An old laptop is gathering dust on a shelf, and you are wondering how to squeeze the last benefit out of it? Or do you want to expand your workspace, but are not ready to buy a second monitor? The laptop screen can be turned into a full-fledged display for PC, game console, Raspberry Pi or even MacBook — the main thing is to know the nuances of connection and limitations. In this article we will analyze all working ways to use a laptop monitor, from standard to exotic, taking into account models Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer and other brands.

Spoiler: not every laptop supports this mode. For example, at MacBook Pro with chip Apple M1/M2 there is a function Target Display Mode, and most Windows laptops do not have it. But workarounds exist - from hardware adapters to software solutions like Space Desk or Duet Display. We've tested all the methods and collected honest feedback on their speed, latency, and compatibility.

1. Can a laptop screen be used as a monitor: technical limitations

Before you run for cables, check three key points:

  • 🔌 Availability of video input. 99% of modern laptops only have video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C/Thunderbolt), but not the inputs. Exceptions - some models Alienware (series m17/m18) and old Dell Latitude with VGA-in.
  • 🖥️ Target Display Mode. The function is available MacBook (until 2019) and individual MSI/ASUS laptops for gamers. Allows you to use the screen as a monitor via Thunderbolt 3.
  • 🔄 Software solutions. If the hardware method is not possible, there remain Duet Display, Space Desk, iDisplay - they transmit the image via USB/Wi-Fi, but with a delay of 30–100 ms.

Important: even if the laptop supports Target Display Mode, maximum resolution is often limited 1920×1080@60Hz. For example, MacBook Pro 15" (2018) in this mode will not produce 4K, although its own screen 2880×1800.

⚠️ Attention: Connecting a laptop as a monitor via USB-C requires support DisplayPort Alt Mode on both devices. If there are ports, but the image does not work, check the specifications on the manufacturer’s website (for example, USB-C in HP Pavilion often does not support video).
Method Latency (ms) Max. resolution Required Equipment
Target Display Mode (Mac) 0–5 4K@60Hz* Thunderbolt 3 cable
Hardware adapter (HDMI-in) 0–10 1080p@60Hz Laptop with video input + cable
Duet Display (USB) 30–50 4K@30Hz Application + USB 3.0 cable
Space Desk (Wi-Fi) 80–120 1080p@30Hz App on both devices

*For MacBook Pro 16" (2019) and newer.

2. Method 1: Target Display Mode for MacBook (fastest method)

If you have MacBook Pro or iMac until 2019, you can use its screen for other Mac through Target Display Mode. This is the only zero-latency method, but only works between devices Apple.

Instructions:

  1. Connect both devices with a cable Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
  2. On the laptop that will be the monitor, click Cmd + F2 (or Fn + Cmd + F2 on new keyboards).
  3. On the main Mac go to System Settings → Monitors and select expansion or duplication mode.

Limitations:

  • ❌ Doesn't work for MacBook Air (no video input).
  • ❌ On MacBook Pro 16" (2019) and newer the function is disabled.
  • ❌ Does not support Windows or game consoles.
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If Cmd + F2 does not work, check your keyboard settings in System Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts. Sometimes the feature is disabled by default.

3. Method 2: Hardware connection via HDMI-in or DisplayPort-in

The only way to use a laptop as a monitor for PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Raspberry Pi - find a model with video input. Such laptops were produced before 2015 and are rare. Among them:

  • 💻 Dell Latitude E6400/E6500 (connector VGA-in).
  • 🎮 Alienware M17x R3/R4 (connector HDMI-in).
  • 🖥️ HP EliteBook 8570w (connector DisplayPort-in).

How to connect:

  1. Check for port availability HDMI-in or DisplayPort-in (usually signed as IN).
  2. Connect the signal source (PC, console) with a cable.
  3. On a laptop, click Fn + F4/F5/F8 (key depends on model) to switch to external input.
⚠️ Attention: Laptops with HDMI-in often require active cooling when working for a long time in monitor mode. For example, Alienware M17x Overheats after 2-3 hours due to the passive heatsink on the video input.
📊 What laptop do you have?
  • Dell
  • HP
  • Lenovo
  • ASUS
  • Acer
  • Apple
  • Other

4. Method 3: Software solutions (Duet Display, Space Desk, iDisplay)

If hardware methods are not suitable, there are programs that turn the laptop into network monitor. The downside is the latency is 30–120 ms, which is critical for games or videos. But it works on any device, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.

Comparison of popular programs:

Program Platform Latency (ms) Max. resolution Price
Duet Display Windows/macOS → iOS/Android 30–50 4K@30Hz $9.99
Space Desk Windows → Windows/Android 50–80 1080p@60Hz Free
iDisplay Windows/macOS → iOS/Android 80–120 1080p@30Hz $4.99

Instructions for Space Desk (free option):

  1. Download Space Desk on both devices.
  2. On your main PC, run Space Desk Driver (will be installed as a virtual monitor).
  3. Run on your laptop Space Desk Viewer and connect to the PC via local network.
  4. In Windows settings (Settings → System → Display) customize the layout of the screens.

Disable VPN on both devices|Connect your laptop and PC to the same Wi-Fi network (5 GHz)|Close programs that use the GPU (games, editors)|Check that the firewall is not blocking Space Desk-->

To reduce latency:

  • 🔌 Use USB-tethering instead of Wi-Fi (latency will drop to 40 ms).
  • 📶 Connect to the router via cable Ethernet (if the laptop supports it).
  • 🎮 In settings Space Desk select Prioritize Performance and reduce the resolution to 1280×720.

5. Method 4: Using a Laptop as a Monitor for Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi cannot output to laptop screen directly, but there are two workarounds:

  1. Via HDMI-in (if the laptop supports it). Connect RPi to laptop with cable HDMI-HDMI and switch to external input.
  2. Via VNC (universal method):
    • On Raspberry Pi turn on VNC Server in settings (sudo raspi-config → Interfacing Options → VNC → Enable).
    • Install the client on your laptop RealVNC or TightVNC.
    • Connect to an IP address RPi (you can find it out with the command hostname -I).

Cons of VNC:

  • ❌ Latency 100–300 ms (not suitable for video).
  • ❌ No hardware acceleration (lags when playing 4K).
  • ❌ Requires network setup (open port 5900 in the router if you are connecting from another network).
How to Speed Up VNC on Raspberry Pi 4

Add to file /boot/config.txt line dtoverlay=vc4-fkms-v3d and reboot your device. This will enable hardware graphics acceleration, but may cause artifacts on some distributions.

6. Method 5: Laptop as a monitor for Xbox/PlayStation (workaround)

Game consoles cannot display images directly on a laptop screen, but there are three working options:

  1. Closed HDMI-in adapter (For example, Magewell USB Capture HDMI). Connects to laptop via USB 3.0 and captures video from the console. Latency ~60 ms, price ~$200.
  2. Capture programs (OBS Studio + NDI Tools):
    • Connect your console to capture map (For example, Elgato HD60 S).
    • Set up in OBS source from capture card.
    • Turn on NDI Output and receive the stream on your laptop via NDI Studio Monitor.
  3. Remote Play (only for PS4/PS5):
    • Install PS Remote Play to a laptop.
    • Connect the controller via USB or Bluetooth.
    • Latency ~50 ms (when connected to the same network).
⚠️ Attention: When using Elgato HD60 S with laptop on Intel UHD Graphics may occur microstuttering due to lack of GPU power. Solution: Reduce the capture resolution to 1280×720.

7. Method 6: Laptop as a second monitor for another laptop (Windows + macOS)

If you need to expand your workspace using two laptops, the following are suitable:

  • 🪟 Windows + Windows: Space Desk or MaxiVista (latency 50–80 ms).
  • 🍎 macOS + macOS: Sidecar (built-in function, delay ~20 ms).
  • 🪟🍎 Windows + macOS: Duet Display or Luna Display (latency 40–60 ms).

Instructions for Sidecar (only for Mac):

  1. Update both devices to macOS Catalina or newer.
  2. Connect laptops to the same network Wi-Fi or through USB-C.
  3. On the main Mac open System settings → Sidecar and select the second laptop.
  4. The Control Panel will allow you to drag windows between screens.

For Windows the best option is Space Desk (free). The main advantage over Duet Display — support 1080p@60Hz no artifacts.

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For minimal latency when connecting laptop to laptop, use USB-C or Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. Latency will drop from 80ms to 30–40ms.

8. Method 7: Exotic methods (for experienced users)

If the standard methods do not work, try:

  • 🔧 BIOS modification. Some laptops Lenovo ThinkPad (series T4xx, X2xx) have a hidden function UltraBay Display, which allows you to use the screen as a monitor via ExpressCard. Requires BIOS firmware and adapter.
  • 🖥️ Output via LVDS. If you're ready to take your laptop apart, you can connect directly to LVDS connector matrices. You will need a controller (for example, LVDS to HDMI board) and a soldering iron.
  • 🌐 Cloud Monitor. Services like Parsec or Rainway allow you to stream the screen of another PC with a delay of ~10 ms, but require a powerful Internet connection (50+ Mbit/s).

Warning: Modifying the BIOS or working with LVDS maybe disable laptop. For example, incorrect BIOS firmware on ThinkPad T480 leads to a “brick” (the laptop does not turn on). Before experiments, create a BIOS backup copy with the program Flashrom:

sudo flashrom -p internal:laptop=force_I_want_a_brick -r backup.bin

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use a laptop screen as a PC monitor without programs?

Yes, but only if the laptop has video input (HDMI-in, DisplayPort-in, VGA-in). Such models were produced until 2015 (for example, Dell Latitude E6400 or Alienware M17x). In other cases, programs will be required (Duet Display, Space Desk) or hardware adapters.

Why is there lag when connecting via Duet Display?

The delay occurs due to:

  • Uses Wi-Fi instead of USB 3.0 (switch to wired connection).
  • Weak GPU on a laptop monitor (for example, Intel UHD 620 does not support 4K@60Hz).
  • Background load (close programs using network/GPU).

Solution: Reduce resolution to 1280×720 and disable your antivirus (it may block data transfer).

How to connect a laptop as a monitor to Xbox Series X?

There is no direct way, but you can use:

  1. Capture card (Elgato HD60 S+) + OBS Studio with plugin NDI.
  2. Magewell USB Capture HDMI Adapter (latency ~60 ms).
  3. Remote Play (only for Xbox One/Series via the app Xbox Console Companion, delay ~70 ms).

For minimal latency, choose the first option, but be prepared to spend some money (~$200).

Can I use my laptop screen as a monitor for Mac Mini?

Yes, if:

  • You have MacBook Pro until 2019 - use Target Display Mode (cable Thunderbolt 3).
  • The laptop has HDMI-in - connect Mac Mini directly.
  • Are you ready to put up with the delay? Use Duet Display or Luna Display.

For Mac Mini M1/M2 Only the software method is suitable (hardware Target Display Mode not supported).

Which laptop can be used as a monitor for PS5?

Options:

  • Alienware M17x R4 - yes HDMI-in, connects directly (0 ms latency).
  • Any laptop + Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 — latency ~50 ms, price ~$250.
  • MacBook Pro (2018–2019) + Luna Display — delay ~40 ms, but only for macOS.

For competitions Fortnite or Call of Duty Only the first option is suitable. For casual gaming - the second or third.