Can you Connect a MacBook Air to a PC?
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Before you start: A second monitor can be handy if you wish to use multiple programs at the same time, leading to less clicking between windows and a better workflow. You may also want another screen for your work chats (e.g. in Slack), reference files or CAD blueprints. So how many monitors can you connect to your MacBook Pro? On the MacBook M1 Pro 16”, the Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) and HDMI ports allow you to connect up to two external monitors easily. If you have a MacBook Air 13”, you can set up one additional monitor
through its native hardware—though there is a workaround to connect another (see below). Connecting external monitors for the MacBook Pro is simple: All you need to do is connect the monitor to its external power source, and then use an HDMI cable or Thunderbolt/USB-C cable to rig the monitor to the MacBook. The M1 Pro’s two external monitors are capable of displaying up to 6K resolution at 60Hz, making it perfect for video
editing, CAD work and more. Just don’t forget to adjust the display settings for best results. Using a USB port on the MacBook Pro for a second monitor is all about Thunderbolt 4. Known as “the port to end all ports”, Thunderbolt 4 is the fastest data transfer standard today, allowing for speeds of up to 40 GB/s, and has the power to run two 4K displays at the same time. By contrast, a standard USB-C port has only half the transfer
and running power, making it a less impressive prospect. It is worth knowing that a Thunderbolt port will support a standard USB-C cable, so don’t worry if one of your external monitors comes with one. It is important to check the ports on your MacBook to determine whether you need an adapter – the MacBook M1 Pro 16” has a built-in Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) port, while the MacBook Air 13” has a Thunderbolt 3 port. This can present an issue if your external monitor
only supports a USB-A cable. In this case, you will need to use an adapter, like the ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Simply route the external monitor through the adapter and you’re good to go. Want to connect a second monitor for the MacBook Air? It’s possible with a dual HDMI adapter, which allows for one 4K
display at 60 Hz and another 4K display at 30 Hz. This uses Silicon Motion’s InstantView technology, meaning you’ll have to grant it access to your privacy settings for your MacBook to recognise the adapter. Then simply connect the monitors as above—and enjoy your three screens. Gear With a new iPhone hitting the market every 12 to 18 months, trying to keep up with the latest handheld tech can become a huge drain on your bank account. That’s where renting comes in. Gear As with any laptop, form is nothing without function – and there are a few bits and pieces you’ll need to take your Macbook Pro experience to the next level and maximise what all that extra M1 power can do for you. 26 26 people found this article helpful Updated on December 17, 2021 This article walks through the basic steps of connecting a MacBook Air to a monitor and how to check for which cables you need. How Do I Connect MacBook Air to an External Monitor?Connecting your MacBook Air to an external monitor is a straightforward process, but you need to make sure you have the right cables first. The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Air—or Thunderbolt 4 if you have an M1 model—can be used for video output. Depending on what type of external display you’re using, you’ll need one of the following adapters:
If you have an older MacBook Air model (2009-2017), it’ll be equipped with either a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2. In this case, you’ll need a different type of adapter than the ones listed above. Check out Apple’s handy ports guide to find out exactly which type of adapter you’ll require. How Do I Use an External Monitor With My MacBook Air?Once your MacBook Air is connected to the external monitor, here’s how to set it up:
What Monitor Can I Use With My MacBook Air?If you’d prefer to go cordless, you can connect your MacBook Air to a wireless monitor using a few different methods. Compatible smart TVs can be connected to MacBooks through AirPlay. The setup is similar to connecting other monitors, only you’ll need to input a code from your compatible smart TV in order to complete the setup. Go to System Preferences > Displays, and look for the AirPlay Display drop-down menu at the bottom of the window to get started. You can also use your iPad as an external monitor if it supports the Sidecar feature and is running iPadOS 13 or later. This applies only to models with Apple Pencil support:
Additionally, your MacBook Air must be a 2018 model or newer, and running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. You also need to be signed into the same iCloud account on both devices. Here's where you can find more information on how to use your iPad as a second monitor. Can I Connect My MacBook Air to a PC Monitor?As long as you have the right cable, you can connect your MacBook Air to pretty much any external display—even monitors from an old PC. These older monitors will typically have either a VGA or DVI port, so make sure you have the right adapter for your specific MacBook Air. FAQ
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Can you use a MacBook Air as a second monitor for a PC?Open the 'Screen Sharing' settings on your Windows and make sure the sharing options are enabled. 4. You will be able to start using the MacBook as a second monitor for your PC.
Can I connect a PC to a Mac via USB?The USB 3.0 transfer cable lets you transfer files between two computers including Windows to Windows, Windows to Mac, Mac to Windows, and even Mac to Mac.
Can I put Windows 10 on a MacBook Air?You can enjoy Windows 10 on your Apple Mac with the help of Boot Camp Assistant. Once installed, it allows you to easily switch between macOS and Windows by simply restarting your Mac. For details and installation steps, follow the instructions at https://support.apple.com/HT201468.
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