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How to Connect Windows 10 Laptop to Projector/TV

How to Connect Windows 10 Laptop to Projector/TV

By Mitch Bartlett 9 Comments

Getting a Microsoft Windows 10 laptop connected to a projector or TV can be the most annoying part of getting ready for a presentation. Here’s everything you need to know to get up and running.

Making a Wired Connection

There are so many different types of display ports. So there are many different ways your laptop might connect to a TV or projector.

Technology Photo Cable Required
HDMI Standard HDMI cable. Audio routed.
DisplayPort DisplayPort to HDMI cable. Audio routed.
Mini HDMI Mini HDMI to HDMI cable. Audio routed.
VGA  VGA to VGA cable. Audio not routed.
USB/DisplayLink  Adapter allows video through USB to HDMI or VGA.

Connect via any of the methods above and ensure the input selection on the TV or projector is toggled to the input you are using with your laptop.


Laptop Connection Settings

Once connected, hold down the Windows Key and press “P” to toggle the selection to the desired setting:

  • Duplicate 
  • Extend
  • Second screen only

In some cases, you may need to utilize the “fn” key and one of the function keys (F3, F4, F5) along the top of the keyboard.


Common Problems

Driver Update Needed

It is common (especially on Lenovo ThinkPad machines) to experience problems connecting your laptop to a TV or projector. If the video is blank on one screen or flashes black or white, an upgrade to the display adapter drivers usually fixes the issue.

There have been some occasions where a BIOS update has fixed a display problem.

To obtain the latest display adapter drivers and BIOS software, visit the website of manufacturer of your laptop. You may also be able to simply Google the “model number of your laptop + display drivers.”

Start With Everything Off

In some cases, you may need to start with both the laptop and projector off. Once you have the proper cable connected, turn the projector on. Once the projector is started, power on the laptop. This order is usually the most successful.

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Filed Under: Hardware, Windows Tagged With: Windows 10

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Konsultan Pajak Jakarta says

    July 27, 2020 at 10:39 am

    Thanks for information

  2. Ndiphiwe says

    May 24, 2020 at 11:18 pm

    Not yet coz my data projector connects to the laptop via HDMN cable and RBG adapter to HDMN cable

  3. Mitch Bartlett says

    February 13, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    Helen, you should be able to use a VGA to HDMI cable for that connection.

  4. Helen says

    February 13, 2020 at 9:45 am

    I have a Lenovo T420 Thinkpad – it looks like I need an output of a VGA cable but the input on the Projector is HDMI – would this be right (before I go off and buy the wrong thing!)?

  5. SOFIA CARSON says

    December 13, 2019 at 4:54 am

    Informative article. Thanks for sharing such an valuable article.this is best article .

  6. magdaline says

    August 31, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    my projector has started displaying half dark. its connected to a tv. whats the problem ?

  7. Rich says

    April 17, 2019 at 10:13 am

    BRILLIANT! – “Once connected, hold down the Windows Key and press “P” to toggle the selection to the desired setting:” Just curious, is this available somewhere in Settings/Display/???

  8. Derrick Poko says

    February 26, 2019 at 2:18 am

    I have purchased a Projector & tried to connect to a Lenovo Laptop but no signs indicated. When I switched on the projector, then some preeceded icons from the projector appeared while it doesn’t communicate with the laptop. When I connect the VGA cable into the laptop, no signs indicated at all. Thus, is there any option were I can apply to solve this problem?

  9. Andrew Wyatt says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:07 am

    That was really a tricky post, Mitch. Do you have another article that shows, how to connect a projector to Linux system?

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