How to Project Your Computer Screen on an Overhead Projector

Whether you want to display a slide show presentation or teach employees how to work with a new software program, connecting your computer to an overhead projector allows you to share exactly what is on your monitor with your viewers. Windows provides a built-in method to connect to and display on a projector directly from your desktop or laptop computer.

Connect the projector to a power source and to the computer using the cable provided with the device. Power on the overhead projector and the computer.

Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel."

Type "projector" into the search box on the Control Panel toolbar. Choose "Connect to a Projector" under Display.

Select "Duplicate" if you want to be able to see your computer screen on both your monitor and the projector screen. Choose "Projector Only" if you want your computer screen visible on the overhead projector but not your computer monitor.

Go back to the Connect to a Projector screen and click "Computer Only" to stop projecting on to the overhead screen.