What is Spacedesk. Uses, Features, Opinions, Prices

In these times of pandemic, when many of us are working and studying at home, an additional screen for your PC could be useful to increase your productivity. Well, spacedesk It seems to be the ideal tool for this, and we are going to discover it below.

spacedesk is a very complete and versatile application, with which you can use the screen of another device as a second screen. If you have a tablet stored away or a phone that you no longer use or rarely use, you can give it a use through this software.

Using a second screen on your PC is very useful, whether it's to increase productivity or even to play a movie or video without taking away from what you're doing.

The smartphone or tablet you have stored away could perfectly serve this purpose and, wirelessly, you can have another screen on your computer. Stay with us for

What is Spacedesk

spacedesk is an application, available for Android, iOS and even Windows, which, when associated with a Windows computer, allows you to enlarge the computer screen, as if it were a second monitor.

All machines must be connected to the same local network, and then the screen expansion can be through USB, network cable or simply by Wi-Fi.

In addition to Android and iOS devices, a laptop screen can also be used for this purpose. The expansion can be done for an extra screen or more and even in any browser, although the service does not work properly in Firefox.

The installation process is very simple. First, on a Windows PC, you need to install the software, which is available from their official website. Once the installation is complete, you are ready to expand your screen.

Then, simply install the app on a Windows, Android or iOS device that you are going to use as a second screen. Before connecting the device as a second screen, it is important to adjust some parameters, such as quality and resolution.

After that, simply select the computer to turn on and the process is done automatically.

The second screen of your smartphone or tablet is ready to use and can be positioned vertically or horizontally. In addition, the touch screen still works as your computer mouse.

It's really impressive how easy you can achieve connecting the two screens through this application.

What Spacedesk can be used for

If you have ever seen graphic design experts who have multiple monitors connected and working at the same time, do not worry, you too can have two monitors working by connecting a laptop or tablet to your PC.

Setting up a laptop as a monitor requires knowing your connection options, operating system, and some display settings. Here we will teach you how to use your laptop as a monitor.

When installing spacedesk, the program will add a new virtual monitor to your Windows. This way, the computer will think that it has a second monitor connected and to configure the program just access the Windows display settings.

Basically, what happens is that Spacedesk will stream images over the network to the client program. The “magic” happens in Spacedesk, which will create a “virtual monitor” that can be configured as a second monitor even in the control panel.

Spacedesk is simple and only has that functionality. But it is more than enough since with it, you can activate other screens to add them to your home office. Having an additional screen is essential in many jobs.

How to use your laptop as a second screen?

Using a laptop as a second computer screen saves time, two monitors are freely accessible, and work can be done in two separate workspaces.

Plus, you'll have an extended desktop that can be used by simply moving your mouse between the two monitors to jump between screens and open and move windows on either monitor.

Download both programs: Spacedesk Server y Spacedesk Personal ViewThey are lightweight, don't take up much memory on your PC, and allow you to duplicate and create a second screen of your PC on your laptop over a Wi-Fi network.

• Download Spacedesk Server and install the program on your computer.
• Now, download Spacedesk Personal View and put it on your laptop.

It will simply extend the screen image to another screen over a Wi-Fi network, one screen is located on the computer (server/server) and the other screen (client/client) is on the laptop. The operating system architecture can be 32-bit or 64-bit.

Be careful to install the «server» on the computer and the «companies» on the laptop.

• Once the server is installed, it will run in your toolbar. The software will automatically name your main PC as “employee» and your laptop as «Client«.
• Click on "Next” to continue with the setup.
• Then click on “Install".
• After installation, reboot both devices.
• Launch the program on your computer. The program icon should be on your desktop.
• Go to «Archive» and choose «Connect«.

The tool is responsible for searching the connection network for another device that has spacedesk installed. When you access the connection window on your laptop, you will be able to see the name of the computer where the server is installed.

• Click on «Accept» to connect.
• Done, both screens are now linked.
• Start using both screens.

And that's it! You are already mirroring the image on your laptop and working with a second screen. It is also possible to do this with other devices such as tablets and mobile phones, to increase the number of connected screens.

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Spacedesk Features

spacedesk It works through the local network. Therefore, the only requirement that we must meet is that the main PC and the device that we are going to use as a secondary screen are connected to the same router.

It doesn't matter if it's wired or Wi-Fi, it works the same way. We can even connect it via USB and use the smartphone's Tethering settings.

This program offers users all the functions of a secondary monitor. That is, we can use it to extend our main workspace or to duplicate it. It also allows us to use a keyboard and mouse to control the PC remotely and even do so on the touch screen.

Another important requirement is that the main computer, to which we want to connect the second monitor, must be running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. We will not be able to use Spacedesk at the server level, on other versions of Windows or on other OS , the Linux or macOS.

As for the client, which is the device we are going to use as a second monitor, there is much more freedom. We can use any computer with Windows 7, 8.1 or Windows 10, any Android smartphone and tablet, or any other device. iPhone o iPad.

Additionally, any operating system running an HTML5-compatible browser can be used as a second monitor.

Low level of security

The connection between the client and the Spacedesk server is made through the TCP/IP v4 protocol. However, for now it does not have an end-to-end encryption system.

This means that all information transmitted between the two devices can be seen and captured by anyone connected to the network.

It is also important to note that it does not have any security measures. We can connect to the server without a password or anything. Being a tool designed to work only on a local network, this should not be a problem, but that does not mean that it is a serious security breach.

These two security measures have already been proposed by the developers, who will implement them in future versions. In addition, image encoding will also be improved and features such as audio over Wi-Fi will be added.

Is free

As Spacedesk is still in an early stage of development, (It is still in Beta version), this program is completely free and without restrictions for all users.

Starting in the third quarter of 2021, its developer plans to offer two different modalities of this program.

• The free version, which will allow us to connect only one device at a time, and we will not be able to use touch controls to control it.
• Pro version, designed for commercial use, will support multiple displays, full touch screen, auto-rotate, remote keyboard and mouse control, and much more.

While we don't currently know the price, or if the free version will have other limitations, purchases will be made through the app on the devices. We also don't know if it will be a one-time payment or if we will have to pay some kind of subscription.

Ease of connection

Connecting a second monitor to Windows has never been easier. While some apps may seem difficult to set up, Spacedesk opted for simplicity.

To use this program we don't have to configure anything on our router or PC. All we have to do is make sure we are using the correct operating system and install the client and server on the PC and device.

The server we installed on Windows (on the main computer) has no configuration. The only thing we will see when we open it will be the PC data. We can see the server version, the license and the IP address of our computer. Nothing else.

The clients that we can install on Windows, Android or iOS have a few more settings. For example, they allow us to configure the streaming quality, the resolution we want our second screen to have and the operation of the peripherals. But everything is presented in a simple way.

Advantages

• Emulates multiple monitors making the process natural.
• It works without cables, but it is possible to use USB cables if you wish.
• It's completely free, for now.
• Easy to install, easy to connect, easy to operate.
• Very versatile, you can connect almost any device to your Windows PC.

Disadvantages

• It is still in Beta phase.
• Security leaves much to be desired.

Plans and prices

At present, spacedesk It is completely free. It is in Beta phase, and does not offer any payment plans.

Its developers plan to release a Pro version in the third quarter of the year, clarifying that the Pro version will have all the functions already described, while the free version will only be used for connecting a single screen.

spacedesk It is available on its official website, for Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

How and where to download Spacedesk

As we mentioned, Spacedesk consists of two programs that you must download separately, Spacedesk Server y Spacedesk Personal View. You can download both from the developer's official website: spacedesk.

To download Spacedesk Server

This is the software version you need to install on your PC, the one you will use as your main display.

• Go to the official website of spacedesk.
• Navigate the page until you reach the “Downloads”. Click it.
• You will see the section Spacedesk Server for Windows. There you will find the different versions available for both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, with the two different 32-bit and 64-bit structures. Select the one specific to your machine.
• An installation package will be downloaded to your machine in the “Downloads” folder.
• Once the download is complete, double-click the downloaded file to open it.
• The Windows Security Warning window will open, click the “Run” button.
• The installation welcome window will then appear. Click “Next”.
• In the next window, the license agreement appears. Select “I accept the terms of the License Agreement.” Then click “Next.”
• The program files location window will then appear. If you do not have a specific location for this program, you can select the default option. Click “Next”.
• Next comes the Firewall settings. With this option, you tell your PC’s Firewall to make an exception for Spacedesk and let it run. Accept and click “Next.”
• Done, the window to start the installation appears. Click “Install”.
• After completing the installation, click “Finish” to close the installation process.
• Restart the machine.

To download Spacedesk Personal View

This is the software version you need to download to the device you plan to use as a second screen.

Downloading Spacedesk Personal View It is much easier, as it behaves like an application. In our case, we will download it on a tablet.

• Go to the official website of spacedesk.
• Navigate the page until you reach the “Downloads”. Click it.
• You will see the section Spacedesk Personal View for the different platforms on which it is available. Click on “Google Play”, to download the Android version.
• It redirects you to Google Play to download the application “spacedesk”. Click “Download".
• Once the download is complete, check that the icon is on your Apps screen and restart your device.

Once both versions of the software are installed, just follow these steps.

How to use the Tablet as a second screen?

In Control panel, you can choose the function of the new «monitor«. You can choose between mirroring the screen or extending the desktop. Let's start with the Windows operating system.

• As soon as you turn on your PC, right click on the desktop and choose “Properties".
• Then choose “Configuration".
• You will see a second screen. Drag it to a position similar to your PC screen.
• It will ask you if you want to enable the monitor. Click “Yes".
• Make sure the option “Extend my Windows desktop to this monitor” is checked.
• Press "Apply".
• If your laptop display has become your primary monitor, select the monitor you want to be your primary monitor.
• Then mark “Use this device as the primary monitor".
• Then press “Apply".
• Depending on your setup, you may need to move the taskbar to this monitor. Simply hold down the left mouse button while dragging the taskbar to move it.

Great, now you have two monitors. You can configure them however you like. Ideally, you should make the larger screen your primary screen and the tablet your secondary screen.

You can also check your video driver to see if it can save configuration profiles so you don't have to reset it every time you turn on your computer.

Opinions from users who have used Spacedesk

Let's take a look at some opinions from users who have already used Spacedesk.

• dr4kool4:

“I moved away from Duet because their software broke my computer. I had to restore it because Duet disabled my dedicated GPU and it wouldn’t work even after uninstalling the app. Spacedesk is less intrusive, free, doesn’t require an account, and works better than Duet.

The only issue with this app is that it loses connectivity when you activate Notification Center or when you receive a call (if you have enabled D-handoff). Minor issues that can be fixed via a software update. For the time being, I highly recommend SpaceDesk.”

• SFRADS:

“It does what it’s supposed to do. And it does it for free. However, I found it counterintuitive that after the initial connection, it makes the iPad screen the primary display. So I had to trick the computer into thinking the secondary display is the primary display, which is my actual computer.

Essentially, all the icons were originally on the iPad. Also, the screen appears to the left of the original. Again, unintuitive for anyone who has ever made the HDMI connection to real monitors. I have a sneaky suspicion that this is why the iPad became the primary one.

The 3 changes that would make this app perfect are: 1. Fix the main screen issue (unless I'm missing something) 2. Make the secondary screen on the right, not the left. 3. Make it possible to connect via cable. And the last one is my most important issue.

• Dayolina:

“I LOVE IT!!! I always want to have a second screen and I tried different apps. This is the best one. If you need to switch your table to the second screen, you must have this one.”

• Reader Wikipedia concerned:

“I love this app because it meets my specific needs for a separate monitor, but the latest update completely broke it and I can’t use it like I did before. I’m on iPad OS 13.3.1 and my screen alignment is weird (it’s on a smaller portrait screen on a landscape screen).

The app keeps crashing and I can't use it properly. Please fix this issue as soon as possible.”

• bs73pke:

“Please allow password protection. I would like to see sessions protected with encryption and password. A wired connection might be great too. Thanks for this app.”

Spacedesk Alternatives. Top 5 of This Year

Let’s look at the following list of programs that are similar to Spacedesk and you can use as an alternative, in case you have any problems.

1. Mouse Without Borders

Mouse Without Borders allows you to access your PCs as if they were part of a single desktop. With Mouse Without Borders, you can move your mouse between three or more displays, even if one of them is connected to a different PC than the other two.

You can also move files between the two computers by simply dragging them from one desktop to the other. In fact, you can control up to four computers from a single mouse and keyboard, without the need for hardware additional.

It's all software magic, developed by Truong Do, who, by day, is a Microsoft Dynamics developer. The software is easy to set up, and in addition to allowing drag and drop of files, you can lock or connect to all PCs from one PC, and as a bonus, you can customize the Windows logo screen with your daily picture.

2. Input Director

Input Director is a Windows application that allows you to control multiple Windows systems using the keyboard or mouse connected to one computer. It is designed for people who have two or more computers set up at home and find themselves regularly switching from one system to another.

With Input Director, you can share a single keyboard and mouse across a set of computers. Computers with multiple monitors are fully supported.

Change which system receives hotkey input or moves the cursor to switch between screens, much like a multi-monitor setup.

3. Barriers

Barrier is a cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers on your desktop. Features include mouse and keyboard sharing, clipboard and SSL encryption.

Barrier was forked from the codebase of Symless Sinergy 1.9. Barrier aims to maintain this simplicity.

Barrier will allow you to use the keyboard and mouse of machine A to control machine B, or more. You must install the software on all machines you plan to use.

4. Multiplicity

Multiplicity allows a user to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. Multiplicity It is installed on a networked PC, to create a virtual KVM switch with two operating modes.

In integrated keyboard and mouse mode, the mouse cursor can be freely moved across multiple PCs, each with their own monitors. In remote keyboard, video, and mouse mode, multiple PCs can be controlled from a single PC while sharing one monitor.

Controlled PCs do not need to have a monitor, keyboard or mouse connected. Any combination of integrated and remote modes can be active simultaneously on multiple computers.

5. Mouse Broadcaster

Mouse Broadcaster It is used to duplicate mouse and keyboard actions for multiple PCs on a network. Mouse Broadcaster comes in two parts: Master and Minion. The Master controls the minions.

Basically, left and right mouse clicks and movements are replicated from the master to the Minion computers, as well as keystrokes, including basic key combinations.

FAQs

Let's look at some questions that users are asking about Spacedesk.

Can Spacedesk be used with cables?

spacedesk It doesn't natively support a wired connection, but for those who want one, they suggest using USB tethering, so that both devices are on the same network.

It is intended for use with WiFi, but if you want to use cables, there will be no problem.

Is Spacedesk safe?

The download is safe, as long as you do it from their official website. Security issues come with the connection itself, as it is not encrypted.

Is Spacedesk free?

Yes, but it won't be forever. Its developer is already planning to launch its paid Pro version, starting in the third quarter of 2021.

Conclusion

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We hope you'll be able to try out this software and see for yourself how easy it is to install, connect your devices and use it. Spacedesk will make your workplace versatile and comfortable by allowing you to use two or more screens simultaneously.