This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a computer to a flat panel monitor or projector. You can easily connect a computer or laptop to a flat screen monitor or projector using an HDMI, DVI, or VGA cable. You can even connect to a monitor using Bluetooth if the projector or monitor supports Bluetooth connectivity.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a video cable in Windows
Step 1. Identify the type of video cable
There are different video cables that will be able to connect a computer to a projector or screen. Most projectors and displays support a variety of cable types. Below you will find a brief description of some common cable types.
- HDMI- HDMI cables have a flat, gold or silver connector that is approximately 0.6 inches (1 cm) wide. They are fast becoming the standard method for connecting all types of video devices to televisions and projectors.
- DVI: DVI cables have a white connector with 24 large holes, and 4 small holes. These cables are commonly used to connect computer monitors and projectors, as well as some laptops. They are not as common on televisions and flat screens.
- Vga- VGA cables have a blue connector with 15 holes in three rows of 5. They are another cable commonly used to connect computer monitors and projectors.
Step 2. Connect the cable to the connection port
When you identify the type of cable, also identify which connection port it connects to on the projector or screen. The connection ports are usually on the back of the projector or flat panel. Many video connection ports may be labeled. If they aren't, check the shape of the cable connector and plug it into a port that's the same shape and size. If the cable connector has holes in it, find metal pins in the connector port that correspond to the holes, and plug the cable into the connector port.
Step 3. Press the power button
on the computer and on the screen.
You will find the power button on the button panel or on the remote control of the projector or screen. The power button is usually represented by a symbol similar to a circle with a line across the top. Also turn on your computer or laptop in case you haven't already.
Step 4. Press the key to transmit the video
Some computers, especially laptops, will ask you to stream the video to the projector or screen. The key you should press will differ depending on the make and model of the computer. They will normally be F3, F4, F5, F7. F8, or F9. Some computers may ask you to hold down the Fn key to access the "F" keys.
Step 5. Press ⊞ Win + P
In Windows 10, doing so will display the projection options in a sidebar on the right. The options will be as follows.
- System display only: This option will turn off the projector screen or screen.
- Double- This option will display the same image on the projector as the one that appears on the computer or laptop screen.
- To extend- This option will turn the projector or screen into a second screen. You will be able to drag objects from the computer screen to the projector or screen.
- Second screen only- This option will turn off the computer screen and allow you to use the projector or screen as a second monitor, but turn off the computer screen.
Step 6. Select the video channel on the projector or screen
The video channel will be the connection port that the computer is connected to on the projector or screen. Press the channel button on the remote control or button panel to cycle through all the channels. Channels usually have the name of the connection type. For example, "HDMI1". By selecting the correct video channel, the computer screen will appear on the projector or screen.
Method 2 of 3: Use Bluetooth in Windows
Step 1. Press the power button
on the computer and on the screen.
The power button is on the button panel or remote control for the projector or screen. The power button is usually represented by a symbol similar to a circle with a line across the top. Also turn on your computer or laptop in case you haven't already.
Step 2. Set the projector or screen to "pairing" mode
Not all projectors or displays will support Bluetooth connectivity. In case it is, there will be a method to put the device into "pairing" mode. It can be found within an options menu, or in a button that you must press and hold. Take a look at your projector's user manual, or screen, to find out how to put it in "pairing" mode.
Step 3. Press ⊞ Win + P
In Windows 10, doing so will display the projection options in a sidebar on the right. Doing so will display a list of nearby Bluetooth devices.
Step 4. Click Connect to Wireless Display
It's the button below the screen options in the project menu.
Step 5. Click on projector or screen
When the Bluetooth display or projector is in "pairing" mode, it will appear in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Click on it when you see it. The computer screen will appear on the projector or screen.
- When using Bluetooth to project a computer screen, the projector or screen may lag behind the computer screen.
- Press ⊞ Win + P while projecting the computer screen to access the projection options.
- In case the projector or screen does not appear in the list of nearby devices, put the device back into Bluetooth "pairing" mode.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Video Cable on Mac
Step 1. Identify the type of video cable
There are different video cables that will be able to connect a computer to a projector or screen. Most projectors and displays support a variety of cable types. Below you will find a brief description of some common cable types.
- HDMI- HDMI cables have a flat, gold or silver connector that is approximately 0.6 inches (1 cm) wide. They are fast becoming the standard method for connecting all types of video devices to televisions and projectors.
- DVI: DVI cables have a white connector with 24 large holes, and 4 small holes. These cables are commonly used to connect computer monitors and projectors, as well as some laptops. They are not as common on televisions and flat screens.
- Vga- VGA cables have a blue connector with 15 holes in three rows of 5. They are another cable commonly used to connect computer monitors and projectors.
Step 2. Connect the cable to the connection port
When you identify the type of cable, also identify which connection port it connects to on the projector or screen. The connection ports are usually on the back of the projector or flat panel. Many video connection ports may be labeled. If they are not, check the shape of the cable connector and plug it into a port that is the same shape and size. If the cable connector has holes in it, find metal pins in the connector port that correspond to the holes, and plug the cable into the connector port.
Step 3. Press the power button
on the computer and on the screen.
You will find the power button on the button panel or on the remote control of the projector or screen. The power button is usually represented by a symbol similar to a circle with a line across the top. Also turn on your computer or laptop in case you haven't already.
Step 4. Click on the Apple menu
The Apple menu will appear when you click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Step 5. Click System Preferences
It's in the Apple menu. Doing so will bring up the "System Preferences" options window.
Step 6. Click Displays
It's the icon similar to a computer monitor in the Mac's "System Preferences" window. The "Displays" window will open.
Step 7. Mark
next to "Mirror screen".
The box is on the left side, below the white box in the center. Doing so will instruct the Mac to display the computer's screen on the projector or screen.
Step 8. Click Detect Displays
It's in the lower-right corner of the display window. Your Mac will automatically detect the projector or screen and project onto it.