how to use a chromebook as a second monitor for windows

how to use a chromebook as a second monitor for windows.

Do you have a spare Chromebook at home or work? You can use it as a temporary additional monitor for your PC. Standalone monitors are getting insanely expensive, so if you can’t afford them yet, read this guide to learn how to use your Chromebook as a second monitor.

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ChromeOS doesn’t have a built-in tool to do this, so you’ll need third-party solutions. We tested several (free and paid) tools, but found only one reliable product – Duet Display.

First of all, we must mention that Duet Display is a paid app (costs $ 9.99). You only need to purchase the Android app on your Chromebook (from the Google Play store). Mac and Windows clients are free if you are a paid user.

It also works wirelessly, so you don’t need a cable. However, for the app to work, your devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

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Set Up Duet Display on Chromebook

Launch the Play Store, search for Duet Display, and click Install to download the app to your Chromebook.

Open Duet Display, create an account (also verify the account in your email) and click Connect to link your Mac or Windows PC display to your Chromebook.

The app is now ready to receive visual signals from other devices connected to your Duet Air account. The next step is to set up Duet Display on your Mac or Windows computer.

Set Up Duet Display on Mac

Visit the Duet Display website and click the macOS buttons to download the app client. Install the app on your device and proceed to the next step to use your Chromebook as a second monitor.

If your Mac is running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, you need to give Duet Display Accessibility and screen access. Go to System Preferences> Security & Privacy> Privacy> Accessibility and click the lock icon in the lower left corner of the window.

Check the duet box to give the app access to control your Mac.

Next, to access the screen recording; select Screen Recording from the sidebar and check the Duet box.

While you can use the dual display Mac client without an account, signing in to a Duet account provides a secure and fast connection to your Chromebook. Therefore, we recommend that you log into your Duet Air account; run the application and click “Enter Remote Desktop”.

One last thing you need to do is turn on screen sharing in the Duet app. Click Profile in the sidebar and select the Screen Sharing Enabled checkbox.

You can now move on to using the Mac screen projection or screen extension app on your Chromebook.

Use Chromebook as Second Monitor on Mac

Make sure Duet Display has the required permissions to function properly. Likewise, make sure you connect your devices to the same Wi-Fi network.

1. Launch the Duet app on your Chromebook.

2. Open the app on your Mac and go to the Android tab.

The app should automatically detect your Chromebook or other Duet Air devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.

3. When your Chromebook appears under Discovered Devices, click Click to Wirelessly Connect.

If the app doesn’t automatically detect your Chromebook, select Manually Connect to IP, enter the Chromebook’s IP address, and select Connect.

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You will find the IP address of your Chromebook under Settings> Network> Connected Network> IP Address.

4. Duet allows you to mirror and expand your Mac’s screen. If your Mac has a Touch Bar, you can easily switch between Mirror and Desktop Extend modes.

To switch display mode on a Mac without a Touch Bar, go to Duet Preferences, choose Customize Preferences, and check the Mirroring checkbox.

Another way to switch display modes is to click the mirroring icon in the Mac menu bar and choose Mirror Built-in Retina Display.

To move an app or window to the Chromebook display, drag the app to the right edge of the Mac screen. The application window will appear on your Chromebook from the left edge of the screen.

If you want to change or change the position of the screen, go to System Preferences> Displays> Arrangement and drag the display (blue rectangle) to a different location. Interestingly, you can also only move the menu bar; drag the white rectangle at the top of the display to the second screen.

Whether you’re duplicating your screen or expanding it, Duet is smart enough to detect your Mac or PC’s keyboard and trackpad. You can also use your Chromebook keyboard or trackpad if you like.

Set Up Duet Display on Windows

Visit the Duet Display website and download the Windows Installer client. Install the application and restart your computer. Connect your computer to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook and launch Duet.

Go to the Air tab and click “Login for Remote Access” to connect your Dual Air account.

Then go to the “Profile” tab and select the “Screen Sharing” checkbox.

Finally, go to the Settings tab and check the Enable Duet Air checkbox.

You are now ready to use your Chromebook as a second display for your PC.

Use Chromebook As Second Monitor on Windows

Note. Although Duet supports Windows, the app ran better and smoother on Mac. From time to time, the app crashed on our test Windows PC, especially after connecting to a Chromebook. Sometimes it would not open until we rebooted the computer. According to our research, several other Windows users were also unable to use the app seamlessly on their devices, but for some others it worked without issue.

This could be due to different hardware configurations. Or perhaps there is a bug in the Windows client. Try the app on your Windows PC and share your experience with us.

If you’ve configured the app correctly, the Duet app on Windows should automatically detect your Chromebook. If not, close and reopen the application, or restart your computer.

On the Air tab, select Android in the sidebar and click on your Chromebook. If you still can’t find your Chromebook in the list of discovered devices, click Manually Connect to IP and enter the IP address of your Chromebook.

Go to Settings> Network> Connected Network> IP Address to check the IP address of your Chromebook. Your PC desktop should appear on the Chromebook.

Important Duet Display Settings

When projecting or mirroring your screen on a Chromebook, you’ll find several important settings on the app’s settings page. Here’s what they mean and how they can affect your perception of the app:

1. The size of the text. You can choose from five text sizes. The larger the text size, the lower the screen resolution on your Chromebook.

2. Retina display: If you check the Retina option, Duet will simulate a Retina display on your Chromebook, doubling the pixel density. Although this setting will improve image quality, the app will consume more battery power.

3. Frame rate: There are two options: 60fps and 30fps. Choosing a higher frame rate will provide smoother motion, but at the expense of your device’s battery.

4. Quality: Duet also gives you the freedom to choose the signal quality you want. High quality provides the best image quality with fewer digital artifacts. In normal quality, texts and images will have more detailed information. In addition, the application will consume less battery power.

The Duet app automatically adjusts your Chromebook’s display whenever you change any of these settings. For the best experience, we recommend the highest setting available. However, make sure you connect your devices to a power source when using the app.

Flip the Switch

You can also use the Duet app to wirelessly project your Chromebook screen on a Mac or Windows PC. Connect the devices to the same Wi-Fi network and launch Duet Display. Your Mac or Windows PC should appear in the app’s dashboard on your Chromebook; select “Mirror” or “Expand” to project the screen accordingly.

If you have questions, leave a comment or visit the Duet Display Help Center for assistance.

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