If you’re used to working with multiple computer monitors at your desk, traveling with a laptop can be difficult. Suddenly, you’re back to the single-screen lifestyle, and to a small laptop screen to begin with. Fortunately, though, there’s a free way to use old iPads, Android tablets, or even other laptops as additional monitors for your Windows PC.
The solution is a utility called Spacedesk. It may not be the only multi-monitor software out there, but it’s the most versatile free option I’ve found so far.
Installing Spacedesk for Windows
Spacedesk consists of two parts:
- Spacedesk Driver Software it runs in the background on your PC and connects to your other displays. You can install it from the Spacedesk website. Please note that you will need to make a firewall exception for Spacedesk to work. An option to do so is included in the installation process.
- Spacedesk Viewer Apps it can be launched on other devices, at which point your PC will recognize them as additional monitors. The apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, Amazon, and any other device through the web viewer.
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The connection to the server works via Wi-Fi. Once you have installed the driver software, open the Viewer app. Spacedesk should automatically recognize your computer if it’s on the same Wi-Fi network, so you can select it and launch second screen mode.
Space Desk Configuration
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By default, Spacedesk does not magnify any display elements, which can make things look too small on your extra screen.
To fix this, go to Windows Settings > System > Displayselect your new display from the list of monitors, then try adjusting both the display resolution and scaling to a more comfortable level.
Also, note that by default, the Spacedesk driver will always start when the computer starts. To change this, right-click on the Spacedesk taskbar icon, select “Spacedesk Controller Console”, and then uncheck the box that says “Autostart at system boot time”.
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Be sure to set up your monitors in Windows as well. Go to Settings > System > Displayand you’ll see a layout of all your screens, which you can drag and drop to reflect their actual location on your desktop. Now you can move your mouse in the direction of your additional screens and they will be right where you expect them.
In the Viewer app, you can also click the gear icon and select Settings for additional options, including screen resolution and quality.
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Unfortunately, Spacedesk only supports wired USB connections on Android devices, and the company has indicated that this may become a premium feature in the future. But even over a wireless connection, Spacedesk is good enough to reference emails, documents, or team chats alongside your main windows. It also has no problem playing video in sync with the system audio.
More multi-monitor software options
Luna Display has a dedicated dongle to connect with an iPad.
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If you’re interested in exploring more multi-monitor apps, here are a few to consider:
- Luna Display is a $130 dongle (available in USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort for Mac) that turns a spare iPad or Mac into a secondary computer display. It eliminates the cursor lag typically found in other solutions, making it an attractive alternative for graphic design or any other application where detailed input is important.
- Duet Display supports wired and wireless connections, but requires a subscription starting at $25 per year.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab owners can take advantage of Samsung’s Second Screen app, turning the tablet into a secondary computer monitor at no charge.
- For Mac users, the integrated Sidecar feature allows you to use an iPad as a spatial display. You can activate it through Control Center by pressing the “Show” button and then selecting your iPad. Alternatively, hover over the green full screen button in any window, then choose the option to move it to your iPad.
However, for most people, Spacedesk is a great free option for those times when a single screen just isn’t enough.
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