Can You Use MacBook as Second Monitor for PC?
Users often believe that Windows desktops and MacBooks cannot work together. With today’s computers integrating multiple connectivity options and wireless interfaces, you can use MacBook as a second monitor for your PC without spending much. Moreover, the availability of several innovative apps and software allows for connecting MacBook to a PC.
Using a MacBook as a second monitor can be possible via different methods. Interested in learning what these ways are? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on connecting using wired and wireless methods.
Why Do You Need to Turn the MacBook Into a Monitor?
Before learning the methods to turn your MacBook into a second monitor, there are certain things you need to consider;
- Check if your MacBook is compatible to use as a second monitor on your PC.
- Identify the ports available on your MacBook for convenient connectivity
- If your PC doesn’t have Thunderbolt or Mini Display port, use an HDMI port with an appropriate adapter.
You must keep several things in mind when connecting a MacBook to another computer.
To save battery life and to things inaccessible to others, change the screen timeout on Mac. Reducing the time length before screen timeouts makes the screen invisible for a long time.
Use HDMI and an Adapter for Wired Connectivity
By default, the MacBook can’t be used as a second monitor for a PC via HDMI. This is because both devices don’t support HDMI input. To connect HDMI to your MacBook, you need to use adapters. For example, USB-C to HDMI cable and VGA-to-HDMI adapters.
- Identify the correct ports to get a perfect adapter and HDMI cable
- Connect the adapter to a PC and the adapter’s other end to MacBook
- Access Screen Sharing on Windows
- Ensure sharing options are enabled.
Connect Wirelessly via Android Cast
This is one of the user-friendly screen-sharing software used for screencasting from the browser of any device. Its web version allows the MacBook to connect as a second monitor without external hardware.
- Download and install this software for Windows and macOS.
- Launch it on both systems.
- Click ‘Share Computer Screen’ on your computer to mirror the PC screen to MacBook.
- Enter the 9-digit case code and tap Enter.
- Allow casting permission by clicking on Allow.
Use Luna as a Wired Method
Luna Display with a special dongle supports different types of compatible devices. Before using this method, check the ports on your MacBook because you may have to use a dongle Luna Display. Different Luna Display variants are available in the market.
Download (and install) this app on your MacBook and PC to connect your MacBook as a second monitor. Now, plug the dongle into your MacBook. Select your Windows computer and use MacBook as a second monitor for your PC.
Try Duet Display as Wireless Method
This is another screen mirroring and casting platform you can use to convert MacBook into a second monitor for a PC. It supports all popular mobile and computer platforms.
- Download and install this software on your Windows and MacBook to use this method.
- After installation, launch it on your MacBook and Windows computer.
- Be sure that both devices are paired to the same WiFi network.
- Go to the Air tab and ensure screen sharing is enabled on both systems.
- Choose your desktop name in MacBook to start mirroring.
Connect Wirelessly via Third-Party App
You can connect wirelessly using third-party, open-source desktop software, but several apps require a virtual display adapter.
- Start with downloading and installing the application on your computer.
- Next, pair the adapter with the USB port of the PC.
- Launch the software on your computer, ensuring both devices are connected to the same wireless network.
- Now, open the MacBook IP address and enter it into the MacBook’s browser.
- At last, choose the required options and share the entire screen or a specific window to enjoy gaming.
Use PC as a Second Monitor for Mac
You can use a PC as a second monitor to increase your Mac’s view section. Macs can work with other monitors through VGA or DVI cables.
- Turn off the computer and find the connection port on the monitor’s rear.
- Unplug the video cable from the monitor and identify the port.
- Plug the adapter into Mac’s DisplayPort.
- Connect the VGA or DVI cable’s end to the DisplayPort adapter’s port.
- Connect the cable’s other end to the connection port.
- Turn on the monitor, click Display, and tap Open Display Preferences.
Conclusion
So, you can see that it’s pretty easy to use a MacBook as a second monitor for a PC. All possible and straightforward methods are discussed above with a detailed guide. So, whether to use wired or wireless communication methods is upon you.
Remember that each method – wired and wireless- has drawbacks and positive points. Opt for a wireless method if you don’t prefer spending an additional penny to purchase wires and adapters. Pick an option that meets your requirements.
