How To Use Windows 7 Laptop As Second Monitor

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In today’s world, having a multi-monitor setup can significantly boost your productivity, especially when working with multiple applications or documents. Regardless of whether you have a desktop or a laptop, adding a second monitor can be a real game-changer. This blog post will show you how to use your Windows 7 laptop as a second monitor.

Step 1: Check for Miracast Support

While Windows 7 does not have native support for wireless display connections such as Miracast, some laptops may have the required hardware and drivers installed. To check if your laptop supports Miracast, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type dxdiag and press Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
  3. Click on the Save All Information button and save the generated text file on your desktop.
  4. Open the saved text file and search for Miracast using the Control + F shortcut. If you see “Miracast: Available, with HDCP,” your laptop supports Miracast.

Step 2: Install a Third-Party Application

If your laptop does not support Miracast, you can still use it as a second monitor by installing a third-party application. One such application is Space Desk, which allows you to extend or duplicate your primary screen onto your laptop screen. To install Space Desk:

  1. Download Space Desk for Windows from https://spacedesk.net/.
  2. Install the Space Desk software on both your primary computer and your Windows 7 laptop.
  3. Ensure both devices are connected to the same network (either wired or wireless).

Step 3: Configure Space Desk

To configure Space Desk to use your Windows 7 laptop as a second monitor, follow these steps:

  1. Run Space Desk on your primary computer. The application will start minimized in the system tray (lower-right corner of the screen).
  2. Run Space Desk on your Windows 7 laptop. The application will search for available primary machines on the same network.
  3. Select your primary computer from the list and click Connect. Your Windows 7 laptop should now display an extended or duplicated version of your primary screen.
  4. To adjust the display settings, right-click on the desktop of your primary computer, select Screen Resolution, and configure the settings according to your preferences.

Alternative Applications

While Space Desk works well for most users, you may also consider other third-party applications like Synergy or Mouse Without Borders for a similar purpose. These applications provide additional features like sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers.

Conclusion

Using your Windows 7 laptop as a second monitor is an effective way to boost your productivity and improve your overall computing experience. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily set up a multi-monitor configuration and enjoy the benefits of a larger and more flexible workspace.