Using MacBook or iPad as Second Monitor for Windows PC

Ever feel like you could use more screen while working on your projects, like coding or designing? Well, you might not need to buy a new monitor after all. Believe it or not, devices like your MacBook, iPad, iMac, or even your smartphone could work as an extra display for your Windows PC. This guide will show you how to turn those devices into a second monitor.

Also see: How to use a Windows laptop as a second monitor for Mac

What you need first

Before we get into the steps, let’s see what you’ll need:

• Windows PC: Your computer should be running on Windows 11 or 10. Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date for a smoother experience.
• Another device: This could be your MacBook, iMac, iPad, iPhone, Chromebook, another Windows or Linux laptop, or an Android device. Ideally, it should be fairly new for better performance.
• Stable network connection: Both your Windows PC and your second device need to be connected to the same network. It can be through Wi-Fi or a wired connection, but ensure it’s fast and reliable.
• Software called “Space Desk”: This software will help us connect your second device to your Windows PC.

With all that sorted, let’s get your device set up as a second monitor for your Windows PC.

Quick tip: How to switch between monitors on Windows 11

Turning your device into a second monitor

To use your MacBook, iPad, or any device as a second monitor with “Space Desk”, you’ll need to install the “Server” on your Windows PC and the “Viewer” on the second device. Here’s how to do it:

Getting “Space Desk” ready on your Windows PC

First things first, let’s set up the server part of Space Desk on your Windows computer:

1. Downloading the software:
   • Jump over to the Space Desk website at spacedesk.net.
   • Look for the “Downloads” section and pick the version that fits your Windows setup, whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit.
   • After downloading, run the installer and simply follow the setup guide.
2. Adjusting the settings:
   • Once installed, click on the Space Desk icon near your system clock.
   • Check that the Space Desk SERVER is turned to “ON”, allowing your second device to recognize your PC as an additional screen.

More info: Troubleshooting Windows 11 wallpaper on dual monitors

Setting up the second device

Now, let’s prepare your second device to act as an extended display:

1. Installing the viewer:
   • Visit the Space Desk site again, but this time head to the “Viewer” section.
   • Select the viewer download that suits your device’s operating system.
   • For Apple devices, find spacedesk in the App Store. For Android, it’s in the Google Play Store.
   • If you’re using something else, choose the “Go to HTML5 Viewer page” option in a web browser.
2. Making the connection:
   • Open the “Space Desk Viewer” app on your second device.
   • Ensure both devices are on the same network.
   • Your PC should appear in the app. Tap on it to start the connection.
   • If you’re using a web viewer, you might need to manually enter your PC’s IP address. Here’s how: Finding your PC’s IP address.

That’s it! Your devices are now connected, and your second device acts as an extended part of your Windows PC screen. This setup allows you to drag windows and apps across from the main screen to the second one, just as if you were using a traditional dual-monitor setup.

Related issue: Second Monitor Not Detected After Upgrading to Windows 11

Tip: How to set up your monitors in Windows 11/10

After connecting your second device as a monitor, it’s important to place it correctly next to your main display. This makes switching screens smooth. Here’s the easy way to do it in Windows 11:

1. Right-click on a blank area of your Windows desktop.
2. Click “Display settings” from the menu that shows up.
3. Go to the “Multiple displays” section in Display settings.
4. You’ll see your monitors shown as numbered boxes.
5. To move your second screen (probably “2”), drag its box to where you want it around your main screen (“1”). If your second monitor is to the left, pull it to the left side of box “1”.
6. Place it wherever fits best, like above, below, or diagonal to your main screen.
7. Check if moving your mouse between screens is smooth.
8. If all looks good, scroll down and click “Apply”.

Need more help: Learn to display different things on two monitors in Windows 11

How “Space Desk” turns devices into extra screens

It might seem like magic how a MacBook, iPad, or other devices can become a second screen for your Windows PC. It’s all because of smart tech and software. Here’s the simple explanation:

1. Your Windows PC runs “Space Desk Server”, ready for a device to connect.
2. The secondary device uses “Space Desk Viewer” to find and connect to the server over your network.
3. Once they’re connected, your Windows screen extends to the secondary device, giving you more room like with a dual-monitor setup.

This makes it super easy to move windows or apps from your main screen to the secondary one, expanding your workspace without needing more monitors.

Ending notes

Turning an extra device into a second monitor for your Windows PC is a smart way to use what you already have, turning unused gadgets into a handy workspace. With “Space Desk”, it’s easy and effective. So, think twice before buying a new monitor; you might just have the perfect solution lying around in a drawer.