How to use a laptop as a second monitor

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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Step 7: Now you set the features as follows.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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:

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

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

David Pac

Update 18 December 2021