How to use your laptop as a second monitor

Use Miracast on a spare Windows laptop for a simple second monitor.

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Spare laptops make an excellent addition to your workstation as a second monitor, expanding productivity with more screen space. Although dedicated monitorsarethe ideal solution, you can use a suitable Windows device as a second display if compatible with the proper software. A useful trick, as you can save money and avoid extra purchases.

If both devices support the Miracast software found on Windows 10 or 11, we can show you how to use your laptop as a second monitor.

How to use your laptop as a second monitor

How to 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):

You’re now successfully extending your desktop to your laptop and using it as a second monitor. If, after testing this method, you would prefer a dedicated external monitor instead of a laptop for a second display, check our recommendations forthe best monitors.

Our comprehensive guide onhow to set up multiple monitors on Windowscan help you achieve the same result with dedicated displays if you have enough desk space.

More resources

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

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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. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).