Is there an easy way to connect my laptop to a mini pc?

[Bernadette]

So I don't have to buy a monitor? I've googled, and everything I've found involves downloading software, which I'm not really comfortable with. Is there an adapter I can buy to just plug the two things into each other, or is this just wishful thinking on my part?

[clau clau]

This article appears to describe how to do it (assuming you have Windows10 or 11).

https://thewiredshopper.com/how-to-use-a-laptop-as-a-monitor/#:~:text=Use%20a%20Laptop%20as%20a%20Monitor%20With%20HDMI%20and%20Windows%2010,-Microsoft%20created%20a&text=Open%20Settings%20on%20the%20device,Display%E2%80%9D%20in%20the%20lower%20section.

I do not know more than that. Personally, I would just get a 2nd hand flat screen monitor on FB Marketplace or ebay and use that but I do not know your actual situation so that may not be possible.

In my experience using PC's in unusual ways tends to create more problems than it solves.