Can I use a wireless adapter to extend my MacBook to a windows or other device

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Can I use a wireless adapter to extend my MacBook to a windows or other device

There is a walk through https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/laptop/laptop-second-monitor-3674679/ here that explains how to connect one of those Microsoft wireless gadgets to extend Win laptop to a Win desktop display.

I have EzCast2 that I used at one time on my iPhone to watch HBO max on the TV. Can I use that or maybe the Microsoft gadget to extend my MacBook pro to another system? Either another Mac or a Windows system? I want to extend the desktop, not just mirror what I see and would be two systems, not a system and a monitor.

Posted on Nov 9, 2021 8:57 AM

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Answer 1

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Phil0124

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Nov 9, 2021 9:34 AM in response to jstateson

Macs have their own method of extending displays to other Macs. Either Target Display mode for older Macs or Airplay to Mac for newer Macs.

See here: Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

and here: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/06/09/airplay-mac-to-mac-external-display/

The Link you post has no actual gadget, it uses a feature in some Windows 10 machines that allows them to act as a screen for other Windows machines or Android devices. No mention of Mac support there.

There are of course other options, like Luna Display if your Macs are not compatible with each other for either option. And you can always just get an external display.

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Answer 2

jstateson Author

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Nov 9, 2021 9:55 AM in response to Phil0124

Somewhere down in that article they link to a Microsoft Wireless Adapter and offer it for sale. I failed to mention the article was only for Windows systems, not Apple.

I am guessing that if I run parallels and have windows I might be able to use the Microsoft gadget to extend my desktop to a windows system. It would not extend the Mac desktop which is what I am looking to do.

It would be useful to take my Mac Air anywhere and use someone's nearby desktop or another laptop to extend to.

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Answer 3

Nov 9, 2021 10:43 AM in response to jstateson

Found the adapter. Yes, it looks like it works on Windows only. So yeah, maybe through windows on parallels it may work.

Though I would think just an HDMI cable to an available monitor might be easier.

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