Can I extend my laptop screen to another monitor?
|
Adding a second monitor to your workstation is an excellent way to expand your productivity, and while the best computer monitors are great for this, you can use your laptop as a second display, too. This is pretty useful, as you can save some money by using a laptop that you already own instead of buying a brand-new external monitor to use. You'll be able to do this as long as both your main PC and your laptop support wireless Miracast connectivity. In this Windows 10 guide, we'll show you how you can successfully use your laptop as a second monitor. Here's how you can extend your desktop's display to your laptop and use it as a second monitor (this process also works with two laptops):
Now that your PC is projecting to your laptop and you've selected the Extend option on your PC, you can use your laptop as a second monitor. More Windows resourcesIf you'd rather use a dedicated external monitor instead of a laptop for a second display, don't miss our guide on how to set up multiple monitors on Windows 10. Also, for more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. You'll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.
Adding a second screen to your PC or laptop gives you more space to multitask: you can browse the web, check emails and complete work tasks, all while displaying your video or photo slideshows on a second screen.
This is an easy task: all modern laptops will offer at least one port that can be used to connect a monitor, be it VGA, DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort. PC users will need to be running a graphics card with two such ports. The simplest solution is to choose a second monitor with a matching port and connect the two, although it’s possible to mix and match some of the digital options. It’s then just a case of configuring Windows to use both screens. [Click to Zoom]Step 1. All modern laptops will have a VGA, DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort connection that lets you add a second screen. PC users should check the back of the tower for a spare connection – if one isn’t available you’ll need to upgrade your graphics card. Connect the port to a matching port on the new screen. [Click to Zoom]Step 2. Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization. Choose ‘Connect an external display’ from the Display menu. What’s shown on your main screen will be duplicated on the second display. Select ‘Extend these displays’ from the ‘Multiple displays’ drop-down menu to expand your desktop across both monitors. [Click to Zoom]Step 3. Alternatively, you can view the desktop on just one of the screens – perhaps the larger of the two. Click the Identify button if you aren’t sure which screen Windows is referring to as ‘1’ and ‘2’. Note that Windows 7 also has an option for setting up a projector – find it under Start, Accessories, ‘Connect to a Projector’. [Click to Zoom]Step 4. Adjust the resolution for each screen to improve the quality of text and video shown onscreen. From the Display drop-down menu, select a display and click Resolution. Use the slider to adjust the screen’s resolution. It’s advisable to use Windows’ recommended resolution for each display. {{#url}}Monitor reviews{{/url}}{{^url}}Monitor reviews{{/url}} {{#url}}Digital Home Advisor{{/url}}{{^url}}Digital Home Advisor{{/url}}
Windows 11 Windows 10 More...Less
To get your PC to recognize multiple monitors: Make sure your cables are connected properly to the new monitors, then press Windows logo key + P to select a display option. If you need more help, here's what to do:
You can change the resolution of your displays. However, we suggest using the recommended resolution to get the most out of your displays. Learn how to use multiple monitors in Windows
To get your PC to recognize multiple monitors: Make sure your cables are connected properly to the new monitors, then press Windows logo key + P to select a display option. If you need more help, here's what to do:
You can change the resolution of your displays. However, we suggest using the recommended resolution to get the most out of your displays. Learn how to use multiple monitors in Windows 10 |
