How to Connect HP Pavilion Laptop's Output to Projector

By Travis Meyer

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The standard way for laptops like the HP Pavilion series to connect to a projector screen is through the computer's Video Graphics Array (VGA) terminal, located on the side of the laptop. To accommodate this standard, modern digital projectors always come with an adapter cord that will plug into your VGA socket, allowing you to project your desktop activity for an audience.

Step 1

Activate the projector and your computer. Usually the "Power" button on projectors is located on the top panel and features the classic power symbol, which is a line running through a circle.

Step 2

Connect the output side of the VGA connector cable that came with your projector into your VGA output socket on the side of your computer. The VGA socket is blue, has fifteen pin insertion holes, two threaded assemblies and an icon of a square between two lines pictured below the socket. Screw the threaded fasteners into the socket so the plug doesn't accidentally disconnect.

Step 3

Click the laptop's "Start" button, select the "Control Panel," click the "Search" text-field at the top, type "Projector" (without quotes), press "Enter" and click "Connect to a Projector."

Step 4

Select how you want your desktop to be displayed and enable the projector by clicking one of the options. Don't select "Computer Only," as that will only display your desktop on your computer. Selecting "Duplicate" enables the standard projector display mode, where your desktop will be on your computer and the projector screen. The "Extend" mode creates two desktops, one for the projector and one for your computer--you can drag items to the projector desktop by moving them past the right border of your computer's display. The last setting--"Projector Only"--blacks out your computer's desktop and shows the display through the projector.

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