All-in-one computers (AiOs) are popular nowadays due to their attractive and small designs. Instead of having a different base and monitor, they merge the two into one device, freeing up desk space. 

AIO computers are the best technology for everyone. They are tiny, thin yet powerful. A big, high-resolution display is standard on almost all AIO computers. The display is the heart of an AIO device. All of the components found in a desktop PC’s cabinet are crammed into an AIO system’s monitor.

Sometimes you need to work with more than one monitor but does it work that way? If yes then, do you know how to use an all-in-one PC as a monitor? 

Can an All-in-one Computer Be Used As a monitor?

An AIO computer (short for an all-in-one) is easy to use as a monitor. If its display has an IN connector you can use it  as a secondary display. If you want to view the images and activities on another computer, a monitor requires a “Display IN” connector. 

Most of them lack a display IN connector since they comprise a motherboard, CPU, GPU, and other components. In such instances, some users utilize software to mirror the information of the other monitor on the AIO. We don’t recommend doing this as it causes a horrible display with poor quality.

Many all-in-one laptop computers only have HDMI connections. If you want an additional monitor and your secondary monitor does not support HDMI, you may connect it to your all-in-one laptops via an HDMI connection or a USB Display Adapter.

The latter ones plug into a USB port to power one or more external screens. Even though it lacks 3D capabilities, it can still run plenty of apps and play full-screen films.

 4 Easy Ways To Use An All In One PC As A Monitor

1. HDMI Cable

• Plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI-in Port on your AIO computer. The other end of the wire must be connected to the HDMI-out Port on the other screen.  
• Once connected and turned on the central computer will automatically start playing video to the all-in-one device.
• Once both screens are operational, you may need to tweak the display settings on the primary computer to your taste. 
• On Windows, type “display” into the search box to access the display options. 

These modifications let you adjust the font size, brightness, and contrast. You can look for these hidden gems by clicking on “additional display settings” in the window’s top right corner.

2. Display Ports

HDMI is a thing of the past now and Display ports have taken their place. It is a more advanced version of other displaying technologies. 

• Once you’ve found the appropriate DisplayPort connection points, plug the cable into them.
• When they are linked, they will operate just like the HDMI arrangement.
• If you’ve never used DisplayPort before, you can adjust all video settings from a central computer.

3. VGA

VGA is an obsolete connection type, you’ll hardly find them in any PC now. You’re lucky if your AIO has a VGA-in port and your main computer has a VGA-out port

• Link the two through a cable and use your AIO as a secondary display. 
• Go to your device’s settings and adjust the display according to your preference.

If your computer has a VGA connector but your AIO does not, you can use converters.

4. USB Adapter

While we are talking about ports, we cannot miss out on the USB adapter method. A USB Video Adapter works well with HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort connections.

• Then, using the proper cable and inputs, connect your device to the USB Video Adapter.
• To connect the USB Video Adapter to the computer, make sure you’re inserting it in the USB port and not any other. 

Other Ways to Use an All-in-One Computer As a Monitor

Some Windows 10 PCs include a feature known as “PC projection,” which lets you make the most out of your AIO and make it a secondary display. 

• Open the search bar on both machines and type “PC projection” to confirm they both support it.
• Then, access the PC display settings and double-check the specifications. 

Both of your devices should be compatible with it. If it’s a green signal then, follow the instructions in the setup to view material from another PC to your AIO.

Using an AIO PC as a monitor is not an issue. As long as it is compatible with the above methods you can easily use it as a secondary screen to complete your tasks or use it for entertainment.. Otherwise, it’s time to spend some money and upgrade your setup.