Using Windows with a Projector

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated June 8, 2020)

There may be times when you want to display your screen using a projector so that others can see it. This is quite simple to do, assuming that the projector you're using is compatible with your computer.

Ensure that the projector and your computer are turned on. Plug one end of the projector's video cable into the "video out" port on your computer and plug the other end of the cable into the "video in" port on the projector. It may take a minute or so for the devices to synchronize. After that, you can control what is shown on the projector through the use of a function key on your computer. (Which function key does this varies. I have one computer that uses the F7 key and another computer that uses the F3 key. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right key on your system.)

There is typically a special key on the keyboard that allows you to access the "projector mode" of the function keyboard. On my systems there's a key near the Alt key that's labeled "FN". By pressing the FN key with the appropriate function key, you cycle through three different display modes. One display mode permits you to show what's on your screen to the projector while you can still view it on your computer screen. The second display mode permits you to show what's on your screen to the projector, but it does not show anything on your computer screen. The third display mode disables the projector and only uses your computer screen. You should allow several seconds to elapse when switching modes so that the devices have time to synchronize.

 This tip (12682) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Controlling the Display of System Icons in the Notification Area

A sometimes-overlooked area of Windows customization is the notification area. This tip explains how you can control the ...

Discover More

Resetting a Web Browser to Its Default Settings

We can make a lot of adjustments to our Web browser over time. If you ever want to restore your browser to its original ...

Discover More

Moving Your Downloads Folder

If you're on the Internet a lot, chances are you do a lot of downloading. By default, your Downloads folder is on your C: ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Scanning Pictures with a Scanner

If all you have is a hardcopy picture, you can still digitize it by using a scanner. This tip gives a high-level ...

Discover More

Playing DVDs On Your System

Playing DVDs on your system could be as simple as merely inserting the disc into the drive. But at worst, it's only one ...

Discover More

Burning an Audio Disc

You can use your system to create audio CDs that you can listen to in other places, such as your car. You just have to ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.