The use of multiple screens to project images from your PC improves display and can also improve productivity. Most people use multiple screens when playing video games or working. If you have a Surface Pro, you might be wondering if you can use it as a second monitor.
So, can you use the Surface Pro as a second monitor? The Microsoft Surface Pro can be used as a second monitor through a wireless connection. The Surface Pro running on Windows 10 comes with an inbuilt Miracast that can connect it to other compatible display devices subject to a few minimum requirements.
Before you can use your Surface Pro as a second monitor, you need a working Wi-Fi connection to enable the connection of the two devices. You also have to ensure that your main PC and the Surface Pro are running on the current version of Windows 10. If you cannot connect your Surface Pro to your main PC running on Windows 10, you can report the issue to Microsoft to get a solution from the experts.
Suppose you are used to a particular size of display when you are working or gaming; your experience can differ if you cannot work or game on the same display. There are several ways to increase your display’s size and using a second screen is one of them. If you have a Surface Pro, you might be wondering if you can use it as a second monitor.
You can use your Surface Pro as a second Monitor, thanks to the introduction of Miracast. It is easy to connect your Surface Pro to another PC as long as your devices are compatible. You need to check and confirm things before using your Surface Pro as a second monitor, such as a working internet connection and your Windows version. You can also troubleshoot if you have any challenges using your Surface Pro as a second monitor and change the settings to suit a particular activity.
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Introduced by Wi-Fi Alliance in 2012, Miracast is a standard for wireless connections from sending devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops to display data, images, or videos on devices like televisions, monitors, or projectors. Microsoft added support for Miracast in Windows 10, making it possible for you to use your Surface Pro as a second monitor. Miracast even allows you to use your Surface Pro’s keyboard and mouse to control your main computer.
Before you connect your Surface Pro as a second monitor, there are things that you need to note. First, a working Wi-Fi connection is very important in making the procedure a success. Without a working internet connection, you will not be able to connect your Surface Pro to your main PC.
You also need to ensure that your Surface Pro and the other PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Since the two devices will be sharing data, it will make the connection simpler if they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Another thing you should also note is that both your Surface Pro and the PC should be running the Windows 10 anniversary update or newer. Microsoft made Miracast available in Windows 8.1 and 10, but it seems to work better with Windows 10.
Since the most recent Surface Pro devices are running Windows 10, it will not be a problem unless your PC does not have Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. If your PC runs on Windows 7, you can either use a Miracast adapter or Intel WiDi. However, you need to check if your Windows 7 PC supports Miracast technology because not all of them do.
Using your Surface Pro as a second monitor is an easy task, and it does not require you to be a computer wizard to do it. First on both your Surface Pro, search “Projection Settings.” Select “available everywhere on secure networks.” You have the option of choosing “First time only” or “Every time a connection is required.”
If you need extra protection on the connection, you can set up a PIN by selecting the “Required PIN for pairing” option. You will see a message requiring you to either accept or decline a connection and to confirm the connection, select “Yes.”
There are several advantages of using multiple monitors when playing games or working on a project. One advantage of using your Surface Pro as a second monitor is enhanced productivity. When you are using multiple monitors, you have the freedom of opening several tabs without the need to minimize or close others.
For example, if you are a computer programmer, you can use your Surface Pro’s screen for coding and the PC’s screen for programming. You will not need to minimize tabs every time hence reducing errors and saving time.
Another benefit of using your Surface Pro as a second monitor is that sharing data becomes easy. When you are working on a certain project that needs you to check numerous sources, having a second screen to display the content means moving fewer windows around to access the information you need. For example, if you are a student writing your dissertation, you can have several windows opened on your main PC and open other windows on your Surface Pro. The second screen will make it easy for you to compare or get data from different sources.
Using your Surface Pro as a second monitor can save costs because buying a second monitor can be very expensive. The price of monitors ranges from 100 US dollars to 500 US dollars, depending on their size, hardware, and software specifications. If you already have a Surface Pro, there is no need to spend more money on another monitor. There is also no need to acquire additional software for the PC or your Surface Pro.
Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages of using multiple monitors. One of them is the amount of space required to complete the second monitor setup. If you do not have a large desk, using your Surface Pro as a second monitor can take up a lot of space on your desk and hinder movement. You will have to rearrange your desk to make it feasible. You might incur extra costs if you have to buy a bigger desk to accommodate your Surface Pro and the PC.
If your Surface Pro was working well as a second monitor and suddenly stopped, there are several things you can do to resolve the issue. You can try the Windows key sequence, which you can do by pressing the Windows logo key, the CTRL key, Shift, and B key simultaneously. If it does not work, you should restart your Surface Pro.
If the issue persists even after restarting your Surface Pro, you should reinstall your display driver. If you try all these solutions and you still cannot continue using your Surface Pro as a second monitor, you should report the issue to Microsoft.
You can also change the display settings to suit your specific activity. If you want to change the settings, go to the settings on your main PC and choose how you are projecting. You will see three options, “Gaming,” “Working,” or “Videos.”
If you are playing games and need to work on a particular project, you should not go directly to work after closing the games. Most video games work at high FPS, and when working, your Surface Pro does not need a high FPS. Switching between the three options helps improve the quality of the projection.
How To Use Surface Pro as a Monitor?
The monitor is a great part of a PC, and without the correct monitor, your experience using the PC will not be good. Working with a bad monitor can ruin your gaming experience by displaying low-quality images, and even general productivity like editing photos might seem difficult. If you have been gaming or constantly working on your Surface Pro, you might wonder if you can use it as a monitor.
If you want to use your Surface Pro as a monitor, you need an HDMI cable, but since the Surface Pro does not have an HDMI port, you need to get an HDMI adapter. Most PCs have an HDMI port; therefore, you do not have to worry about compatibility issues. Plug in the HDMI cable to the PC and plug in the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI adapter connected to your Surface Pro. Turn on the PC and configure the Surface Pro display settings to ensure it works correctly as a monitor.
One advantage of using your Surface Pro as a monitor is saving money. If your previous monitor got damaged and you do not have money to repair or replace it, you can connect your Surface Pro to a PC to save money. You can use your Surface Pro as a monitor as you save money to buy another monitor or repair it. If you enjoy working with your Surface Pro as a monitor, you can continue using it as long as it works properly.
The Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display; therefore, it might not be ideal as a permanent monitor for your PC. Size matters a lot when you are choosing a monitor for your PC. A typical desktop monitor has a 32″ display, close to three times the size of your Surface Pro’s screen. If you are used to a big display, it might take some getting used to it if you decide to use your Surface Pro as a monitor. Surface Pro can work well as a monitor but for a short time as you get another one.
Another problem with using your Surface Pro as a monitor is the power supply. The Surface Pro has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours on typical device usage. If you are using your Surface Pro as a monitor, you will be subjecting your device to some heavy tasks such as gaming which requires a lot of power. You will have to charge your Surface Pro frequently or keep it plugged into a power source while in use, leading to battery damage in the future.
Another issue which you might encounter when using a Surface Pro as a monitor is system lag. System lags usually happen when it takes longer for the input device to send a message to the processor and the action to appear on the screen. If you are using the Surface Pro for a project such as editing videos, it might take some time for the action you request using the keyboard or mouse to appear on the screen. If you plan to use your Surface Pro as a gaming monitor, you might lose games because of system lag.
If you have been using your Surface Pro as a monitor and need to upgrade, there are certain things you need to check before confirming the purchase. One of them is the purpose of the monitor. If you are a gamer, you need a monitor with both a high refresh rate and a low response time.
If you are a professional such as a video editor, you need a monitor with excellent resolution. You can also research the various monitors available on the market designed for your particular interests.
You also need to buy a monitor of the correct size. One of the reasons why people often buy second monitors is they cannot fit all their activities to a single monitor. Getting a second monitor is costly and takes up more space on your gaming or working station. Choose a monitor with a size that will serve your particular interests without the need to get a second monitor.
Finally
The Surface Pro is a great 2-in-1 tablet that you can use for various activities. If you own a Surface Pro and have been looking for a second monitor, feel free to use it. All you need is the main PC running on Windows 10 and enough space on your desk to form a dual-screen display.
It is not hard to connect your Surface Pro as a second monitor because the instructions on the “Projection Settings” are easy to follow. Once you are done using your Surface Pro as a second monitor, you can disconnect it by heading to the “Connect to a Wireless display” on the settings and choose “Disconnect.”
