ChromeOS doesn’t have a built-in tool that lets you do this, so you’ll need third-party solutions. We tested a handful of (free and paid) tools but only found one reliable product—Duet Display. Before anything, we should mention that Duet Display is a paid app (costs $9.99). You’ll only need to purchase the Android app on your Chromebook (from the Google Play Store). The Mac and Windows clients are free—as long as you’re a paid user. It also works wirelessly so you don’t need any cable. However, your devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for the app to work.
Set Up Duet Display on Chromebook
Set Up Duet Display on Chromebook
Launch the Play Store, search for Duet Display, and click Install to download the app on your Chromebook. Open Duet Display, create an account (verify the account in your email, too) and click Connect to link your Mac or Windows PC’s display to your Chromebook. The app is now ready to receive visual signals from other devices connected to your Duet Air account. The next step is to set up Duet Display on your Mac or Windows computer.
Set Up Duet Display on Mac
Set Up Duet Display on Mac
Visit the Duet Display website and click the macOS buttons to download the app client. Install the app on your device and proceed to the next step to use your Chromebook as a second monitor. If your Mac runs macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, you’ll need to grant the Duet Display “Accessibility” and Screen access. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility and click the lock icon at the window’s bottom-left corner. Check duet to grant the app access to control your Mac. Next, for screen recording access; select Screen Recording on the sidebar and check duet. Although you can use the Dual Display’s Mac client without an account, signing into your Duet Account allows for a secured and faster connection with your Chromebook. Therefore, we recommend signing in to your Duet Air account; launching the app and clicking Sign In For Remote Desktop. There’s one last thing you need to do: enable screen sharing within the Duet app. Click Profile on the sidebar and check Screen Sharing Enabled. You can now proceed to use the app to project or extend your Mac’s display to your Chromebook.
Use Chromebook as Second Monitor on Mac
Use Chromebook as Second Monitor on Mac
Make sure Duet Display has the necessary permissions to work correctly. Likewise, ensure you connect your devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
Set Up Duet Display on Windows
Set Up Duet Display on Windows
Visit the Duet Display website and download the Windows setup client. Install the app and restart your computer. Connect your PC to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromebook and launch Duet. Go to the Air tab and click Sign In For Remote Access to connect your Dual Air account. Next, go to the Profile tab and check Screen Sharing Enabled. Finally, go to the Settings tab and check Enable Duet Air. Everything’s now in order to use your Chromebook as a second display for your PC.
Use Chromebook As Second Monitor on Windows
Use Chromebook As Second Monitor on Windows
Note: Although Duet supports Windows, the app worked better and smoother on Mac. The app occasionally crashed on our test Windows PC, particularly after connecting to a Chromebook. Sometimes, it wouldn’t open unless we rebooted our PC. From our research, a couple of other Windows users were also unable to use the app smoothly on their devices, but a few others got it working without issues. This may be due to varying hardware configurations. Or perhaps, a bug in the Windows client. Give the app a try on your Windows PC and let us know your experience. If you configured the app correctly, the Duet app on your Windows should automatically detect your Chromebook immediately. Otherwise, close and reopen the app, or restart your computer. In the Air tab, select Android on the sidebar and click your Chromebook. If you still can’t find your Chromebook on the list of discovered devices, click Connect to IP Manually and enter your Chromebook’s IP address. Go to Settings > Network > Connected network > IP Address to check your Chromebook’s IP. Your PC’s desktop should appear on the Chromebook.
Important Duet Display Settings
Important Duet Display Settings
While projecting or mirroring your display to the Chromebook, you’ll find a couple of important configurations on the app’s Settings page. Here’s what they mean and how they can impact your experience using the app:
Flip the Switch
Flip the Switch
You can also use the Duet app to wirelessly project your Chromebook’s screen to a Mac or Windows PC. Connect the devices to the same Wi-Fi network and launch Duet Display. Your Mac or Windows PC should appear on the app’s dashboard on your Chromebook; select Mirror or Extend to project your screen accordingly. If you have any questions, drop a comment or visit the Duet Display Help Center for assistance.
