How to Connect a Laptop Monitor to a PC Tower

By Joanne Mendes

Updated September 28, 2017

A laptop can be connected to a PC tower so the laptop’s monitor can be used as a second monitor for the PC. The PC’s monitor can be configured to stretch the desktop between the two monitors, creating an extra-wide work area. This makes it easy to work on multiple screens at the same time. Setting this up is easy: It only takes a VGA connector and a few simple steps.

Plug the VGA connector into the VGA port on the back of the PC and screw it into place.

Plug the other end of the VGA connector into the VGA port on the back of the laptop and screw it into place.

Right-click on the desktop of the PC monitor. Click "Personalize" or "Properties," depending on which operating system you are running.

Click "Display Settings."

Select one of the monitors as the main monitor by clicking on "Monitor 1" or "Monitor 2." "Monitor 1" should be the PC monitor, and "Monitor 2" should be the laptop monitor.

Click on the monitor that is not the main monitor and check the option 'Extend the Desktop Onto This Monitor." This option will allow you to open and work on multiple screens at the same time.

Click "Apply" to check the settings. Click "OK" to save them.

Tips

If you need to use the laptop monitor because the PC monitor isn’t working, you will need to create a wireless network. Enter the Control Panel of one of the machines and use the Network Wizard to set up the network. You will then be able to access and view the files on the PC’s hard drive using the laptop.

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