In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s common to find ourselves in situations where we need an extra monitor but don’t have one handy. If you have a laptop and a desktop, you can easily turn your laptop into a monitor. In this guide, we’ll show you how to do just that using simple tools and software.
Why Use Your Laptop as a Monitor?
Using your laptop as a second monitor offers several benefits:
- Cost-Effective: You don’t need to invest in an additional monitor.
- Space-Saving: Laptops are portable and take up less space.
- Increased Productivity: Having multiple screens can enhance your workflow.
What You’ll Need
To successfully turn your laptop into a monitor, you’ll need:
- A laptop with an HDMI input (most laptops only have output, so check your model).
- A desktop computer.
- An HDMI cable.
- An HDMI capture device that connects via USB.
- OBS Studio software (free and widely used for video streaming).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Set Up the Hardware
- Connect the Devices:
- Use the HDMI cable to connect your desktop to the HDMI capture device.
- Then, plug the capture device into a USB port on your laptop.
Step 2: Install Necessary Drivers
- Driver Detection:
- Ensure that your laptop detects the HDMI to USB converter. This will typically appear as a “USB Video Device” in your device manager.
Step 3: Install OBS Studio
- Download OBS Studio:
- Visit the OBS Studio website and download the software compatible with your operating system.
- Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Configure OBS Studio
- Open OBS Studio:
- Launch OBS Studio after installation.
- Add a Video Source:
- In the main interface, click on the ‘+’ button in the “Sources” box to add a new video source.
- Select “Video Capture Device” and name it accordingly (e.g., “Desktop Input”).
- Select the USB Video Device:
- From the device drop-down menu, choose the USB video device you previously connected.
- Adjust Settings:
- Set the video frame to fit the laptop screen. This ensures that the display is optimal.
Step 5: Check the Connection
- Power On the Desktop:
- Turn on your desktop computer. You should see its display mirrored or extended on your laptop screen through OBS Studio.
- Final Adjustments:
- Make any necessary adjustments in OBS to ensure the display looks correct.
- Make any necessary adjustments in OBS to ensure the display looks correct.
Step 6: Connect Keyboard and Mouse
- Set Up Control:
- If you want to control the desktop from your laptop, connect a keyboard and mouse to the desktop.
This setup allows you to use the laptop as a functional monitor.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully turned your laptop into a monitor for your desktop. This setup is not only practical but also enhances your overall productivity. Enjoy the benefits of dual screens without the need for extra hardware.
