How to Connect a Laptop to a Projector Using Windows or Mac

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An easy guide to mirror and project your laptop screen
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Are you in a pinch and need to figure out how to display your laptop screen to a room of people? Most projectors can be connected to your laptop using an HDMI cable, an adapter, or Bluetooth. Once you have this, you'll just need to configure your settings to mirror or extend your laptop screen. Here's how to connect a laptop to a projector using your Windows or Mac computer.

Easy Ways to Connect a Projector with an HDMI

To connect a laptop to a projector, plug an HDMI into the port on a Windows laptop and projector. Power both devices, press Windows + P, and select a sharing option. Alternatively, put the projector into Pairing Mode for Bluetooth models.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using a Cable with Windows

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  1. 1
    Plug in the cable to the port on both your laptop and the projector. After identifying the cable (HDMI, DVI, or VGA), you can connect the two ports. Many video connection ports may be labeled; but if they are not labeled, look at the shape of the cable and plug it into a port that looks the same.
    • The most common sources of output on a laptop are HDMI or DisplayPort . Some older devices may have a VGA port. Depending on the port, you might need to purchase an adapter.
    • Some Windows computers support Miracast; if your projector supports that feature as well, you won't need any cables. To see if your Windows laptop supports Miracast, search for and open the Connect app. [1]
  2. Both your laptop and the projector need to be on to continue.
    • This method will work on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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  3. A list of screen-sharing options will appear on your monitor:
    • PC Screen Only : This option turns off the projection screen so your laptop screen is not shared.
    • Duplicate : Share everything from your screen to the projector, but you'll see the same image on the projector as on your laptop screen.
    • Extend : This option treats the projector as an extension of your laptop's screen and offers you more space. For anything you want to share, you'll have to drag from your laptop's screen to the projection area.
    • Second screen only : Share everything from your screen to the projector, but you will not see anything on your laptop's display screen.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Bluetooth with Windows

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  1. You'll need to power on the projector's screen and your laptop to continue.
    • Keep in mind that if you use Bluetooth, you may experience low video quality due to insufficient bandwidth.
  2. There's usually a button on the projector (or the remote that came with it) that will turn Bluetooth on and make it discoverable and pairable, but refer to the projector's instruction manual for more information.
    • This process will work on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
    • If you don't see a Pairing Mode option, your projector likely doesn't have a Bluetooth feature.
  3. 3
    On your laptop, connect to your projector. Open the Start menu and type "bluetooth and other devices", and then select the first option. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your laptop. Click Add device , and then select your projector to connect it .
    • When initially pairing with the projector, you may be prompted to confirm a series of numbers or a passcode.
  4. A list of screen-sharing options will appear on your monitor:
    • PC Screen Only : This option turns off the projection screen so your laptop screen is not shared.
    • Duplicate : Share everything from your screen to the projector, but you'll see the same image on the projector as on your laptop screen.
    • Extend : This option treats the projector as an extension of your laptop's screen and offers you more space. For anything you want to share, you'll have to drag from your laptop's screen to the projection area.
    • Second screen only : Share everything from your screen to the projector, but you will not see anything on your laptop's display screen.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using a Cable (Mac)

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  1. 1
    Plug in the cable to the port on both your laptop and the projector. After identifying the cable type you need (HDMI, DVI, or VGA), you can connect the two ports. Many video connection ports may be labeled. If they are not labeled, look at the shape of the cable and plug it into a port that looks the same.
    • Most newer Mac laptops only have USB-C ports. If you need an HDMI, DVI, or VGA cable to connect to your projector, you will likely need an adapter.
  2. 2
    Click theApple menu. You'll see this on the left side of the menu that runs horizontally across the top of your screen. [2]
  3. 3
    Click System Settings . On older devices, this will be System Preferences .
  4. 4
    Click Displays . You can find this in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.
  5. 5
    Select the name of your display. If you don't see your display, it's not connected properly.
  6. 6
    Click the "Use as" menu and select an option. You can choose to mirror your entire desktop on the projector, or extend your desktop across your screen and the projector. [3]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using AirPlay with Mac

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  1. 1
    Connect your projector and Mac to the same Wi-Fi network. Make sure your projector is compatible with AirPlay. You can check its user manual. You can also connect an AirPlay receiver or Apple TV directly to your projector.
    • If you're using an Apple TV, make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
  2. 2
    Enable AirPlay on your Mac. Once both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, they should be able to connect. Do the following:
    • Click the Control Center at the top menu bar.
    • Click Screen Mirroring .
    • Select your projector from the list.
    • If prompted to enter a code displayed on your projector, enter it now on your Mac.
    • Select a share option.
      • You can choose to share a window, your computer's full screen, or extend your computer's screen onto the projector.
  3. 3
    Navigate to a video or streaming website (optional). Most streaming websites have an AirPlay option. To use it, do the following:
    • Click the AirPlay icon in the playback controls.
    • Select your projector.
    • Begin watching.
    • To stop AirPlay, click the AirPlay icon on your Mac, and then select your Mac to disconnect it.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/27911/windows-10-connect-to-a-projector-or-pc
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/displays-settings-on-mac-mh40768/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/extend-mirror-mac-desktop-multiple-displays-mchlb5f905a1/15.0/mac/15.0

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Connect the cable to the port on both your laptop and the projector.
      2. Turn on your projector (and laptop, if needed).
      3. Press the Win + P keys and select a sharing option.

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