How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor

Viewing content on really small displays can and will hurt our eyes in the long run. Sometimes we just need a bigger screen. Modern TVs and monitors are designed with multiple device connections in mind, so we can connect to them via any smart device, whether computer or mobile phone.

However, we do not always have access to a smart TV or a monitor, but are still in need of a larger screen. Laptops might be a decent solution, particularly if you need a larger screen. Laptops can be used as monitors, and you don’t even have to MacGyver anything by opening and dissecting a laptop.

How to Use Laptop as Monitor – General Guidelines

For as long as laptops existed, they had a display-out port, meaning some sort of port where you would connect a cable to connect to an external display. There were no laptops which had a display-in connector. People have found ways of using their laptops as monitors, but those ways defeat the purpose of a laptop in general.

Today, we have what is called screen sharing or screen casting. This is one of the easiest ways of turning a laptop into a monitor. It will not be a speedy gaming monitor, but it will suffice for most office use cases.

Use Laptop as Monitor – Windows 10

Windows 10 has an option to use your PC as a monitor, which is great for casual users. Third-party applications may offer more features, but the default tool is good enough for most use cases.

The steps are the following:

  • Navigate to System, then Settings, then Projecting to this PC
  • The first drop down menu should be changed to Available everywhere on secure networks
  • Configure asking for joining and whether you want to use a PIN, though these are optional

This is relatively easy and should work with most Windows and Android devices. Below is an image of what the settings window will look like.

projecting to this pc

Take note, Miracast is a standard for transmitting devices to display receivers, created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It was introduced in 2012 and most laptops or rather, computers with Wi-Fi, should have this option enabled.

Can You Use a Laptop as a Monitor – Linux

Linux users tend to be more tech-savvy than other users, because they often have to resort to third-party solutions or the dreaded terminal to make things work. Today, things are much easier for casual Linux users.

Screencasting is possible on Linux, but additional applications need to be installed. The best application to use that implements Miracast is GNOME Network Displays. It is available via flatpak, which most Linux users should be familiar with.

To setup screencasting, follow these steps:

  • Download GNOME Network Displays (via Flatpak or using any other alternative)
  • Open the application
  • Select the display you want to share your screen to and click on it

Following is an image of the application and where you will find the available devices for sharing.

linux network displays

The listed device is an Android phone, showing the versatility of Miracast and screen sharing. You could even use your phone as an additional screen.

Can I Use a Laptop as a Monitor – MacBooks

Apple has always done things differently, for better or worse. They do not support Miracast, which is to be expected, because Apple likes to keep things close to the chest. They do have their own version of screencasting, called AirPlay.

AirPlay is available on most Apple devices post 2011, including phones, TVs, computers and laptops.

To set up AirPlay, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to System Preferences, then to Displays
  • Navigate to the AirPlay drop-down menu and select a device from the list
  • This is available on all Apple devices, so find the corresponding setting and select which device you want to Mirror
  • You can toggle AirPlay as a quick option in the menu bar

You might run into compatibility issues with devices that use different standards for screencasting, but it should work fine with Apple devices.

Can I Use My Laptop as a Monitor? – Support May Vary

Depending on the laptop, more precisely its age and target audience, screencasting should be supported on most modern laptops, namely everything released after 2012. Given that Miracast is almost a decade old, there will be plenty of laptops, new and used, that can be viable as a second screen option.

A used laptop can double as a functional office machine on its own, as well as a budget monitor. Avoid absolutely cheap laptops, because they will have cheaper components overall, which will affect performance in general, as well as any potential screen casting.

Alternative Solutions – Mouse and Keyboard Sharing

These solutions have become popular lately, with the rise of programs such as Synergy. These applications allow you to use one mouse and keyboard across multiple computers. There are multiple applications that are cross-platform and allow mouse and keyboard sharing.

Synergy is premium, ShareMouse is available for free with up to two monitors and Barrier is open source and cross-platform compatible.

Some of these applications allow clipboard sharing, dragging and dropping files and monitor management.

Conclusion and Summary

Laptops can make great monitors if the following requirements are met:

  • They support Miracast or AirPlay or can use third-party applications for screencasting
  • They have been released after 2012 and support Wi-Fi
  • The source device also supports the above-mentioned features

Modern tools have modern solutions and most of them are thankfully simple. Whether you use Windows 10, Linux or Mac, you have the option to use a laptop as a monitor. Built-in applications are available for Windows and Mac, while Linux users have to tinker, as is customary.

There might be compatibility issues between devices, but these solutions should be viable with most laptops and other smart devices that can share their display wirelessly.

About The Author

Milan Zagorac

Milan has always been interested in writing and technology, but managed to pick up a love for music, literature and sports along the way. Essentially a jack of all trades, his interest in all things tech as well as love for the written word, keeps him well occupied.

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