This is how it works with Spacedesk

The manufacturer Datronicsoft offers a small, almost inconspicuous program called Spacedesk. This is free for private users and allows you to use almost any monitor as a second monitor for your Windows PC. It could be a laptop, your smartphone, your tablet, or even your TV. Although the installation is done quickly, you still have to invest some time in “fine tuning”. This way, you can create a truly usable work environment in the home office with minimal effort.

Install Spacedesk and login

Spacedesk works as a driver, so you need to install it on your computer first. The developers distinguish between a main computer (server) – this is a computer with a monitor that you want to extend to a second monitor. On the other hand, the secondary device (client) can be a tablet or a smartphone. After successfully logging in, you will see the required content on it.

This is how it works:

1. Download the driver for Windows 8.1 or Windows 10/11 for your main computer from Spacedesk.net and install the software as usual.
2. Download the Viewer Software on the secondary device. It’s available for Windows 7/10/11, iOS, Android, Amazon devices, and Chrome-based web browsers.
3. Start Spacedesk on both computers. On the secondary device, for example a tablet, you can select the primary computer and establish the connection.
4. By default, the secondary device should see a mirror image of the primary computer.

Important: The devices must be on the same network. It does not matter whether they are connected to each other via LAN or WLAN.

Tip: When installing server software, you should make sure that Spacedesk knows about your firewall and that you also allow other security software to use Spacedesk without restrictions. Otherwise, the program cannot work.

Harnessing the potential of Spacedesk

Since the image is transmitted over the home network, you can get the best possible quality with a LAN connection. But this is not always possible, because tablets or smartphones do not have a corresponding connection.

But with additional tweaks, you can boost performance so that you can work well with the second screen — sometimes noticeably better than, say, the wireless connection between a Windows PC and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

• In client mode, you will find more options in the icon with the three lines that appear. There you can use an on-screen keyboard, but you can also send audio output from the computer to the secondary device.
• For best performance, select Windows display settings (right mouse button on the desktop) while logged in. For the second screen, reduce the image resolution and increase the scaling for better text display.
• In the display settings, you choose whether you want to mirror or extend the screen.
• Right-click on the Spacedesk icon in the system tray and select “Driver Console”. Operation details:
  • Incompatible software refers to software that causes problems with Spacedesk.
  • Third-party firewall products: List of applications that may prevent transmission to the second screen.
  • Control: Specify whether Spacedesk should automatically establish a connection when the computer starts. If in doubt, you can reset the settings here if something no longer works.
• If you are using Spacedesk over WiFi, check if both connected devices are also using the faster 5GHz network.

Useful areas of application for Spacedesk

There are many uses for Spacedesk. Some of the variables hardly make sense, because let’s be honest: no one needs a second screen on a smartphone screen. Productive work environments can be:

• At least 10″ tablet as a second screen
• Windows laptop (app) or macOS (browser-based solution) as a second monitor for stationary computers
• TVs with Android TV streaming players like Shield TV or Chromecast as a second big screen

If Spacedesk doesn’t really convince you, you’ll find other ways to use tablets and smartphones as second screens elsewhere.