Want to use your laptop screen as a monitor for your desktop PC? Maybe your monitor is broken, or you want a portable second screen. In this complete beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use a laptop as a monitor using HDMI and a video capture card.
This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops and doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge.
📥 Required Apps & Tools (Official Links)
Why You Can’t Just Plug HDMI Directly
Most people think they can simply connect an HDMI cable from a desktop to a laptop and use the laptop as a monitor. Unfortunately, that does not work.
All laptops have HDMI output ports, not HDMI input ports. That means they can send video to a monitor, but they cannot receive video like a display.
To convert your laptop into a display, you need a special device called a video capture card.
What is a Video Capture Card?
A video capture card converts HDMI video into a USB camera input. Your laptop then detects the desktop’s screen as if it were a webcam feed.
This allows your laptop to show the desktop display in real time.
Step 1 — Connect the Capture Card
- Plug the capture card into your laptop’s USB port
- Connect HDMI from desktop → capture card
- Power on your desktop
Open Device Manager. You should see the capture card listed under Cameras.
Step 2 — View the Screen Using Windows Camera App
Open the built-in Camera app in Windows.
Click Change Camera and select the USB capture card.
Your desktop screen will now appear on your laptop.
Note: The Camera app shows on-screen buttons and cannot hide UI.
Step 3 — Use OBS Studio for Full Screen Mode
OBS Studio gives you a clean, fullscreen display.
- Open OBS Studio
- Add a new Video Capture Device
- Select the USB capture card
- Right-click preview → Transform → Fit to Screen
- Right-click → Fullscreen Projector Preview
Your laptop is now acting as a full monitor.
Audio Fix (Important)
If you don’t hear sound:
- Open Windows sound settings
- Disable HDMI capture device as output
- Select laptop speakers only
Performance Tips
- Use USB 3.0 capture card for low latency
- Use HDMI 2.0 cable
- Close background apps
- Use OBS fullscreen mode
FAQs
Does this damage the laptop?
No. It is completely safe.
Can I control the desktop from laptop?
No. You still need mouse & keyboard connected to desktop.
Is there delay?
Minimal delay with USB 3.0 capture cards.
Can I game using this?
Yes, but competitive gaming is not recommended due to latency.
Final Result
You’ve successfully turned your laptop into a monitor using HDMI and a capture card.
This is perfect for emergency monitor replacement, portable work setups, or travel.
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