Deskreen for Windows

Brief summary

Deskreen, built by independent developer Pavlo Buidenkov, is an open-source Windows application that turns any device with a web browser into an extra display for your PC. It also offers simple screen-sharing functionality and is available to use at no charge.

Key capabilities

• Connect multiple client devices at the same time and mirror your screen to all of them.
• Create a virtual display on your PC so a browser-based device acts like a second monitor.
• Share either the whole desktop or a single application window (note: simultaneous app views are limited to one app per connection).
• Adjust streaming quality automatically to balance visual fidelity and network conditions.

How to set up and use

Deskreen is designed to be straightforward: the app guides you through a short setup (typically three steps) to get your devices paired. After pairing, open a browser on the client device, follow the link or QR code provided, and begin using it as an additional screen. The interface is laid out with common tasks and controls visible, so most users can get started without digging through menus.

Security and network behavior

• The connection can be made over Wi‑Fi, eliminating the need for cables.
• Communications are protected using industry-standard end-to-end encryption.
• Performance depends heavily on the quality and stability of your wireless network; a strong connection gives smoother, faster results.

Limitations and final thoughts

• While very user-friendly, Deskreen is not feature-complete compared with some commercial, high-end screen-extension tools and may lack advanced configuration options for power users.
• The restriction that only a single application window can be viewed per shared session may be restrictive for certain workflows.

Despite these shortcomings, Deskreen’s ease of use, browser-based client support, and free open-source licensing make it a practical, recommended choice for most everyday scenarios where a simple secondary display or quick screen-sharing is needed.