Windows 10 gives you the option to wirelessly connect a laptop to use it as a second monitor. First, on your laptop, go to settings. Then click on system and scroll to Projecting to the PC. Then, follow our step-by-step guide on how you to use your laptop as a second monitor. For those who got an error message saying, “Protected content cannot be viewed on this device,” there are some troubleshooting points at the end of the article. Without further ado, let’s get started!
On the Laptop You Want to Use as a Second Monitor
First of all, there are a few things you will have to do in the laptop you are planning to use as a second monitor.
Allowing Projection Access
Author’s Note: If none of the above features are available and your screen looks something like this, Then return back and follow the steps listed above.
Optional steps
Note: Make sure you take note of the PC name of your laptop.
On the Main Computer
Now that you’ve setup your laptop’s projection settings, go to your main computer and follow these steps:
On the Laptop You Want to Use as a Second Monitor
Back on your laptop, a small dialogue box will appear on the bottom right corner of the screen, asking you to give your main computer access to the laptop’s screen. Click on ‘Allow’. This will open the ‘Connect App’ and thus your main computer will be connected to your laptop.
On the Main Computer
Now that your main computer is connected to your laptop and ready to project, you need to select the type of projection. First, press ‘Windows + P’. You will find a few options in the Project window. The options that are of interest to you are ‘Duplicate’ and ‘Extend’.
Extend
Selecting this option will treat your laptop screen as an extension of your main monitor. The laptop screen will be like some extra space on your original screen.
Duplicate
Selecting this option will duplicate the screen of your main computer as it is on to the laptop. Your laptop screen will mirror the screen of your main computer as it is. So you will have two screens displaying the same content.
Troubleshooting: Protected content cannot be viewed on this device
While the steps listed above will work flawlessly for most users, some might get an error message on their laptop that reads: “Protected content cannot be viewed on this device.” If you are experiencing this problem, there are a few things you can try:
Turn Off Firewall
The first thing you should try is turning off the network firewall in the laptop you are trying to connect to. To do this, follow these steps: Step 1: Click on ‘Start’, type ‘Firewall & network protection’ and click on it. Step 2: In the Firewall & network protection settings, click on ‘Private Network’. Turn ‘Off’ the firewall. Step 3: Repeat step 2 for ‘Public Network’. Step 4: Restart your Laptop & try connecting again. Hopefully this will resolve your issue. If it doesn’t try the next solution.
Allow Media Access
Step 1: Click on ‘Start’, type ‘Control Panel’ and click on it. Step 2: In the ‘Control Panel’ click on ‘Network and Internet’ > ‘Network and Sharing Center’. Step 3: In the ‘Network and Sharing Center’, select ‘Media streaming options’ from the list on the top left hand side. Step 4: In the dialogue that appears, click on ‘Turn on media streaming’. You will likely be asked to confirm your choice. Step 5: Restart your Laptop & try connecting again. Hopefully this will resolve your issue. If it doesn’t try the next solution.
Check Miracast Availability
If neither of the first two solutions worked for you, you might have to check the availability of Miracast on your laptop. Miracast is the technology that makes wireless streaming possible between devices. And if either of your devices (the main computer or the laptop) doesn’t have it, you will not be able to follow the steps described in this article. Follow these steps to check the availability of Miracast in your computer: Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ to open the Run window. Type in “dxdiag” and press enter. If you are prompted with a dialogue box, click ‘Yes‘. This will open the ‘DirectX Diagnostic Tool’ window. Step 2: In the ‘DirectX Diagnostic Tool’ window, click on ‘Save All Information…’. Find a suitable location and name for the file and save it. Step 3: Once you have saved the Diagnostic Information file, open it. Step 4: In the list, locate ‘Miracast’. It should say “Available, with HDCP” next to it. If it says “Not Available”, then unfortunately you won’t be able to follow the tutorial above. Hope this article was helpful.
