Looking to expand your set-up with another monitor? Did you know you can use your laptop as a monitor?
We’re here with all the key details you need to know including why you should use your laptop as a monitor, the pros and cons, how to set up your dual displays, and of course a selection of our top hardware recs if you’re in need of an upgrade or two.
Can I Use My Laptop as a Monitor?
A laptop can easily be repurposed as a secondary monitor if you need some extra screen real estate. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection.
Why Should You Use Your Laptop as a Monitor
Repurposing your laptop to be a monitor can be an easy way to boost your productivity and screen space. It’s easy to harness this extra screen to enhance your work or gaming performance as you’ll no longer need to switch between multiple tabs. You can easily look at the latest game guides while you explore new locations or input information into a spreadsheet to streamline your work day.
If you want even more reasons why you should use your laptop as a monitor, we’ve rounded up all the pros and cons below.
Pros
- More screen real estate.
- Better for multitasking as you can easily run multiple applications without constantly flicking between different tabs.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Impact on battery life – your laptop’s battery will tend to drain quicker whilst it’s being used as a monitor.
- Display quality – you may not achieve the same standard of graphics as you would with an actual monitor. The quality all depends on the specification of your laptop.
- Input lag.
How To Use Your Laptop as a Monitor
To successfully use your laptop as a monitor, you’ll first need to configure the projection settings on your laptop. In the Start menu search for ‘Projection Settings’ and open up the application. From here, you’ll need to:
- Enable Windows and Android Devices to be allowed to project to this PC. Ensure you select ‘Always available on secure networks’.
- Select the First Time Only option under ‘Ask to Project to This PC’. This means you’ll no longer receive a pop up every time you want to project.
- Under ‘Require PIN for pairing’ choose the First time option. Only do this is you are using your own personal laptop. If it’s someone else’s or a work laptop, we recommend you set up a PIN for extra security.
After this, select ‘Launch the Wireless Display App to Project to This PC’. This will automatically open the Wireless Display App.
Next, you’ll need to go onto the PC that you will be projecting onto the laptop. Go into Windows > Settings > Display. Under the ‘Multiple Displays’ tab, click the arrow to expand the section and select ‘Connect to a Wireless Display’.
Choose your laptop from the list of available monitors. If you set up a PIN, make sure you note it down on a separate piece of paper or online notepad – you definitely don’t want to forget this! Type the PIN and click ‘Connect’ to start projecting.
Click the check box for ‘Allow Mouse, Keyboard, Touch, and Pen Input From this Device’. This step is vital as you won’t be able to use any input devices connected to your main PC. Only the laptops trackpad and keyboard will work. After this, select ‘Extend’ and choose your primary audio output device from the drop-down list. Again, if you don’t do this, Windows will use the laptop’s speaker to play audio.
And that’s it! Your laptop will now be able to serve as a secondary monitor. If you wish to stop, simply press Windows + K and click ‘Disconnect’. This will end the projection.
Level Up Your Screen Real Estate
Are you looking to enhance your desk with a laptop or second monitor? Whatever the case, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Overclockers UK. There are endless options to choose from with laptops and monitors boasting high-quality resolutions and ultra-fast refresh rates to help elevate your performance.
We’ve picked out a selection of our faves below, but if none of these suit your style or individual preferences, you can explore our full collections by clicking the relevant buttons below.
Gigabyte AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop
- 16.0’’ QHD+ display
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i9 14900HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Home included
MSI Crosshair 16HX Gaming Laptop
- 16.0’’ QHD+ display
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i7 14700HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB M.2 SSD
ASUS ROG Strix 32” XG32WCMS Gaming Monitor
- 32’’ curved gaming monitor
- 2560 x 1440 resolution
- VA panel
- 280Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
Gigabyte M27U 27” Gaming Monitor
- 27’’ gaming monitor
- 3840 x 2160 resolution
- IPS panel
- 160Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
Want to Learn More About PC Monitors?
Do You Use Your Laptop as a Monitor?
Do you use your laptop as a secondary monitor? If so, how has it helped to improve your gaming or work performance? Let us know in the comments below.
- 5 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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