If you need to do hard-core multitasking on your Windows PC, you can get the job done with a second monitor. If you choose to “extend” the Windows desktop by installing two monitors, each display will have its own set of windows and programs that can be opened at the same time as if two computers were side by side.
However, a second monitor can be a little expensive and definitely less portable if you plan on using it with a laptop. This is where Spacedesk comes into play. It is software that makes it easy to turn your Android device into an additional display for the Windows desktop. It also works over Wi-Fi, so there is no complicated wiring, so you don’t need to use a Windows dual monitor anytime, anywhere.
Connecting a second display to your existing computer setup can dramatically improve your productivity, but do you always need a dedicated monitor before hitting the Amazon buy button? Just a few answers and you have a complete solution.
If you own an iPad, you’ve probably heard of the popular Duet Display, an additional monitor app for iPad. Fortunately, Android has these features. We tested our Android monitor app almost every second on the Google Play Store.
Using Android device as preview monitor
Android smartphones or tablets are versatile and you can watch on Android devices and other computers. Normally, you need to install the second screen folder on Android and install the application client app on your computer. Then you can connect your Android into your computer with USB or Wi-Fi cable if both devices are connected to the same network.
Installing Spacedesk on Windows PC
First you need to install the Spacedesk driver on your Windows PC. So, if you follow the link below, you will find two versions listed under Spacedesk DRIVER software for Windows main PC (server). Most modern PCs are 64-bit, so if you’ve bought a computer within the past 5 years, click this button. However, if you are not sure whether your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit, see the Microsoft FAQ page.
Then run the setup file and follow the instructions to install Spacedesk on your computer. When the installation is complete, restart your computer for the new driver to become active.
Installing Spacedesk on Android device
Now that you’ve got Windows running, the next thing you need to do is install Spacedesk on your Android device.
Connecting Android device into Windows PC
Installing both applications makes Spacedesk very easy to use. First, make sure your Android device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, then just open the Spacedesk app on your phone or tablet. The app automatically detects your computer, so in most cases you just need to click Connect.
However, if your computer is not automatically detected, you will need to uncheck the box next to “Automatically detect network” and then manually enter the local IP address of your computer.
Using Android or Tablet device as wireless 2nd monitor
When you click “Connect” in the Android app, your computer beeps as if you’ve connected new hardware for a few seconds. At the same time, the Windows desktop appears on your Android device, so you can see a complete copy of everything that happens on your PC in real time.
If you want to use your Android device as a secondary desktop instead of mirroring your primary screen, right-click an empty space on the Windows desktop and select Display Options. From here, use the drop-down menu at the bottom of the window to select Expand Display and then click Apply. Now you can perform multiple tasks at the same time, as if you had a real dual-monitor installation, and each “desktop” can open its own set of windows and programs.
This is one of the most effective ways to create an extended display on Android smartphones and tablets. Tell us about your experience with these apps and what apps you use on your device.
Using the third party app as alternative
Separating the second monitor from your computer is beneficial because you have more room to work. However, setting up a different screen can be cumbersome or expensive, and not all operating systems support this dual display.
In these case, when interconnection between devices is important, computers can be transferred to mobile phones. This way, you can control your computer screen without moving your mouse or typing on the keyboard. You can also remotely monitor your computer’s activity. And as additional alternative you can use the third party apps, as will be explained below.
ApowerMirror
ApowerMirror is a powerful screen mirroring software that works on Android / iOS devices and Windows / Mac computers. In addition to being able to cast your mobile device to your PC, you can do the opposite of mirroring your PC to your phone.
LetsView
Another tool that lets you use your phone as a second monitor is LetsView. This tool has a good reputation when it comes to screen sharing. One of the most robust and reliable mirroring features with additional features like screen capture, screen recording, and annotations. One of the striking advantages of this tool is its compatibility. This tool supports Miracast, so you can use it with any Miracast-enabled device.
TeamViewer
The last app you can download is TeamViewer. This is a popular program because it allows you to remotely control your computer. This app also supports computer control on iPhone and Android devices. This allows you to connect to your computer and access the files stored on it. It has a built-in keyboard for entering text and includes special keys like Ctrl, Alt +, Del. Password every time the device is connected. Read on to learn how to make your iPhone / Android device a second monitor.
It is free to use, but it takes a lot of time and effort to connect your PC to your phone, and sometimes you end up frustrated as you have to repeat the process from scratch and restart the app to get it working. Here’s the result: Always satisfying monitoring features are easy to use and the tool works great.
The conclusion
The above apps can help you turn your phone into a second monitor. To summarize these three tools, you can use ApowerMirror, Space Desk and TeamViewer to mirror and control your computer across Android and iPhone devices. The only difference is functionality and ease of use.
Space Desk works fine, except that it can cause problems because the app sometimes automatically rotates the mirrored device. TeamViewer offers professional mirroring and management services. ApowerMirror, meanwhile, is the only tool that offers additional features like markers and makes connecting devices easy. If you’re interested in additional remote control software, visit the Share PC Remote Control section to learn more about the tools!
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
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