How do you display a laptop’s screen image through a connected projector?
Don’t worry, connecting a laptop with Windows 10 operating system to a projector or TV is relatively easy to process.
However, it might be a little bit confusing for a non-tech person who is planning to do it for the first time.
If you are wondering how do you display a laptop’s screen image through a connected projector, you are at the right place.
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to connect a projector or TV to a laptop running Windows 10. You will learn the easiest ways to connect your laptop and projector.
NOTE: This guide can be also used on any computer with Windows 10.
Types Of Wired Connection
Because there are so many different types of display ports, you should make sure that the video port on your laptop or PC matches a video port on your projector. If not, you have to use a video output adapter cable that can convert one type of video signal to another.
Likely, most new projectors have one or two of the following connections:
- HDMI – Standard HDMI transfers video and audio
- Display Port – DisplayPort to HDMI cable, it includes video and audio
- Mini HDMI – Mini HDMI to HDMI cable, it transfers video and audio
- VGA – Transfers only video via VGA cable
- DVI – Transfers only video via DVI cable
- USB Display Adapter – The adapter converts the video signal from the USB port to HDMI or VGA.
You can easily connect your projector to a PC or laptop through any of these wired methods. Just insert one end of the cable into the laptop and the other into your projector.
Laptop or PC Connection Settings
After you connect the laptop or PC to your projector, hold down the “Windows Key” on the keyboard while simultaneously pressing “P”.
Now you will see the selection of settings you can choose from:
- PC screen only
- Duplicate
- Extend
- Second screen only
Now you can select a display mode according to your preference.
Here is detailed information about these display modes:
PC screen only: In this mode, you will show your screen only on your laptop or PC (projector´s display is disabled).
Duplicate: You will see the same screen on your laptop and the projector.
Extend: In this mode, your projector will act as one continuous screen (usually used for double monitor setup)
Second screen only: This display mode will show your screen only on the projector (the laptop or monitor is disabled).
How To Connect Windows 10 Laptop To A Projector Via HDMI
Probably the best wired connection between laptop and projector you can have. Just follow these simple steps:
STEP 1: Connect your laptop or PC to a projector via HDMI cable.
STEP 2: Press “Windows Key + P” at the same time.
STEP 3: Select a display mode from the selection.
STEP 4: Click Keep changes to save the new settings if you’re prompted to do so.
STEP 5: After you save the settings, your laptop or PC will automatically start streaming content to TV or projector.
Types of HDMI Cables
HDMI cables can be found in four types. You should choose the correct cable depending on your projector, TV, and computer streaming capacity.
- Standard HDMI: 720p/1080i @ 30Hz
- High-Speed HDMI: Up to 4K resolution @ 30Hz
- Premium High-Speed HDMI: 4K@ 60Hz aka HDR
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI: Up to 10K resolution @120-240Hz
Wireless Connection
Connect Your Laptop or PC To A Projector via Bluetooth
If both of your devices (laptop and projector) supports Bluetooth technology, you can also use this method to connect these two devices in Win 10.
STEP 1: Go to Settings.
STEP 2: Navigate to the Devices and select Bluetooth and other devices from the menu.
STEP 3: Select your projector.
STEP 4: Just follow instructions to pair your computer and projector.
How To Connect Laptop To A Projector or TV using Miracast
However, Bluetooth isn’t the only wireless option to connect laptops and projectors in Windows 10. You can do it easily using Miracast.
What is Miracast
Miracast is a technology for anyone who needs to wirelessly share content on one screen to another. It wirelessly mirrors what is on the screen of one device onto another screen without requiring any physical HDMI cables. This display standard is designed especially for smartphones, tablets, PC, or laptops screen to a projector or television. With Miracast, you can send up to 1080p HD video as well as 5.1 surround sound.
While Miracast is built into the newest devices and was first integrated into Windows 8.1, you’ll have to check the documentation of your projector or TV to see if it supports Miracast.
If you are using a TV or projector that does not support Miracast, you can connect an adapter or box that supports Miracast to the HDMI port of the projector or television.
How To Check If Miracast Is Supported
STEP 1: Press “Windows Key + R” on your keyboard.
STEP 2: Type in “dxdiag” and hit Enter.
STEP 3: Press the “Save all information” button and save the files at the location of your choice.
STEP 4: Open the text file and look for “Miracast” and check out the availability status.
Set Up Miracast On Windows 10
Setting up MIracast on Windows 10 is easy even for non-tech people. Firstly, you have to turn on the Miracast support if it is built-in. If not, make sure the external adapter is connected to the HDMI port in your PC or laptop then power it on.
STEP 1: Go to Settings.
STEP 2: Navigate to the Devices and select Bluetooth and other devices from the menu
STEP 3: Click on “Add a new device” and it will show the adapter on the list.
STEP 4: Click on the receiving adapter and that’s all.
Conclusion
Now, it’s time to enjoy the fantastic visuals of your projector. However, if you have your projector and laptop connected but you aren’t getting any image, we recommend that you power down the laptop or PC and restart it.
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