How to Convert a Laptop to a Desktop PC in Windows – Guide

Millions of people depend on a laptop to stay productive home after the abrupt shift to remote work in 2020. This has often meant delivering many office screens for just one, as well as forgoing a specialized keyboard and mouse arrangement. While the latter two can still be connected to a laptop, reduced screen space can have a significant impact on productivity. You can, however, turn it into a desktop setup by following a few simple steps. It won’t be exactly like the real thing, but it has the potential to dramatically improve the remote work experience. Laptops often don’t have as much screen space as desktops; generally cost more money for the same level of performance; they don’t have as many ports and connection options; and you will have to deal with a smaller keyboard. Most significantly, they can be detrimental to your posture, as if you wear one on your lap, you’ll be looking down instead of sitting and looking straight ahead.

Laptop Support: For better space management and second screen potential

Another important step you need to take to transform your laptop in a configuration similar to a desktop PC is to use a laptop stand. It will not only help you with managing the space on your desk, but also with a thermal laptop. There are two types of laptop bleachers: those that hold the laptop in closed mode and those who hold the laptop in open mode. If you’re short on space, go with what holds the laptop in closed mode. If you have an extremely small table, you can keep the laptop stand behind the monitor as this will save space but will also make accessing the laptop when placing it in the holder or removing it. THE laptop support that holds the laptop with the lid open gives you the option to use your laptop’s built-in screen as a second monitor (with your connected monitor being the main one). Using two screens at the same time greatly improves your productivity and working speed as you can keep two full-screen application windows open at the same time and juggle between the two. Whichever support you choose, make sure it’s sturdy. Avoid the ones made of plastic, and if you’re using a plastic stand, read the reviews and make sure it’s strong and sturdy enough to hold one. laptop. I personally used laptop brackets made of aluminum and wood, and both are working great for me.

Cables and Cable Management: Keep your desk tidy and productive

You need some cables for your desk setup. Typically, you would need an HDMI cable or a DVI cable to connect the laptop with the monitor, an audio cable for speakers and a USB hub. However, many of these things also depend on which ports your laptop and monitor has.

HDMI cable or USB-C to HDMI adapter

More modern laptops has an HDMI port. However, some laptops nowadays it only comes with a USB Type-C port, which means you need a USB Type-C to HDMI converter. You can also buy a USB-C hub that features an HDMI port, some USB Type-A ports, an audio port and an SD card reader. If your monitor is very old and doesn’t have an HDMI port, you will need an additional DVI or VGA adapter.

audio cable

Unless you want to continue using your laptop, you would need a 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male audio cable. If your monitor has built-in speakers, you can connect one end of the cable to the laptop and the other end to your monitor. If you plan to use a stereo or 2.1 channel speaker setup with your laptop, connect the speaker’s audio cable to your laptop’s 3.5mm headphone port.

USB hub

No way laptops have multiple ports, especially the latest ones with a thin and light design. For example, latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops only feature USB Type-C ports. Even some thin and light windows laptops it lacks a full-size HDMI port and an SD card reader. sometimes a laptop doesn’t have enough ports for all your needs. In such cases, you would need a USB hub with some USB ports, audio ports, and an SD card slot.

Effective cable management for your desktop setup

If you want your desktop setup to look clean and uncluttered, the simple solution is to use Velcro clamps. Buy a bunch of them and use them to wrap the cables behind your monitor or desk so they don’t hang from the floor. tie them up and place them as straight as possible.

Chair and table: how to have a correct body posture

If you don’t have a desk and chair yet, we advise you to get them as soon as possible. Choose a wooden or metal table that is at least five feet wide. This gives you enough space to put a monitor, a laptop, a mouse and a laptop stand. You get enough space to move your mouse freely. Buy a chair with an ergonomic design and armrests. If you want to avoid body aches from working longer hours, make sure you have the correct posture. Your back needs to be straight. The top of the monitor needs to be in line with the eyes while the neck and head look straight. Your arms need to be in line with the table top (where the keyboard and mouse are placed). Don’t forget to get up and talk a short walk around the house and stretch your body at least once every two hours.

Final note

I hope you like the guide How to Convert a Laptop to a Desktop PC in Windows. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends.