Chromebook is a lightweight gadget that carries a small OS footprint . But when I am on my desktop using professional apps like photoshop , Microsoft Office , or Visual Studio Code , I havelittle to no use of a Chromebook . But with these third - political party apps in handy , I can use the Chromebook as a second monitor lizard to my primary computer . Thus helping my work flow and productivity with a dual monitor apparatus without the need to buy an extra admonisher .
Are you in a like post and need to take vantage of your Chromebook ’s screen real estate when working on Windows , Mac , or Linux ? Here are the best apps ( compensate and free ) that help you to use Chromebook as a second proctor .
Use Chromebook as a Second Monitor
1. Duet Display
Of all the apps tested , Duet Display come out on top for its seamless and reliable connection between machine . It is a paid app carry a one - time monetary value of $ 9.99 . whole worth it . You only have to bribe the app on the Chromebook , whereas Windows and Mac client are free as long as you are pay customer . Google sometimes offer Duet Display as a perquisite for buying a Chromebook . So check out if the offer is eligible in the Explore app on Chromebook before purchase .
Download theDuat Displayapp from the Play Store on Chromebook . Also , download the Windows or Mac clientand instal it on the organization . chatter on yourProfileand activate the checkbox besideScreen Sharing Enabled .
afford the Duet Display on Chromebook and selectAndroidfrom the left-hand sidebar . Then select theAiroption . Though Duet Display fend for pumped up connection , it wo n’t act with Chromebook .
If you have Duet display open on Chromebook , you should incur your Chromebook IP computer address here . cluck on it to associate . If it is n’t point , click onConnect to IP Manuallybutton and enter Chromebook ’s IP savoir-faire manually .
That ’s it , now you are all set .
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2. Splashtop Wired XDisplay
Unlike the Duet Display , Splashtop is a complimentary app and need a USB cable to unite two devices . There is no fashion to connect wirelessly . Splashtop is on par with Duet Display if not better when it comes to reliability and slowdown between devices . Except for the fact that it plunk for only wired connexion , it has all other features .
DownloadSplashtopon Chromebook and alsoinstall the desktop client on Mac or Windows . Now connect both the equipment with a USB cable and plunge the app on both equipment .
Once done , on Windows , just pressWin+Pand selectExtend displaysoption . This will start mirror your Windows desktop on your Chromebook . But we want to use Chromebook as a secondary show . To do that , pick out theAdvancedtab on the desktop and untickEnable Mirror modeoption . This will stop mirror the screen and begin using the Chromebook screen as a secondary display .
On Mac , select theWiredXDisplayon the menu cake > Preferences > Arrangementand plough off theMirror Displaysoption here .
3. Spacedesk
The vantage of Spacedesk is that it brook both wired and wireless methods . you could use Wi - Fi or USB or even a LAN cable to associate both devices . Download theSpacedesk app on Chromebookand also on yourWindows or Mac machine .
Then connect using a wire or wirelessly . Now when you unfold the app on Chromebook , you should find all the machine that are connected and have the app installed . Simply select a twist to relate .
It will start showing the organisation exhibit on the Chromebook screen . Now you’re able to utilize aboriginal choice in the Windows and Mac stage setting to adjust the showing mount .
Spacedesk work great and has a wad of connectivity options , but when you link up wirelessly , you will experience lags and stutters every now and then . If you desire to go wireless , Duet Display still go for the cap .
4. Deskreen
All the above apps work with Windows and Mac only . If you are a Linux exploiter , here ’s an open - source program that can help use your Chromebook as a 2nd exhibit . It connects wirelessly and has a lot of features like sharing app view , mirroring screen , teleprompter mode , etc .
Deskreen does n’t have a separate app for Chromebooks . Just download it on yourWindows , Mac , and Linux desktopand dispatch the dress - up process . Then connect both the gadget to the same Wi - Fi .
On the Deskreen app on the desktop , you will bump a QR codification . Just scan that QR code with anyQR Code digital scanner appon your Chromebook . It will show you a link to the web site . reach the link and it will display the second screen of the background on your Chromebook filmdom . select the full - screen clitoris to use the Chromebook as a secondary monitor lizard in fullscreen mode .
As it is an unfastened - source choice , it is also loose . But the app can experience a bite laggy at times and casual stutters are quite common .
One Stone, Two Birds
Duet Display is what you need if you are willing to pay a one - time payment of $ 9.99 . It ’s wireless , works fast , and is easy to place up . If not , Spacedesk and Splashtop can get the work done for free . If you are a Linux user , then your unspoilt wager is Deskreen which is open - source , costless , and works on all platforms . Do n’t have a Chromebook ? you may also apply yourAndroid phone as a 2d monitor .