How to Get an HP Laptop to Switch to a Projector

Connecting a projector to your HP laptop provides an engaging way to share information with customers and staff. Before you can project your desktop for all to see, you may need to modify the video display settings on your laptop. Doing this allows you to select your laptop’s monitor, the projection screen or both as the video output source.

Connect the projector to your HP laptop. Secure one end of the video cable to the video input port of the projector, and then secure the other end of the cable into your laptop’s VGA port. Connect any audio cables, if your presentation contains sound, and then turn on your laptop. Wait for your computer to load completely before turning on the projector. Refer to the projector’s manual for specific instructions on how to connect your projector, if necessary.

Press the F4 key on your keyboard to view the available display options. Alternatively, press the “Windows” key and the “P” key simultaneously if running the Windows 7 operating system.

Select “Duplicate” to view your desktop on both the projection screen and your laptop’s monitor, or select “Projector Only” to display your desktop on the projection screen only. Your laptop monitor goes black after selecting this option.

Select the “Computer Only” option after your presentation to restore the desktop to the laptop monitor only.