC and proceed to pair with the laptop. Note that the PC needs to have a Wi-fi connection for this to work.

Step 1: Press Windows + P, a menu will appear on the right side of the screen. In this menu you will find the words 'Connect to a wireless display', click on it.

Step 2: Your computer will start searching for wireless displays around. When the laptop's name appears in the search list, click it to connect.

Step 3: On the Laptop, you will receive a pairing message, select Yes.

3. Use your laptop as a second monitor

Now your job is to choose the projection type for using two screens at the same time. Press Windows + P to reopen the Project menu. Let's convert to view types including:

• PC screen only: only use the main PC's screen
• Duplicate: Duplicate your main screen (both displays the same content)
• Extend: Your laptop will expand the main screen space, allowing you to use the serial between the two monitors.
• Second screen only: Only use the 2nd screen

And here is a simple guide for you to set up your laptop as a second monitor. Good luck!