Spacedesk

Turn phones and tablets into extra Windows screens

Spacedesk is a free Windows utility designed to help you create an additional display without buying a dedicated monitor. It lets you mirror your main PC screen or extend the desktop onto another supported device, such as a phone or Surface tablet, making it useful for light multitasking, reference windows, chat panels, or extra workspace.

The software works over a local network, using either wired or wireless connections. Your devices need to be on the same network and support TCP/IP networking. It can also work through mobile hotspot or USB tethering, which gives users a few practical ways to connect depending on their setup. Spacedesk supports Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11, and it can handle dual or multi-display arrangements.

Day to day, the main appeal is simplicity. Once the required display components are available across your devices, you can use the extra screen much like a normal monitor. You can control the desktop with your PC keyboard and mouse, while laptops can also make use of touchpad input and touch gestures. The option to either duplicate or extend the display is especially helpful, since mirroring is better for presentations or sharing, while extension is better for productivity.

There are some trade-offs. Lag can be noticeable, even with only two devices connected, so Spacedesk is not ideal when instant response is important. Connection stability can also be inconsistent at times, which may interrupt longer work sessions.

Overall, Spacedesk is best for users who want a no-cost way to experiment with a multi-screen Windows setup using devices they already own. It is practical, flexible, and easy to understand, but its occasional delay and connection issues mean it works best for secondary tasks rather than demanding real-time use.