Can I use my laptop as monitor for a desktop?

In summary, you can use your wife's monitor to power up your new desktop. You will have to enable remote desktop on the desktop and use your laptop to connect to it.
  • #1
yungman
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I just bought a new desktop and I need to power it up and load all the basic programs. I don't want to steal the monitor from the existing desktop because my wife is using it all the time. I don't have another monitor so I have to resort to trying to use one of my old laptop as monitor.

So! Can I do that? What port do I use? Do I have to run anything to make the laptop as monitor? I know I can hook a monitor into a laptop, but can the other way around doable?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
the simplest solution is to borrow your wife's monitor for a few minutes. Boot up your new desktop and enable remote desktop on it (if you have a version lower than professional, then install UltraVNC server to setup remote access on the desktop)
When that's done, use the notebook computer to remote to your new desktop.

I do not believe plugging your desktop video out to your notebook computer's video out will work. However, i have never tried this. Give it a shot and see if it will work.
 
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  • #3
Thanks, I decided to share the monitor with the desk top and wait until my wife goes to bed and work on it.
 
  • #4
Do you have a reasonably modern TV?
 
  • #5
Borek said:
Do you have a reasonably modern TV?

I have a Sam Sung LCD of less than 3 years old. But I am almost complete in replacing the old computer already.

Thanks
 
  • #6
If it's Windows, just use Remote Desktop to connect to it. You'll have to logon once and enable Remote Desktop access, and it is easier if your logon on both machines is identical. I use my desktop machine all the time remotely from my laptop and seldom, if ever, turn on the monitor and actually logon to the desktop machine directly.
 

1. Can I connect my laptop to a desktop and use it as a monitor?

Yes, it is possible to use your laptop as a monitor for a desktop computer. However, this will depend on the ports and capabilities of your laptop and desktop.

2. How do I connect my laptop to a desktop to use it as a monitor?

The most common way to connect a laptop to a desktop is by using an HDMI or VGA cable. You will need to make sure that your laptop has an HDMI or VGA port and that your desktop has a corresponding output port.

3. Can I use my laptop as a second monitor for my desktop?

Yes, you can use your laptop as a second monitor for your desktop computer. This is helpful if you need extra screen space for multitasking or if you want to mirror your desktop's display.

4. Do I need any special software to use my laptop as a monitor for my desktop?

In most cases, you do not need any special software to use your laptop as a monitor for your desktop. However, you may need to adjust the display settings on both devices to enable the connection.

5. Are there any limitations to using a laptop as a monitor for a desktop?

Yes, there are some limitations to using a laptop as a monitor for a desktop computer. One major limitation is that your laptop may not be able to display the same resolution as your desktop, resulting in a lower quality image. Additionally, some features such as touch screen functionality may not work when using your laptop as a monitor.

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