# How to Use Your Spare Laptop as a Second Monitor for Your Windows Desktop Computer
If you have a Windows desktop computer and you’re wondering if you can use a spare laptop as a second screen, the answer is yes! In this video, Dave from thinkoutsidetheslide.com will show you exactly how to do it.
First, let’s talk about why you might want a second screen for your desktop computer. Maybe you don’t want to buy an additional monitor and set it up permanently on your desk. If you have a spare laptop lying around, you can use it to create that second monitor.
Most desktop computers only have a single HDMI output port, which is already used for the monitor you have connected. Some older desktops even use VGA instead of HDMI. Therefore, the first step is to add a second HDMI port to your desktop.
The easiest way to do this is by using a display link adapter, such as the Pluggable DisplayLink adapter for HDMI output ports. This adapter plugs into a USB port on your desktop and provides an additional HDMI output port. Simply plug it in, wait for the drivers to download and install, and you now have a second HDMI output port on your desktop.
Next, you’ll need to use an HDMI video capture device, like the HDMI to USB Video Capture Device, to allow your laptop to be used as a monitor. This device plugs into the USB port on your laptop and takes the HDMI signal from your desktop, making it appear as a camera to the laptop.
To set up the connection, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter on the desktop to the video capture card on the laptop. Once the laptop recognizes the device, plug the HDMI cable into the video capture card. Your laptop is now a second screen for your desktop.
To see the screen on the laptop, you have two options. The first option is to use the built-in Windows Camera app, which allows you to cycle through all the connected cameras. However, if you prefer a cleaner display, you can download an app called Webcam Viewer from CNET. This free app allows you to select which webcam (in this case, the video capture device) to use and set the resolution to its maximum for the highest quality second screen.
Once you have the display showing on the laptop, you can return to the desktop to set up the two monitors the way you want them. In the display settings, choose to extend the displays instead of duplicating them. This allows you to move content between the two screens easily.
If you want your laptop to be at the same height as your desktop monitor, you can use a laptop stand. The video description includes a link to the laptop stand used in the demonstration.
Overall, using a spare laptop as a second monitor for your Windows desktop computer is a cost-effective solution. It allows you to expand your screen real estate without having to invest in an additional monitor. Follow the steps outlined in this video, and you’ll be able to set up your spare laptop as a second monitor in no time.
[Source: Think Outside the Slide](https://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/)
Links to products mentioned in this video:
– Pluggable DisplayLink adapter for HDMI output port: [Link to Product](https://amzn.to/3NveVS9)
– HDMI to USB Video Capture Device: [Link to Product](https://amzn.to/3IZQGX4)
– Laptop stand: [Link to Product](https://amzn.to/364864c)
– Webcam Viewer app: [Link to Download](https://download.cnet.com/WebcamViewer/3000-12510_4-75324168.html)
If you have a Windows desktop computer and you want to use a spare laptop as a second screen, you can do that and in this video I’ll show you how.
Links to products mentioned in this video:
Pluggable DisplayLink adapter for HDMI output port: https://amzn.to/3NveVS9
HDMI to USB Video Capture Device: https://amzn.to/3IZQGX4
Laptop stand: https://amzn.to/364864c
Webcam Viewer app: https://download.cnet.com/WebcamViewer/3000-12510_4-75324168.html
Many links are affiliate links where you pay the same amount and the seller compensates me a small amount for doing the work to recommend only those tools and products I trust.
Could it be worked as a triple monitor laptop?