How to Connect a Laptop to an Overhead Projector

Many teachers, instructors and business people use laptops to generate reports, charts and presentations. Laptops are portable and convenient, and allow a presentation to be carried from home to office or classroom. Most overhead projectors will connect to most laptops, creating dynamic displays that you are comfortable presenting because you are using your own equipment. This basic method for connecting computers to projectors will work for most models.

Things You'll Need

• VGA cable

Instructions

1. Attach one end of a VGA cable into the back of your laptop using the external monitor port.

2. Attach the other end of the VGA cable into the back of the projector.

3. Turn the projector on and let is warm up (wait until the screen starts to display on the board or other projection area).

4. Locate the remote control for the projector. Press the "mode" or "input" button until the projector shows "Computer."

5. Turn your laptop on.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using an overhead projector that uses transparencies, you can still connect your laptop to projector with an audio/visual cable. Instead of a remote control, there will be a toggle switch on the projector to switch to your laptop's input.

• Some laptops do not have a VGA cable. If yours does not, you'll need to purchase an adapter specifically for your model laptop.

• Some computers and projectors do not have compatible resolutions. If your laptop does not display on the projector, check your laptop's resolution and the resolution of your projector.

References

• San Francisco State University: Laptop Tips