How To Connect A Projector To A Windows Or Mac Computer.how to connect projector to computer.connect macbook to projector.
Projectors are incredibly useful. Whether you use them for Powerpoint presentations or home theater or gaming, there is no better way to get a huge screen. Unfortunately, not all projectors and computers work together.
Some projectors use special video cables like HDMI, DVI, or VGA, while others use different types of USB cables. Other projectors use wireless protocols. In many cases, a converter is required to connect the projector to the ports on your computer.
This article will walk you through almost every way to connect your projector to your Mac or Windows computer, the hardware you might need, and what settings you will need to change.
Use An HDMI Cable
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables are a standard for transmitting video. They can handle uncompressed video and audio simultaneously while remaining backward compatible with older video technology such as DVI.
Most projectors have an HDMI input port. Most Windows computers have an HDMI output port that can be connected directly to the projector using an HDMI cable. If you are using a computer with macOS, you may have to buy a converter as Apple’s cable TV standards have changed radically in recent years.
Modern MacBooks often use USB Type-C multifunction dongles, and many of them have HDMI output as a feature. If you have a converter that matches your computer’s output type, use an HDMI cable to connect it to the projector.
Then refer to your projector’s manual for how to set up HDMI as the input source and follow the steps below on your computer.
For Windows users:
Open the Start menu and click Settings. Go to System> Display> Advanced Settings. Your projector should be displayed as a second screen if it is not. , click Discover. Select Duplicate These Displays to have the projector mirror your computer monitor. Click Apply.
For macOS users:
Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner and select System Preferences. Select Displays> Layout. Check the Display Mirror Window icon.
Your desktop will be displayed on the projector screen. If you run into problems, try restarting the projector. HDMI cables can fail if damaged, so make sure you get a good quality cable and store it in a safe place.
Connect To a Projector To a Computer Using DVI
Before HDMI dominated, digital visual interface (DVI) cables were the best choice for transferring high quality video. Still widely supported today, nearly all projectors are equipped with DVI ports and are also compatible with a wide range of computer hardware.
The steps for using DVI are identical to those in the HDMI section, although you may find that you need converters to get it all working. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of DVI to USB Type-C, HDMI and VGA converters available.
If you are using DVI as the only output to your computer, you will find that these converters work in the opposite direction. DVI and HDMI video compatibility makes operation easy.
Connect To a Projector To a Computer Using VGA
For a long time, Video Graphics Array (VGA) displays have been the king of computer video. Originally developed in 1987, it is still used in many modern projectors today, and even some modern laptop and desktop computers still use VGA as a reliable method of video transmission.
If both your projector and computer have VGA, you can connect them using a standard VGA cable. Otherwise, you need a DVI or HDMI to VGA converter to act as a bridge.
Once connected, select VGA as the input source and follow the same steps as in the HDMI section above.
VGA quality degrades at higher resolutions, so you may find that changing your system resolution to 1024 x 768 produces a sharper image.
Connect To a Projector To a Computer Via USB
Since projectors are primarily used in tandem with computers, many of them have their own USB port for connection. If your projector has interactive drawing and presentation pens on the screen, you will need to use USB to turn it on.
For Windows computers, connect a standard USB-A cable to the computer and plug the other end into the USB port on the projector. On macOS, you probably need to buy a converter in order to use USB-A cables. Most standard Macbook converters should work.
Once connected, you may receive a one-time prompt to install drivers for your projector. After installation, you can follow the steps in the HDMI section to set up your projector display.
If you have problems, make sure the projector you are using supports USB connection. Many projectors have USB ports exclusively for connecting storage devices such as external hard drives or mini joysticks, and do not support USB connection to a computer.
How To Connect a Wi-Fi Projector
It can be irritating to run cables between your computer and the projector, especially if the projector is mounted to a ceiling mount bracket. Many modern projectors can be used as second wireless monitors, completely eliminating the need for cables. Some use a Wi-Fi network to communicate with your computer, and some use connection protocols such as Miracast, which do not require a local wireless router.
Before starting up, make sure the projector is turned on and configured for wireless communication as instructed in the device’s user manual. Connect your computer to it by following these steps:
For Windows users:
While holding the Windows key, press K to open the connection panel. Select your device from the list, please note that it may appear in a few seconds. You will automatically connect to the projector. To stop projection, select “Disconnect” from the “Connections” panel.
Unfortunately for macOS users, things are not so simple. To connect wirelessly, you need a projector that supports the Apple Airplay protocol. Once the projector is configured for Airplay, follow these steps on a Mac:
Select the projector icon from the menu bar ().
Select your projector from the list.
If the projector displays the Airplay password, enter it on your Mac. Click the projector icon () and select Mirror Embedded. Display advertising.
Use A Chromecast With Your Projector
Perhaps the easiest way to connect your projector to your computer is to use a Google Chromecast dongle. They are cheap, easy to install, and work with just about any computer or smart device. To use this method, you need a projector that supports HDMI input.
There are several issues when setting up a Chromecast. You must be using an Android or iOS device for initial setup.
To use your Chromecast with a projector, follow these steps:
Connect your Chromecast to the HDMI input of the projector. Download the Google Home app for Android or iOS. Stand next to the Chromecast dongle and when prompted, select Set Up 1 Device. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
During setup, you will need to make sure that the code displayed on the projector screen matches the code in the application. If you do not see anything on the screen, try changing the input source of the projector to a different one and then back to the HDMI input.
Once set up, open the Chrome browser on your computer, click the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Broadcast.” If you want to broadcast your entire desktop, select Broadcast Desktop from the drop-down menu.
Turn Your Walls Into Screens
Projectors are difficult to work with, but there is nothing to be afraid of, especially when connected via an HDMI cable or Chromecast.
The projector is useful not only for meeting and sharing information with groups of people, but also for watching movies, watching Netflix and playing games with friends.
How To Connect A Projector To A Windows Or Mac Computer
How To Connect A Projector To A Windows Or Mac Computer
connect macbook to projector
connect macbook to projector
How to connect projector to computer