Almost all laptops can connect to an external display
and have the laptop display sent to that external display instead of, or
in addition to, the laptop screen. Examples of an external display
include a CRT monitor, flat panel display, projector, or TV.
Connect
the external display to the laptop's external video connection on the
back of the computer. An example of a VGA connector for a computer
monitor and VGA port on a laptop is shown to the right. Once connected,
your laptop may automatically switch to the new external display, or you
may be required to press one or more keys on the keyboard to switch to
the external display.The key sequence can vary depending on the laptop, but is typically one of the following: Fn + F3, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9, or F10. For example, pressing the Fn and F7 keys at the same time could switch between your laptop and external display. The F key to be used may be labeled as CRT/LCD or have a picture of a monitor on the key or close to the key. Unfortunately, the keys pressed to switch displays is dependent on the model and manufacturer of the laptop. If none of the above key sequences work, consult your laptop documentation or consult your laptop manufacturer.
Note: For computers with Mac
OS X 10.8 or later, if you have trouble getting an external display to
work with the computer, access the System Preferences
menu and select the Displays option. Then, press and hold the Option key. In the bottom right corner of the Displays window, you should see a Detect Displays button. Click that button to force the Mac OS to look for any external displays that are connected to the computer.
Some laptops can output video to both the laptop and the external
display at the same time or to a single display. Laptops with this
feature can toggle between the two modes when the appropriate function
key is pressed.
Tip: Newer laptops and monitors may use a DVI or HDMI
connection. See these links for additional details and pictures of
these connectors. If your display has a DVI connection, but your laptop
only has a VGA connection,
you need to use a video converter that converts VGA to DVI.Newer laptops may also have a DisplayPort, which can be used to connect external display devices that utilize a DisplayPort cable. If your external display uses VGA, DVI or HDMI instead, you can also get a DisplayPort adapter cable, allowing you to connect your VGA, DVI or HDMI display to the laptop's DisplayPort.
Laptop connected to docking station
If your laptop is connected to a docking station,
there should be a VGA or HDMI port on the back of the docking station
for a monitor. Depending on the docking station, the laptop may have to
remain open for a dual monitor display. Some docking stations have two
ports for connecting two monitors, allowing for a dual monitor display
even with the laptop closed.
How do I disable the auto-switch or specify an external display?
Although not available with all computers, some
computers have an external display auto-switch feature or will ask what
display you want as the default in CMOS setup.
How do I change the resolution on a monitor connected to a laptop?
Unless the monitor is detected or setup in the
operating system, it may not work properly or only display at the
default resolution. If you want to change the external display's
resolution, make sure the monitor is detected by the operating system.
Microsoft Windows users can verify the monitor is detected by looking in the Windows Device Manager and making sure a monitor is listed.
Linux
users running X Windows or a variant may need to modify their
XF86Config file and add the display settings for the external monitor or
projector.
