Question:

How to extend the desktop display to an iPad using Remote Desktop or alternative solutions?

I am interested in using my iPad as an additional monitor for my desktop computer. I have tried using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app, but it logs me out of my main monitor when I connect to the iPad. Is there a way to configure Remote Desktop to allow both screens to be active at the same time? If not, are there any other apps or methods that can achieve this functionality?

Answer:

Many people use multiple monitors to increase their productivity and enhance their experience when working on a desktop computer. However, buying an extra monitor can be costly and inconvenient, especially if you have limited space or need to move around frequently. A possible solution is to use your iPad as a second monitor, which can save you money and hassle, while also giving you a high-quality touch screen display.

One of the apps that can help you achieve this is Microsoft’s Remote Desktop, which allows you to access your desktop computer from your iPad over a network connection. However, as you may have noticed, Remote Desktop has a limitation: it logs you out of your main monitor when you connect to the iPad, effectively mirroring your desktop screen rather than extending it. This means that you cannot use both screens at the same time, which defeats the purpose of having a second monitor.

Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this limitation and configure Remote Desktop to allow both screens to be active simultaneously. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• On your desktop computer, open the Start menu and type regedit. Press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the following key: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations`
• Right-click on the WinStations folder and select New > Key. Name the new key RDP-Tcp.
• Right-click on the RDP-Tcp key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value fSingleSessionPerUser.
• Double-click on the fSingleSessionPerUser value and set its data to 0. Click OK to save the changes.
• Close the Registry Editor and restart your desktop computer.
• On your iPad, launch the Remote Desktop app and connect to your desktop computer as usual. You should now see your desktop screen on your iPad, while your main monitor remains active and independent.

Alternatively, if you do not want to modify the registry or use Remote Desktop, there are other apps that can help you extend your desktop display to your iPad. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Duet Display: This app lets you connect your iPad to your desktop computer via a USB cable, and use it as a second monitor with touch and gesture support. It works with both Windows and Mac computers, and has a smooth and responsive performance. It costs $9.99 on the App Store, and requires a free companion app on your desktop computer.
• Splashtop Wired XDisplay: This app also lets you connect your iPad to your desktop computer via a USB cable, and use it as a second monitor with touch and gesture support. It works with both Windows and Mac computers, and has a high-quality and low-latency display. It costs $4.99 on the App Store, and requires a free companion app on your desktop computer.
• Air Display: This app lets you connect your iPad to your desktop computer wirelessly, and use it as a second monitor with touch and gesture support. It works with both Windows and Mac computers, and has a flexible and customizable display. It costs $19.99 on the App Store, and requires a free companion app on your desktop computer.

These

are some of the ways you can use your iPad as a second monitor for your desktop computer, and enjoy the benefits of having a dual-screen setup. Whether you choose to use Remote Desktop or one of the alternative solutions, you can increase your productivity and enhance your experience with your iPad.