I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to use my laptop as a monitor for my PC. I have two computers, but I find myself using my laptop less often than my desktop. Unfortunately, my laptop doesn't have an HDMI input port. I'm looking for a solution that minimizes lag and delay, but if there aren't any good options available, I'll settle for the laggy ones.
3 Answers
You can't really make your laptop act as a true monitor since it lacks video input capabilities. However, there's a feature on Windows called "Projecting to this PC" which lets you stream your PC's display to your laptop over the network, but be warned—it can add some delay, so for a lag-free experience, a dedicated monitor is your best bet.
If you're open to software solutions, you can try Spacedesk, which allows you to use Windows, Linux, or Android devices as a secondary monitor. Just make sure both your laptop and PC are on the same network for it to work.
It can have some lag, depending on your network speed. For a smoother experience, a wired connection is ideal.
Unfortunately, you can't directly use your laptop as a monitor since it only has video output, not input. You would need to get an HDMI input device, which connects to your laptop via USB, but that can get quite pricey and might not deliver the performance you're looking for. Most setups like this often come with lag, especially the cheaper ones.
Does Spacedesk have any noticeable input lag? I'm really looking for something instant.