Whether you're a professional juggling multiple tasks or a student researching and writing papers, an extra display can provide the much-needed screen real estate. Fortunately, you don't need to invest in an expensive monitor – your trusty iPad can serve as a seamless second monitor for your Windows PC. This guide will show you how to effortlessly transform your iPad into a extended display for Windows PCs and laptops, taking your multitasking abilities to new heights.

Why Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor?

Using your iPad as a second monitor is a game-changer, my friend! It's like having an extra workspace that goes wherever you go. Imagine having all your reference materials, docs, or websites open on that sleek tablet while you're cranking away on your main screen. No more constant window switching or cluttered workspace!

But that's not all - the touchscreen on the iPad is a total gamechanger. You can annotate, sketch, or even control apps on your main display just by tapping and swiping. It's like having a digital canvas right at your fingertips!

Now, let me paint you a few scenarios where this setup is a productivity beast:

1. Presentations? Bam, use the iPad to showcase visuals or slides while controlling the main show.
2. Creative work? The iPad is your digital sketchpad while your main screen handles the heavy lifting.
3. Coding? Keep your documentation or debugging tools open on the tablet - no more squinting at tiny windows.
4. Video calls? Share your main screen while referencing notes or agendas on the iPad. Multitasking made easy!

The best part? It's all portable! No more being tethered to a bulky desktop setup. Just grab your iPad and extend that workspace wherever you roam.

Quick Solution: Spacedesk app is the go to option for Windows PC

Here is a step-by-step guide on using an iPad as a second monitor with Windows using the recommended Spacedesk app:

1. Download and install the Spacedesk driver software on your Windows PC from

2. Download and install the Spacedesk app on your iPad from the App Store.

3. Make sure your Windows PC and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Open the Spacedesk app on your iPad. It will automatically detect your Windows PC.

5. Open the Spacedesk driver console on your Windows PC. You should see your iPad listed as an available display.

   

6. Click on your iPad in the console to connect it as a wireless second monitor.

7. Right-click on your Windows desktop and go to Display Settings.

8. In the Display Settings, set the Multiple Displays drop-down to "Extend these displays".

   

9. Drag and position the monitor icons to match your physical setup of the main monitor and iPad.

10. Adjust the resolution and scaling for the iPad display as needed under Advanced Display Settings.

That's it! You can now use your iPad as a wireless extended display for your Windows PC with full touch support using the free Spacedesk app.

 
Credit: YouTube Channel - Lando Tech

Duet Display： Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor on Windows

Duet Display is a software that allows you to use your iPad or Android tablet as a second monitor for your Windows PC. Here are the key details about its performance, price, and features:

Performance

• Provides a high-performance, low-latency connection with up to 60 frames per second refresh rate
• Optimized for Windows 11 with support for features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
• Utilizes a wired USB connection for best performance and image quality
• Offers customizable performance settings like High Power, Energy Efficient, and Pixel Perfect modes

Price

• Free 7-day trial available
• $9.99 one-time purchase for basic version
• $29.99 per year subscription for Duet Pro with advanced features

Features

• Extend or mirror your Windows desktop to an iPad/Android tablet
• Touch support for interacting with apps on the extended display
• Duet Pro adds pressure/tilt sensitivity, multitouch gestures, color calibration, and more
• Can use the tablet as a drawing tablet with Apple Pencil or other stylus
• Secure remote desktop access to your Windows PC from anywhere
• Works across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices

In summary, Duet Display provides a high-performance second monitor solution for Windows with touch capabilities, while offering both free and paid options with additional pro features.

Splashtop Wired Display: Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor on Windows

To use your iPad as a second monitor for your Windows PC with Splashtop Wired XDisplay, follow these steps:

Downloading and Installing Splashtop Wired Display

1. On your Windows PC, go to and download the Splashtop Wired XDisplay software.

2. Install the downloaded software on your Windows PC.

3. On your iPad, go to the App Store and download the "Splashtop Wired XDisplay HD" app.

Setting Up Splashtop Wired Display

1. Connect your iPad to your Windows PC using a Lightning to USB cable.

2. Open the Splashtop Wired XDisplay software on your Windows PC. It should automatically detect your connected iPad.

   

3. On your iPad, open the Splashtop Wired XDisplay HD app. It should connect to your PC and display your computer's screen.

4. You can now use your iPad as a second monitor by dragging windows from your main display to the iPad screen.

5. Optionally, you can adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, and quality in the Splashtop Wired XDisplay software on your PC for the best experience.

Other Third-Party Apps

Luna Display: Similar to Duet Display, Luna Display lets you use iPad as a wireless or wired secondary display for your Mac or PC. It offers a hardware dongle option for a seamless experience and additional features like iOS mirroring with a subscription.

Here's how to set up your ipad as a wired secondary monitor for Windows with Duet Display.

Required Equipment:

1. A Primary Windows PC: This will serve as the main computer to which the iPad is connected.
2. Compatible iPad: Ensure your iPad runs iOS 13.1 or later versions.
3. Luna Display Adapter (USB-C): Essential for the connection process.
4. Optional but Recommended Accessories: Depending on your iPad model, a Lightning or USB-C cable may be necessary for optimal performance. Usually, the cable that came with your iPad should suffice, provided it supports data transfer.

Setting Up Your iPad as a Monitor: Key Procedures

Step 1: Connecting Luna Display

Begin by inserting the Luna Display dongle into an available port on your primary Windows PC. It's crucial that this port supports either Thunderbolt or DisplayPort standards. PC users must verify the compatibility of their USB-C ports by checking for the respective icons.

Step 2: Establishing the Connection

You have the option to connect your iPad to the computer via Wi-Fi, Peer-to-Peer, or a wired connection using a USB cable. For uninterrupted performance, a wired connection is advised as it bypasses potential network issues.

Step 3: Software Installation and Configuration

With the hardware in place, proceed to install the necessary software:

• On your Windows PC, download and open the primary Luna Display application.
• On your iPad, download and launch the Luna Secondary app from the Apple App Store. These applications will guide you through the setup process.

Step 4: Enjoy Your New Monitor!

By now, your iPad should automatically recognize the primary computer, and you can start using it as a second monitor. To enhance your experience, consider enabling Retina Resolution for a clearer display quality. Note that this option might not be available on all iPad models, so it's worth checking your device specifications.

Air Display: This app provides a wireless solution to extend or mirror your primary display to your MacBook. It supports various devices and offers features like touch input and keyboard/mouse sharing.

Compare All the Apps

To compare the apps Spacedesk, Duet Display, Twomon SE, Luna Display, and Air Display in terms of price, performance, and unique features, let's break down each app based on the available information.

Summary

• Price: Spacedesk is free, making it the most cost-effective option. Twomon SE and Air Display are relatively inexpensive with one-time purchases. Duet Display and Luna Display are more expensive, especially with subscription models and hardware dongles.
• Unique Features: Duet Display and Luna Display offer advanced features like Apple Pencil support and dedicated hardware for better performance. Spacedesk and Air Display support multiple secondary displays, while Slashtop wired display offers a straightforward and stable setup.

Each app has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, such as budget, required features, and the type of devices you plan to use.

Wired Option : Using Your iPad as a Monitor for Windows PC

To use your iPad as a wired monitor for a Windows PC, you can follow these steps:

1. Connect your Windows PC to the iPad using an HDMI capture card. An HDMI capture card takes the HDMI output from your PC and converts it to a video signal that can be displayed on your iPad.

2. Connect the HDMI output from your PC to the HDMI input on the capture card.

3. Connect the capture card to your iPad using a USB-C to USB-A adapter (if needed) and a USB cable.

4. On your iPad, download and install a compatible app that can receive and display the video signal from the capture card. A recommended app for this purpose is "Monicon" .

5. Launch the Monicon app on your iPad and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the capture card and display your PC's screen.

The key components required are:

• An HDMI capture card (e.g., Camlink, Elgato, or generic USB capture cards)
• A USB-C to USB-A adapter (if your iPad doesn't have a USB-A port)
• A compatible app like Monicon on your iPad

This wired setup is made possible by the new external camera support introduced in iPadOS 17, which allows your iPad to receive and display video signals from UVC (USB Video Class) devices like HDMI capture cards. With this setup, you can effectively use your iPad as an external monitor for your Windows PC, providing a larger and more portable display option.

Conclusion

Share your experience using an iPad as a second monitor for your Windows PC! Drop a comment detailing which solution worked best and any tips you discovered. Your input can help others choose the perfect setup. Also, share this guide with anyone who could benefit from extending their workspace across devices. The more people embrace this productivity hack, the better we can all multitask. Let's discuss and promote using an iPad as an extended display!

FAQs

1. What are the best apps to use an iPad as a second monitor for Windows?

Several apps can help you use your iPad as a second monitor for a Windows PC:

• iDisplay: This app allows you to extend your Windows 10 screen to your iPad, providing a high-resolution and optimal performance experience.
• LetsView: A free screen mirroring app that supports extending your PC screen to your iPad wirelessly.
• Duet Display: A paid app that offers a smooth experience with both wired and wireless connections. It is known for its high framerate and ease of use.
• Splashtop Wired XDisplay: A free app that requires a wired connection but is effective for simple tasks.
• Spacedesk: This app uses your local network to connect your iPad to your Windows PC, offering a wireless solution.

2. How do I set up my iPad as a second monitor using iDisplay?

To set up iDisplay:

1. Download and install the iDisplay app on both your iPad and Windows PC.
2. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app on both devices.
4. On your PC, go to “Display settings” > “Multiple displays” > “Extend these displays”.
5. Select your iPad from the list of available devices and start using it as an extended display.

3. Can I use my iPad as a second monitor wirelessly?

Yes, several apps support wireless connections:

• LetsView: Connects wirelessly and allows you to extend your PC screen to your iPad.
• Duet Display: Offers a wireless connection with the Duet Air plan.
• Spacedesk: Uses your local network to connect your iPad to your Windows PC wirelessly.

4. Are there any compatibility issues I should be aware of?

Compatibility can vary based on the app and the devices you are using:

• iDisplay and LetsView: Generally compatible with most Windows 10 PCs and iPads.
• Duet Display: Works well with most modern iPads and Windows PCs, but older devices may not support all features.
• Spacedesk: Compatible with a wide range of Windows PCs and iPads, but ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

5. How do I address lag issues when using my iPad as a second monitor?

Lag can be a common issue, especially with wireless connections. Here are some tips to minimize lag:

• Use a wired connection: Apps like Duet Display and Splashtop Wired XDisplay offer wired options that can reduce lag significantly.
• Optimize your network: Ensure both your iPad and PC are on a strong and stable Wi-Fi network. Avoid using the network for other high-bandwidth activities while using the second monitor.
• Adjust display settings: Lower the resolution and refresh rate on your iPad to improve performance. This can be done through the display settings on your PC.

6. Can I use touch and pen input on my iPad when it is used as a second monitor?

• Touch Input: Most apps, including iDisplay, LetsView, and Spacedesk, support touch input, allowing you to interact with your PC using your iPad's touchscreen.
• Pen Input: Support for pen input varies. Duet Display supports Apple Pencil for drawing and signing documents, while other apps may not have full pen support.

7. Is there a free option to use my iPad as a second monitor?

Yes, there are free options available:

• LetsView: A free app that supports wireless screen extension.
• Splashtop Wired XDisplay: A free app that requires a wired connection but works well for basic tasks.