How to Connect a Laptop to a Computer Screen
Connecting a laptop or notebook computer to a computer screen, projector or other external display is generally a very simple task. Connecting a laptop computer to an external monitor is particularly useful for presentations to an audience, or to enjoy a larger, more manageable workspace when sitting at a desk.
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Instructions
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Open the laptop computer, and make sure the machine's power is off.
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2
Locate the video connector port on the laptop base, either on the back near the hinges or along one of the sides.
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3
Plug the video cable of the external monitor into the video connector port on the laptop computer.
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4
Turn on the laptop computer.
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Click the Windows "Start" button, and then select "Control Panel."
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Click the Control Panel icon that refers to your "Display." In the window that appears, click the "Settings" tab at the top right.
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Select your external monitor in the Display menu and click the "OK" button. The external monitor will now provide the video display for your laptop computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Docking accessories are available for many laptop computers, and these accessories can make it quicker and easier to plug a laptop computer into an external monitor that remains on your desk. These accessories allow you to leave the computer screen plugged into the dock, along with other equipment such as a computer mouse, full-size keyboard or printer. Then you can connect the laptop computer to all of these devices in a single step, by simply plugging the laptop computer into the dock connector, or by setting the laptop down on top of the dock connector, depending on the model.
