What to Know

• Use a third-party app like Spacedesk, LetsView,orDualDisplay to get your iPad ready.
• Then, right-click on the Windows desktop >Display Settings.Under Multiple Displays, select Extend these displays.

This article shows how to expand your Windows 11 desktop by using an iPad as a second monitor.While this process is easy enough with a Mac, with Windows 11, you have to fall back on screen mirroring apps. 

How to Set Up Spacedesk

Spacedesk is a free app that allows you to easily use your iPad as a wireless extended display for your Windows PC. The screen-sharing app is free for personal use. Here's how to set it up.

1. Install the Spacedesk driver software from the official website on your Windows 11 PC.

2. Search and install the Spacedesk app on your iPad from the App Store:

   Download Spacedesk

3. Ensure your Windows PC and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Open the Spacedesk app on your iPad. It will automatically detect your Windows PC. Tap on the connection to view the Windows desktop on the iPad screen.

   

5. The Spacedesk driver console appears on your Windows PC when successfully connected.

6. To view Spacedesk settings, right-click the app's icon in the Windows notification area and selectSpacedesk Driver Console. The options help manage the connection between your Windows PC and secondary devices like the iPad used as extra monitors.

7. Select and send a specific app to the iPad connected as an extended display with a PC.

Note:

Spacedesk also supports USB tethering with an Apple device. Open theSpacedesk Driver Console>Communication Interfaces, then check the box forUSB Cable iOS.

How to Use LetsView on Your iPad

LetsView is a freemium screen mirroring app with advanced (and paid) Pro features. The free version can duplicate the screen on Windows 11 and also extend the display. However, you must upgrade to Pro to use advanced features like HD screen display.

1. Go to the LetsView official website and select theDownloadbutton to download the app for Windows. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.

2. Download the LetsView app for your iPad:

   Download LetsView

3. Connect both your Windows PC and iPad to the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Open the LetsView app on both your Windows PC and your iPad.

5. LetsView automatically detects the connected devices and displays them underMy deviceson the PC and iPad. 

6. SelectShare my screen or Extend my screenfrom the dropdown on top-right of the Windows app. 

   

7. LetsView gives you three ways to connect one device to another - the General way, QR code, or Passkey.

8. The General method is the easiest and quickest. Select the iPad underMy devicesand initiate screen mirroring. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on the Windows app with your iPad to connect both devices. To use a Passkey, tap theScreen Mirroringbutton and enter the number displayed on the iPad app's screen.

Tip:

LetsView says it's better to connect your iPad and computer to 5 GHz network than a 2.4 GHz one.

How to Get Duet Display for Your iPad

Duet Display is a good paid software for sharing or extending your Windows screen. It's a solid option if you have an older iPad. Previous app versions are compatible with iOS 7.0, released in September 2013. Again, you have to set up sibling apps in both Windows 11 or 10 and on the iPad.

1. Install the Duet Display app on your iPad from the App Store:

   Get Duet Display

2. Browse to the Duet Display website and download the Windows software.

3. Open the Duet Display app on your iPad and go through the introduction screens. To start using the app, you must register and select a subscription plan. 

   

4. Connect your iPad to your computer wirelessly or with a cable (Duet recommends USB to 30 pins, lightning cable, USB-C, and/or USB-C to USB-C).

5. Select and drag the title bar of your apps and move them across the edge of your computer's screen to your new Duet Display.

Note:

Duet Display is a subscription service with a 7-day trial. You must register with an email account and subscribe before you can use the app.

How to Add Your iPad as a Second Display

If the app you're using doesn't automatically give you an option to extend your screen, or you want to change the layout of your iPad and monitor, you can do so in Windows 11 settings. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the desktop on your Windows PC, and then chooseDisplay settings.

   

2. UnderMultiple displays, chooseExtend these displays.

   

3. Scroll back up, where you should see two rectangles, labeled 1 and 2. "1" represents your PC monitor, and "2" is your iPad. You can drag them around to rearrange them and customize a layout for your two-screen setup.

Is the iPad a Good Second Monitor?

Windows doesn't have Sidecar, unlike macOS. So, you have to depend on third-party software for the pairing. They can be an extra cost, as most screen mirroring apps with advanced features are paid. Spacedesk is a viable free app that can take care of everyday uses on a second monitor. Wireless connectivity and the touch interface are a plus with the app.

Ultimately, it will depend on what you want the second monitor for. For instance, even the iPad Pro's 12.9?inch screen might not be adequate for spreadsheet or database work. But having a second monitor when you need it is better than not having one.