How to Use a Projector Instead of a Monitor for a Desktop
By James Werning
The timeless adage that it is better to “show” than to “tell” rings true when it comes to business presentations, because it is always best to reinforce your audio message with powerful visual images. One way to display these images to a wider audience is to use a projector for presentations. If your computer has only one video port, you will need to replace the monitor with a projector. If your computer has two video ports, you will be able to simultaneously use a projector and a desktop monitor.
Use a Projector Instead of a Desktop Monitor
Loosen the thumbscrews that fasten the monitor cable to the computer’s video port and remove the connector.
Attach the projector’s video connector to the video port on the computer and tighten the thumbscrews. The Windows desktop will now display through the projector.
When finished, loosen the thumbscrews that hold the projector cable to the video port and remove the connector. Attach the desktop monitor’s video connector to the video port on the computer and tighten the thumbscrews.
Simultaneously Use a Projector and a Desktop Monitor
Attach the projector’s video cable to the open video port on the computer and tighten the thumbscrews. Right-click the Windows desktop. Click “Screen resolution” and then select “Connect to a projector.”
Click “Duplicate” to display identical images on both the monitor and the projector, “Extend” to display different windows on the projector and the desktop monitor, or “Projector only” to blank the monitor and use only the projector. Click “Apply” to save the settings and then click “Okay.”
Right-click the Windows desktop. Click “Screen resolution” and then select “Connect to a projector.” Click “Desktop only” to blank the projector and use only the monitor. Click “Apply” to save the settings and then click “Okay.”
Loosen the thumbscrews that hold the projector cable to the video port on the computer and remove the connector.
Tips
If the projector display is difficult to read, or if the height and width proportions are inaccurate, try changing the screen resolution. (For help, see the Reference link called “Windows: Change Your Screen Resolution.”)
References
Resources
Writer Bio
James Werning has authored books and articles on various websites. His scripts have aired for more than 15 years on radio stations across North America. He is a small business owner and a world traveler with a master's degree in communications from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.