After you’ve set up your new monitor and calibrated it to perfection, what do you do next? Most people just use their monitors for work or gaming, but there are so many other cool things you can do with them.
There’s no doubt that monitors are essential for work and entertainment, but there are countless other things you can do with one. In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite ideas used for monitors, from using them as display screens for apps and games to presenting multimedia content.
Whether you’re looking to take your productivity to the next level or want creativity or just want to stay entertained, a monitor is a great tool to have in your arsenal. So read on and get started!
12 Cool Things To Do With A Monitor
1. Use It As a Display Screen for Apps
One of the coolest things you can do with a monitor uses it as a display screen for apps. If you have a laptop, you can connect it to your monitor and use the extra screen space to display game information or even play movies in the background.
You can also do this with business apps like Slack or Zoom. Let’s see how to do it:
Step 1: Connect your laptop to your monitor and open up the app on your laptop.
Step 2: Then, you can use your mouse and keyboard to control the app on the larger screen.
This is a great way to increase your productivity when working from home.
2. Present Multimedia Content
Another great use for monitors is to present multimedia content. You can connect your digital camera to your monitor and use the screen as a viewfinder. This is a great way to take pictures or videos of yourself or a group of people without having to hold the camera.
You can also use your monitor to display slideshows or presentations.
Step 1: Simply connect your laptop or computer to your monitor and load up the presentation.
Step 2: Then, you can use your monitor as a giant screen to present your content. This can be a creative way to make a big impact at work or school.
3. Use the Monitor As a TV
If you have an unused monitor, you can repurpose it as a TV. To do so,
Step 1: Connect an HDMI cable from your computer or laptop to your monitor.
Step 2: Then, you can use your monitor to watch movies, and TV shows, or even play video games.
4. Create a Photo Booth
Another great use for monitors is to create a photo booth. Use your monitor as a viewfinder if you have a digital camera connected to it. Then, a group of people or yourself can be photographed without holding a camera.
5. Make a Collage
If you have multiple monitors, you can create a collage of images or videos. Simply choose the pictures or videos to display, and then create a collage using a program like Windows Photo Gallery. Then, you can save the collage as a screensaver or wallpaper.
6. Stay Organized
If you have a lot of stuff on your desk, you can use your monitor to help you stay organized. Simply attach some small baskets or trays to your monitor, and then use them to store your pens, paperclips, and other small items. This is a great way to keep your desk clean and organized.
7. Play Video Games
Of course, one of the best things you can do with a monitor is play games. Simply connect your computer or gaming laptop to your monitor, and then you can play any game you want. This is a great way to stay entertained or relieve stress. All you need is an HDMI cable and you’re good to go.
Step 1: First, connect one end of the HDMI cable to your monitor and the other end to your PC or gaming laptop.
Step 2: Next, open up your video game console and start playing your favorite games.
Step 3: That’s it! Now you can enjoy gaming on a bigger screen with better visuals.
Tips: If you’re using a monitor with a higher resolution, make sure to adjust the settings on your video game console accordingly. Otherwise, the image might appear stretched or blurry.
Also, it’s a good idea to invest in a gaming-specific monitor if you plan on doing a lot of gaming. These monitors typically have features like variable refresh rates and low input lag that can improve your gaming experience.
8. Use It As a Digital Picture Frame
Some people have a lot of digital pictures, you can use your monitor as a digital picture frame. Simply choose the pictures you want to display, and then use a program like Windows Photo Gallery to create a slideshow. Then, you can set the slideshow to play on your monitor. This is a great way to decorate your office or home.
9. Use it to stream movies and TV shows
If you have an unused monitor, you can connect it to your TV and use it as a second screen. This is a great way to watch movies or TV shows. So If you’re looking for something to do with your extra monitor, why not use it as a television?
In this day and age, there are plenty of ways to stream movies and TV shows directly to your monitor. All you need is the right hardware and software, and you’re good to go. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up your monitor for streaming:
Step 1: Choose the right hardware the first thing you’ll need is a computer with compatible video output. Most modern laptops and desktops have HDMI ports, which will work just fine. If you’re using an older computer, you may need to use a DVI-to-HDMI adapter.
Step 2: Connect your computer to the monitor next, you’ll need to connect your computer to the monitor. If you’re using HDMI, simply connect an HDMI cable from your computer to the monitor. If you’re using DVI, connect a DVI cable from your computer to the monitor, then connect an HDMI cable from the DVI-to-HDMI adapter to the monitor.
Step 3: Install streaming software the next step is to install streaming software on your computer. There are many different options available, but we recommend VLC Media Player. It’s free, easy to use, and compatible with most operating systems.
Step 4: Enjoy your streaming!
10. Make a Display Board
If you need to display a lot of information, you can use your monitor to make a display board. All you need is some sort of frame to hold everything in place. You can then use push pins, tape, or magnets to attach items to the board. This is a great way to keep track of events, schedules, or anything else you need to remember.
11. Use the monitor as an e-reader
After connecting the monitor to the laptop or computer follow the following step:
Step 1: Optimize your font size and screen brightness for reading. Go into your computer’s display settings and make sure the font is large enough to read easily, and that the screen is bright enough to do so without causing eye strain.
Step 2: Find a good e-book reader program. If you don’t already have one installed on your computer, there are many free options available online. Search for “free e-book reader” and try out a few to see which you like best.
Step 3: Download some e-books in the format that your chosen program uses. Again, there are many free options available online. If you’re not sure what format to look for, consult your e-book reader’s documentation.
Step 4: Start reading! Most e-book readers will allow you to adjust the font size, screen brightness, and other settings to suit your preferences. Experiment until you find a setup that you’re comfortable with, and then settle in for a good read.
11. Use it as a web browser
It’s very easy to do just you have to connect your monitor with a laptop or PC and then follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open up your web browser of choice and go to the URL bar.
Step 2: Type in the following: “about: config” (without quotation marks).
Step 3: Hit enter/return. You should now see a page that says “This might void your warranty!” at the top.
Step 4: Scroll down until you see the section that says “Monitors”.
Step 5: Under “Monitors”, find the setting that says “Enable monitor mode”.
Step 6: Change the value from “false” to “true”.
Step 7: Close the about: config page.
Step 8: You should now be able to use your monitor as a web browser! Just open up any website and it should appear on your monitor. Enjoy!
12. Use It As a Clock
If you want a clock that is bigger and easier to see, you can use your monitor as a clock. There are a few different ways to do this. You can find a screensaver that has a clock, or you can use a program like Clock Screen Saver. You can also find websites that will display a large clock on your screen.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of ways to use an old monitor. All you need is a bit of imagination and creativity. We hope this article was helpful, and that you find a new use for your old monitor.
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks for reading!
Karan is a professional computer writer who has worked in the technology industry for over 10 years. I have a degree in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and have written several articles on technology products. Meet our team