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When Apple introduced Sidecar as an official feature that lets you use your iPad as a second display for your Mac, a lot of users were disappointed when they found out it was a feature reserved only for the most recent iPads and macOS devices. Basically, your iPad needs to support the Continuity feature that only works on iPadOS 13 and newer. Again, your MacBook hardware and software will determine whether this needed feature should work on your device or not.
If, instead of a supported MacBook, you have a Windows computer, you are out of luck. Well, maybe not totally. While you are unable to use Sidecar to connect an iPad to your Windows computer as a second screen, there is an alternative method enabled by a third-party app.
Introducing LetsView
LetsView is a multi-platform app that lets you extend your iPad capability to work as a secondary display for your Windows computer. Apart from this, if you simply want to mirror your iPad screen to the computer, this app lets you do this as well.
LetsView supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and it uses different protocols, including AirPlay, DLNA, and AMCast, depending on the platform.
Apart from being able to extend your computer display to your iPad, you can use this screen mirroring app for game streaming from your iPad, live presentation, remote support, and more.
How LetsView Works
LetsView allows you to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Windows computer by installing the LetsView app on both devices and connecting them to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your Windows computer, download and install the LetsView desktop app. On your iPad, download and install the LetsView iOS app from the App Store.
Once both apps are installed, open the apps on each device. On the desktop app, choose “Extend my screen” from the dropdown.
The LetsView desktop app will generate a QR code that you can scan with your iPad’s camera through the LetsView iOS app. Scanning the QR code will pair the two devices together. Alternatively, you can simply click “Screen Mirroring” and enter the passkey from your iPad.
After pairing, your Windows desktop will appear on your iPad screen, effectively turning your iPad into a wireless second monitor. You can extend or mirror your Windows display to the iPad.
Customizing Your Extended Display
You can choose to mirror your Windows screen or extend the display, depending on the option you choose on the desktop app before connecting. Once connected, you have a few options to customize your iPad as a second display.
You can also set higher resolutions, faster bit rates, and more from the settings menu on either app, but keep in mind that these settings may need you to have a paid license before you can alter them.
Conclusion
While Apple does not allow using your iPad as a second screen for Windows, LetsView provides a solid cross-platform solution. With LetsView installed on your PC and iPad, you can wirelessly extend or mirror your Windows desktop for extra screen space and productivity.
If you own an iPad and Windows computer, downloading LetsView is a no-brainer to effectively add a wireless second monitor without buying extra hardware.