Q&A for How to Connect a Desktop to a Laptop

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Question

I would like to connect my laptop to my desktop to use as a second monitor, but my desktop ethernet port is already being used by the internet. Can I tether it another way?

Bryan Beege Berry

Community Answer

Laptops are not designed to act as displays. There is no hardware-supported way to do this. The best alternative may be to use some sort of screensharing software between the desktop and laptop, but this will not allow you to do things like extend display.

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Question

Can I use Ethernet adapters?

Community Answer

Yes, there's a special Ethernet cable, called a "crossover cable," designed for directly connecting two computers. This will create a miniature network between the two.

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Question

What if the second PC can't access the internet still?

Community Answer

You can restart the computer, unplug and plug the wires back in, and if it's WiFi, turn WiFi off or disconnect it, then reconnect. if it is still not working, contact the brand's customer support.

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Question

How can I connect my laptop to my computer?

Community Answer

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

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Question

I have one laptop on LAN and another laptop on WiFi; how do I connect them?

Okpara Chidozie

Community Answer

Either you use a straight through ethernet cable or buy a USB portable wifi adapter.

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Question

Will this work if I have both my desktop and laptop connected to the same network switch?

Benjamin Morrow

Community Answer

All you need is a USB connector. Plug one end into a USB port on your desktop and the other into a USB Type-C port on your laptop.

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Question

How can I connect my laptop to my PC if my laptop only has USB-C connections? I'm trying to diagnose whether my PC monitor or video card is bad.

LostFrost

Community Answer

You can purchase USB-C to USB adapters from online retailers or local tech stores. Alternatively, you can use a USB-A to USB-C cable, which has the male ends of both connection types.

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Question

After I connect my laptop to my PC, will files I download in the future on my PC automatically download on my laptop, or do I need to use a cable every time?

LostFrost

Community Answer

You will need to use a cable every time, unless you install software that allows for remote file transfers.

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