Although most people use a computer for their monitor, you can still use a computer monitor without a PC. But you don’t need a computer to operate your monitor.
However, if you want to access any of the advanced settings, you will need a working PC. For example, most TVs have built-in apps like Netflix that allow you to stream content from the internet. But if you want to access them or even set up your TV, you’ll need a working PC and browser.
With technology advances, you can now use your computer to do a lot of things. One of them is to be your monitor. Are you wondering if you can do that? If so, this article will definitely help you out.
Do you Need a PC for a Monitor?
With today’s digital advancements, you’re able to get most of your tasks done with a phone or tablet. But there are still many reasons why you might need a computer monitor and which one is best.
Here are some common examples that will show you what situations you would use a pc for a monitor and how you can find the best one for your money.
How To Use A Monitor Without a PC?
There is no doubt that monitors are essential in every home. They are used for gaming, work, entertainment, and much more. But what happens when your PC or laptop stops working? You can’t use the monitor anymore, right?
Well, you don’t have to worry about it because there are other ways to use your monitor without having a computer. This is why we have prepared this guide for you so that you can use it whenever needed.
Through TV Set or Video Source
The easiest way to use a monitor without a PC is to connect it to a TV set or video source. Connect the monitor’s video cable (thick, wide cable with a row of colors on each end) to the “Video In” port on your television’s back panel.
Then plug in power for both devices (TV and monitor) using their standard-size wall sockets and turn them both on. You may hear the familiar Windows startup chime when the computer boots up
It may need to boot up again after that, or it may just stay running. You’ll see an image on your TV screen that looks similar to what you see when you look at your LCD flat screen from across your desk—but with more pixels! If so, then great! You’re done!
Moreover, if you want to connect your monitor to devices other than your PC, it’s possible by using the DVI or HDMI port. You can use your monitor as a TV or connect it to an AV receiver (the same way you would connect a DVD player).
A DVI cable is needed for this action, and make sure that you’re using the same resolution for both devices.
Through Gaming Consoles
If you’re looking to use a monitor without a PC, there are a few options you can explore. You can connect your monitor to a gaming console or stream your screen through a service like Google Cast.
To connect your monitor to a gaming console, you’ll need:
- An HDMI cable to connect your monitor to the HDMI port on your gaming console
- An HDMI port on your monitor if it doesn’t already have one (most modern monitors do).
Once these are set up, simply turn on the gaming console and select input when prompted. The screen should display on the monitor now.
Through Screen Mirroring
The first thing you need to do is connect your phone/tablet to your monitor. This can be done through screen mirroring. Connecting your phone/tablet and monitor using this method will allow you to use your phone as a second screen for your computer.
Once everything is connected and turned on, open the Settings app on your phone and go to Display > Cast Screen / Audio > Cast Screen & Audio. From here, select the name of your monitor from the list of available devices if it isn’t already selected.
You can also choose whether or not you want sound from your phone/tablet to be played through your speakers by turning on “Play Sound On Speaker” under “Cast To Device” in the same menu.
To get back into full-screen mode after mirroring, simply close out all apps on both screens (including background apps) and then switch off screen sharing from Settings > Display > Cast Screen / Audio > Disconnect.
Through Streaming Devices
If you have a monitor but no PC, you can still use it! You can stream content to your monitor through devices like Chromecast or Apple TV.
To do this, connect your monitor to the streaming device using an HDMI cable and then connect the streaming device to your WiFi network. Then, open up any video-streaming app on your phone or tablet and select the option for “Cast” or “AirPlay” (depending on whether you’re using Apple or Google products).
Moreover, you can do it this way:
- To use a monitor without a PC, you will need to connect the monitor to a streaming device.
- First, turn on the monitor and ensure that it is connected to your streaming device.
- Then, go to the settings menu on your streaming device and select “Display Settings”.
- Set the resolution to 1080p or 720p, depending on whether your monitor supports higher resolutions like 4k. If not, leave it at 50Hz.
- Finally, set the refresh rate to 60Hz if your monitor supports this feature; otherwise, leave it at 50Hz.
Streaming devices do not have all the same features as computers, so they are not as good at doing things like editing photos or videos or playing high-end video games. However, if you just want to watch Netflix or Hulu Plus on your TV and don’t want to bother with setting up a computer system, then this is a good option for you.
Can a Monitor Work Without a PC?
If a monitor is having its own power supply, then it can work even if the PC is turned off. The best example is the CRT monitors which do not need a cable to be plugged in to any computer.
However, this would depend on whether the particular model of monitor has enough power for it to function without being hooked up to a PC or laptop.
Some newer models don’t have this capability as manufacturers prefer consumers to use LCD monitors because they are more portable than CRT monitors, which require extra cords and plugs.
So that, A monitor can definitely work without a PC. The monitor is responding to an outside source, even when not connected to a computer. It has an embedded high voltage inverter with its own AC adapter and that’s what powers the LCD panel.
Can You Use a Gaming Monitor Without a PC?
Technically, yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You will be loosing out on the most important feature of a gaming monitor: refresh rate! If you are going to be gaming on your Mac Pro, you’re best off buying a cheap non-gaming monitor and running it from the USB port of your machine.
but you can use a gaming monitor without a PC, but not all of them are suitable for games. A monitor is the primary tool for any video game console such as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
If you’re looking for a gaming monitor to be used with your PC, there isn’t much difference between them in theory. In fact, many professional gamers use monitors with PCs as well as consoles.
Final Words
In general, the answer is probably not. However, to complicate this answer, there are many more factors at play than simply the computer versus monitor debate. If you have a PC for gaming or office/software use, then you’re likely better off using the superior screen included with your PC.
However, if you’re using your computer for multiple tasks (e.g., note-taking), a monitor may be a better option for you and your laptop’s battery life.
Overall, in most cases, it’s probably best to use the monitor that comes with your laptop (if you’re getting one); however, there are some unique cases where an external monitor is better suited to your workflow needs.
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