How Do I Connect My Laptop to Use it With a Monitor?

Laptops are convenient for their portability, but their smaller screens can be difficult to navigate. Connecting the laptop to a monitor when it is being used on a desktop can help to eliminate eye strain and increase screen resolution. The computer contains within it the drivers necessary to detect when a monitor has been connected and will default to the monitor when it is turned on. This prevents you from needing to configure the monitor's connection and resolution unless you want to make changes.

Things You'll Need

• VGA cable

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and then "Shut down."

2. Locate the laptop's VGA port. This is the small port that the monitor's cable plugs into. It is usually located on the side or the back of the laptop.

3. Connect the monitor's cable to the VGA port by pressing firmly but gently. If the VGA cable comes with screws, screw them in until they are tight.

4. Press the laptop's power button and allow Windows to load as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• If your laptop does not automatically display to the monitor, press the blue "FN" button and the display function key at the same time. This key usually has a small picture of a computer monitor on it.

• You can configure the monitor and viewing experience by right-clicking the desktop and clicking "Output Options" or "Graphics Properties."

References

• Intel: Connect a Monitor to Your Laptop

Resources

• Microsoft Windows; Work and Play Better with Multiple Monitors; John Swenson