Projector FAQ

1. Connecting to Windows Computers

Applies to Windows 7

You can connect your computer to a projector to give a presentation on a large screen. The instructions below describe how to connect to a projector by plugging the projector cable into a video port on your computer. This is the most common way to connect a projector.

To connect to a projector

  1. Make sure the projector is turned on, and then plug the projector cable into a video port on your computer.  (VGA and HDMI ports)
  2. Open Control Panel by clicking the ‘Start’ button, and then clicking ‘Control Panel’.
  3. In the search box, type projector, and then click ‘Connect to a projector’. (To use a keyboard shortcut instead of Control Panel, press the Windows logo key +P).
  4. Select how you want your desktop to be displayed:

The four choices for how to display your desktop are as follows:

  • Computer only (This shows your desktop only on your computer screen.)
  • Duplicate (This shows your desktop on both your computer screen and a projector.
  • Extend (This extends your desktop from your computer screen to a projector.)
  • Projector only (This shows your desktop only on a projector.)
2. Connecting Mac Computers
  1. Turn ON your Mac
  2. Make sure the projector is turned on,
  3. Connect the video cable (usually VGA) from the projector to the Mac. In order to do this, you will most likely need a Mac adapter cable. (Note: There are at least five different Mac adapter cables, which will vary depending on your computer's video inputs.)
  4. Once the Mac and projector are connected, click on the ‘Apple Menu’ in the top left corner of your screen
  5. Select ‘System Preferences’ from the drop-down menu 
  6. Select the ‘Displays’ icon
  7.   When the Displays window appears, click the ‘Detect Displays’ button

At this point your Mac and projector should be synchronized. If not, try following the steps below:

  • Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen (Step 4)
  • Select ‘System Preferences’ from the drop-down menu (Step 5)
  •   Select the ‘Displays’ icon (Step 6)
  • When the ‘Displays’ window appears, select the Arrangement   tab within the menu bar
  • Check the  ‘Mirror Displays’   box in the lower left-hand corner of the window (Note: After checking this box, please wait several seconds. Once the displays are mirrored, you should see the same image on both your projector and computer.)