How to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Windows computer

Dave Johnson

Jul 9, 2020, 20:20 IST

How to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Windows computer

It's possible to use your iPad as a second screen on Windows.Dave Johnson/Business Insider

To use an iPad as a second screen on a Windows 10 computer, you'll need to use a third-party app like SplashTop.
There are also several premium apps that let you use your iPad as a second Windows screen, such as Duet Display and iDisplay.
Once you connect your iPad as a second Windows screen, you can use it as a touchscreen monitor.

Installing a second monitor is a popular way to expand your screen real estate.

If you only need a second display occasionally — like if you work from home once in a while — but don't want to buy an entire second monitor, you can use your iPad as an inexpensive alternative.

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There's no built-in way to connect your iPad to Windows as a second screen, but there are several apps you can install which do it instead.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

Acer Chromebook 15 (From $179.99 at Walmart)

iPad (From $329.99 at Apple)

How to use your iPad as second screen in Windows 10

To use your iPad as a second display, you'll need to install the SplashTop app on your iPad and on your desktop.

SplashTop is primarily a remote-access tool — it lets you use your Windows desktop from your iPad remotely for a subscription. But it also offers a screen mirroring mode for free.

Also make sure that iTunes is installed on your computer. SplashDisplay requires iTunes to make a connection.

1. Install SplashTop on your iPad and install the SplashTop XDisplay Agent on your computer.

2. Once all the components are installed, connect your iPad to your computer using a charging cable.

3. Start the SplashDisplay app on both your computer and iPad. After a moment, you should see your desktop appear on the iPad screen. It may be a little sluggish, but you should be able to use it like an ordinary second screen.

To customize the display, open the XDisplay Agent in the Windows taskbar. You can change the framerate and screen quality, as well as change the resolution.

Other ways to use your iPad as a second screen in Windows 10

SplashTop has the advantage of being free, but there are other apps you can use as well. If you encounter performance issues with SplashTop, you might want to try another app.

Here are two other popular apps for using the iPad as a second screen:

Duet Display. Like SplashTop, Duet is a wired solution, so you'll need to connect the iPad via USB. You need to install the Duet app for Windows and purchase the iOS app ($10) for your iPad.
iDisplay. iDisplay is a wireless solution — the iPad and your computer connect via Wi-Fi. You need to install the iDisplay app for Windows and purchase the iOS app ($15) for your iPad.