Member Avatar for seanbrocade

Hello,

i just bought a new HP Desktop (that only has a Display Port on it).

How do i connect it with my laptop (that has VGA Port and HDMI only.....no Display Port).

I have tried all kinds of cables and convertors....but nothing seems to be connecting both.....so if you have faced this issue and know something that might have high chances to work, please suggest !?

Edited by seanbrocade
  • 3 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 249 Views
  • 6 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by rubberman

Dani AI

Generated

As describes, the core problem is one of port direction: most desktop DisplayPort outputs and laptop HDMI/VGA ports are outputs, not inputs. As pointed out, that means a plain cable or passive adapter will not let the laptop act as a monitor. Passive DP->HDMI/DVI adapters only let a DisplayPort output speak an HDMI/DVI‑style monitor (DP++); they do not convert an output into an input on another PC.

Practical options, ranked by simplicity and reliability:

  • Use a real external monitor or HDTV (HDMI/VGA) for the HP desktop — cheapest and lowest hassle.
  • Remote-display software (Windows Remote Desktop, VNC/TeamViewer/AnyDesk) to view/control the desktop from the laptop over the network — works well for productivity, but note RDP may create a separate session or lock the console.
  • Wireless display (Miracast / Windows "Projecting to this PC") if both machines support it — convenient but requires Miracast-capable hardware and drivers.
  • Hardware capture for a temporary solution: use an active DisplayPort->HDMI converter on the desktop, feed that HDMI into a USB 3.0 HDMI capture dongle on the laptop, and view the feed in capture software (OBS). This shows the desktop screen but adds latency and may limit resolution/framerate.
  • Only if the laptop explicitly lists an "HDMI‑in" or "DisplayPort‑in" will a simple cable work — most laptops do not have video inputs.

Quick troubleshooting checklist: confirm each device’s port direction in the manuals/specs (look for "HDMI‑in" or "DisplayPort‑in"), update GPU/Wi‑Fi drivers, test the desktop output with a known monitor/TV first, and avoid buying passive adapters expecting them to change signal direction. As noted, active adapters exist — make sure they match the conversion direction you actually need.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for aVar++

Both of the ports on the HP Computer and laptop are outputting not inputting data. You need a normal monitor or TV for this to work.

Member Avatar for rubberman

As mat1998x said. However, BlackBox (the company) has a lot of really neat adapters that may work for you, to use your laptop as a video output device. Ok, looked at their web site and found nothing (after a quick search) that will suit your needs. :-( You can look yourself: www.blackbox.com

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.