Older Laptop models used to have DVI and VGA cables to use as external monitors. But, newer models no longer use these and instead focus on using HDMI. So, you might wonder how to use a laptop as a monitor with HDMI.
Using an HDMI connection is a terrific alternative if you want to use your laptop as the primary screen for your computer. However, your Laptop and PC need an HDMI connector and HDMI capture card to do this, as HDMI can only take input.
It is an excellent choice to use a Laptop as an external display if your regular monitor has been broken or you don’t presently have one. Read the instructions below to learn how to utilize your Laptop as an additional display.
Can you use Laptop as a monitor for the PC?
Yes, you can use your laptop as a monitor for your PC by following a few different ways. This is greatly helpful if you have an old laptop lying around and you do not want to spend money on buying a new monitor for your computer.
While you might be accustomed to utilizing the DVI or VGA video standards to output video on laptops, HDMI has a few more advantages, so using an HDMI connection is your best bet. But laptop HDMI ports cannot take any outputs and only give inputs.
Thus, you will need something else to use your laptop as a monitor for your PC other than the HDMI port and cable.
How to use a laptop as a monitor with HDMI?
As I mentioned earlier, I suggest you use an HDMI connector for connecting your Laptop as a monitor. Laptops cannot be used directly for HDMI input. Hence you will need to buy an additional HDMI capture Card. Follow the steps below to know how to connect your laptop as a primary monitor for your PC.
Step 1: Plugging HDMI cable into HDMI capture Card
Connecting your HDMI cable to your Laptop and PC and HDMI capture card is the first step. HDMI cables should have one end plugged into the GPU’s HDMI port and the other into the IN port of the HDMI capture card. Take a second HDMI cable, insert it into the capture card’s HDMI OUT connector, then attach the other end to the laptop’s HDMI port.
Step 2: Power on
You must now attach this external HDMI card to your computer. Simply connect a USB cord from the capture card to the PC. When everything is connected, you must switch on your computer and make sure your laptop is powered on too.
Step 3: Configuring Windows
Lift the lid, then turn on your laptop. You will be asked to select Detect display. To access the Display Settings screen, choose the prompt. Select Extended Display, and then make your external monitor the main or primary display.
Thus you have successfully selected your laptop screen as your primary display for the PC.
Have a look at this video if you are still confused!
How to use your Laptop as a monitor for Mac?
When you want to use your Laptop as a monitor for Mac, the process is a bit different than that of Windows. You cannot connect them directly using HDMI or VGA cables, and you will again need to buy an HDMI capture card.
Unlike regular laptops, Newer Macs do not have an HDMI port; in this case, you will need to get a type-c to HDMI adapter. After selecting the appropriate cable, connect the HDMI cables to your HDMI capture card and then to your laptop that you wish to use as a Display, and take another cable to connect the capture card to your Mac.
Now simply turn on your laptop and your Mac, you should now see your Mac running on your laptop, and it should work as your primary monitor.
How to use your Laptop as a Second display for windows?
So far, I have discussed how to use your Laptop as a primary display for windows. Only the main computer and the Laptop you intend to utilize as a secondary display need to be prepared.
Ensure that the most recent Windows 10 or a higher version is installed on both devices. You might also need to have an administrator login. Now I will discuss how you can use your Laptop as a secondary display for windows.
Method 1: Using Miracast
To use your Laptop as a secondary display, you need to have the Miracast technology. The built-in Miracast technology in Microsoft 10 makes it simple for anybody to connect their Laptop. If both PCs have installed the most recent operating systems versions, you won’t need any wires, connections, or wireless dongles.
Step 1: Projecting PC
Start by selecting “System” in the “Settings” app on the Laptop you intend to utilize as the second display. Selecting “Projecting to This PC” is the next step.
Step 2: Security Settings
When your desktop computer is linked to the Laptop of your choice, select the first drop-down option and switch it from “Always off” to “Available anywhere on secure networks.” Additionally, you may configure a PIN for pairing and choose to “Ask to project to this PC whenever a connection is required.”
Step 4: Accept Connection Request
Choose the “Action Center” icon from the screen’s bottom right corner on your desktop computer. After that, click “Connect” and wait for your Laptop to show up on the screen. Now choose it when you see it appear on your screen.
When the connection request appears, you must then switch to your Laptop and accept it. You will also need to enter in your PIN at this point if you set one up while connecting your devices.
Here is a video that might help if you are confused:
Method 2: Using HDMI cable
To use your laptop as a secondary display for your computer, you can again use an HDMI cable. But, you will require an HDMI capture card like before.
Step 1: Connections
As you would for any external display, connect an HDMI cable to the GPU to connect the laptops to your computer. Similar to when you used your laptop as your primary monitor, connect the HDMI connection to your PC, laptop, video capture card, and all of these devices.
Step 2: Configuring Windows
First, turn on your computer and laptop to configure them properly. To easily switch among display modes, use the shortcut “Windows key + P” or the “Display Settings” option when you right-click on your desktop.
You should see two or more numbered screens under “Select and reorganize displays” if your Laptop and monitor have connected correctly. If not, press “Detect” to make Windows look for a different display.
A number will appear to represent each display if you select “Identify” and are unclear which screen is which. Additionally, you may organize your displays however you like; just be sure to hit “Apply” when you’re finished.
Click the option when you reach “Advanced Display settings” by scrolling down. You have a number of options from here. Now you will be able to select your laptop display as your primary display or as a second display.
Method 3: Using Ethernet Cable and Spacedesk
You can use your laptop as a second monitor by connecting it to your PC with an ethernet cable. Then you have to download Spacedesk on your laptop and PC. Install it on both devices and now you can use your laptop as a second monitor for your PC.
Here is a video that might help!
Can you use the Laptop as a primary monitor for the PC?
Yes, you can use your Laptop as a primary monitor for a PC. Using a laptop as a primary screen is helpful as you do not need to spend money on buying a new monitor.
Additionally, the latest laptop displays may potentially have superior visual quality. A 2000-pixel wide image will appear better on a laptop screen than a monitor if you view it there. In light of this, the image quality will also be important.
To use the Laptop as a primary monitor, follow the steps below.
On the Windows desktop, right-click a blank space and choose Screen Resolution. Alternately, enter screen resolution, select Settings, and choose Modify Screen Resolution when viewing the Start screen.
Choose Extend These Displays from the Multiple Displays drop-down option. When duplicating your screen or presenting a single monitor, you are unable to choose the main display.
Select the external display. In order to view a number on both screens, click Identify if you’re having problems recognizing the monitor. The number on the illustration matches the number that is seen on your monitor. If you just have your laptop as the main screen, then you will just see an option for one screen.
Select apply after selecting “Make This My Main Display.” To save all changes and dismiss the window, click OK. To make sure your settings are accurate, check the system. If you have followed all the steps accurately by now, your external display should now perform as the primary display.
FAQ
Can I use another laptop as a second screen?
Answer: Yes, you can use your Laptop as a second screen. To access your PC’s display projection options on your primary PC, use Windows Key + P. From the list of choices, pick “Extend.” By doing this, you’ll be able to project onto your Laptop and utilize it as a second display. Insert an HDMI cable to the primary Laptop, just as you would for an external display, to link the two laptops.
Can I connect a PC to a laptop with HDMI?
Answer: Yes, you can connect a PC to a laptop with HDMI and an HDMI capture card. Choose the laptop-specific button when the system comes on. Your Laptop’s VGA or HDMI port should be connected using the VGA or HDMI cable. Insert the HDMI or VGA adapter into the HDMI capture card to your laptop and PC.
Can I use my laptop screen as a monitor?
Answer: Laptop screen can be used both as a primary and secondary monitor for your computer. You must first get the correct display cable for your Laptop in order to connect it to a monitor. When it comes to connection, there are a few options. You can either connect it using VGA, DVI, or HDMI cable. You can even use Miracast technology. However, using an HDMI cable is the best option.
Conclusion
You may utilize your laptop screen with Windows. This is helpful when your monitor is damaged, and you do not want to spend money on buying another monitor. Hence, it’s a brilliant option to use your Laptop as a secondary screen.
There are a few different ways to connect your Laptop to your PC as a monitor. But the best option is using an HDMI cable and an HDMI capture card, ensuring the best image and sound quality. Thus, today in this guide, I discussed How To Use A Laptop As A Monitor With HDMI.
After reading this guide, I believe all your confusion has been cleared by now. As a result, you should be able to connect your Laptop to your computer directly without any hassle.
Hello Good People! This is Pavel and Welcome to PC Delight!
I’m an Electronics Engineer by profession with a passion for Gaming & PC builds. When I came up with the idea for PC Delight, it was my goal to share & offer the very best PC building ideas to tech-loving people like myself.
Since my school days, I’ve been just addicted to gaming & PCs. That leads me to experiment with various ways around the very niche, resulting in great productivity. And I’m here to share those practical experiences. So that next time you start some experiment with your PC builds or struggle to cope with a certain game, I’m here with the solutions. With these philosophies, I started my journey in 2017 and just kept going.