How to Connect HP Laptop to Projector

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

How to Connect HP Laptop to Projector – Getting Started

Connecting an HP laptop to projectors is simple and easy, whether for an official presentation or not.

Before you proceed with the connection process, follow the modification patterns for the laptop’s video display settings.

Once done, you can go ahead with the connection process by following the steps below.

USB C to HDMI VGA Adapter,USB Type C to VGA HDMI Adapter Thunderbolt 3 VGA Adapter for MacBook Pro/iPad Pro/Air 2020 2019 2018,Dell XPS 13/15,Surface Pro, Galaxy S8/S9, Huawei P20
Amazon.com
$9.99
PRIMEPRIME
USB C to HDMI VGA Adapter,USB Type C to VGA HDMI Adapter Thunderbolt 3 VGA Adapter for MacBook Pro/iPad Pro/Air 2020 2019 2018,Dell XPS 13/15,Surface Pro,...
AINOPE Printer Cable 6.6 Feet, Printer USB Cable [Plug & Play] USB A&USB C to USB-B 2.0 for MacBook Pro, USB C MIDI Cable New-Nylon Braided Never Rupture for Yamaha Casio Digital Piano MIDI Controller
Amazon.com
$9.93
PRIMEPRIME
AINOPE Printer Cable 6.6 Feet, Printer USB Cable [Plug & Play] USB A&USB C to USB-B 2.0 for MacBook Pro, USB C MIDI Cable New-Nylon Braided Never Rupture for...
Purpleleaf Tip Adapter HP Connector Converter 7.4x5.0mm to 4.5x3.0mm for HP Stream Spectre Pavilion Envy Elitebook Split Chromebook; DC Dongle for HP Notebook Adapter Replacement Power Cord (5 Pack)
Amazon.com
$8.99
PRIMEPRIME
Purpleleaf Tip Adapter HP Connector Converter 7.4x5.0mm to 4.5x3.0mm for HP Stream Spectre Pavilion Envy Elitebook Split Chromebook; DC Dongle for HP...
Amazon price updated: March 31, 2025 9:28 am

Recommended steps regarding how to connect the HP laptop to the projector

Step 1. Establishing the connection

First, you must connect the projector to an HP laptop. To do that, you have to connect one end of the video cable to the video input-output port of the projector.

Afterward, secure the other end of the cable into the laptop’s VGA or HDMI port, depending on the supported connection type. Connect the audio cables and turn the computer on if the presentation contains sound.

If necessary, please refer to the projector’s instruction manual before turning it on. This will prevent you from making any mistakes when connecting the devices.

Step 2. Checking the display options

Now, Press the F4 or the function key assigned for display options (commonly F4 or F8, depending on the laptop model) to view the device’s available display options. While doing that, press the Windows and P keys if you are using a Windows 7 operating system.

Step 3. Starting with the projection

Select the duplicate menu to help you view the text on the projector screen and the laptop’s monitor.

Alternatively, you can also select the ‘projector only’ option to display the desktop on the projector screen. Only at that point will you notice that the laptop monitor goes black right after selecting this option.

Step 4. Switching screens

You have to select the option ‘Computer only’ for the presentation to restore to the desktop of the laptop monitor.

Using the adapters for the connection

Ideally, people have the same video connector on their computer and a monitor on their TV. However, there are times when this option is not available. In that case, the only option is to use special cables or adaptors.

Some HP laptops come with a DVI to VGA adaptor, which is not a standard inclusion for all models.

You need to connect the adaptor to the computer’s DVI port and then connect the VGA cable from the projector to the adaptor.

Always ensure you have two different video connectors to make the whole process easier and more convenient.

Choosing the right video connectors

First, choose the highest-quality video connectors on the computer and display devices to avoid connection problems and achieve the best picture quality.

Video transfer methods include digital (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort), and analog (e.g., VGA). If you use the digital process to secure the connection to another device, you won’t get the view video option.

Also, suppose you want the projector to play high-definition digital content like Blu-ray movies or an analog connection. In that case, you will see an error message up front, or the film will be played at a low-quality resolution.

You must check whether your connectors fall into categories such as HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or SVGA.

After successfully connecting to the projector, you must ensure that the additional display properties settings for Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 are set separately for Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Connect HP Laptop to Projector Without a VGA Port

Using a VGA port while connecting a laptop with a projector doesn’t take much time and effort.

However, if you are unsure how to connect an HP laptop to a projector without a VGA port, you must bring a few additional accessories.

Slide presentations and overhead projectors are obsolete. Modern-day projectors can offer interactive interfaces, wireless connectivity, HD images, and crystal-clear images, even with vibrant colors and required brightness.

The projectors work as the camera to produce the output by splitting the light rather than receiving it.

Usually, people connect the projector to the laptop using the VGA port. If your computer lacks a VGA port, connect it to the projector using an HDMI or an appropriate adapter.

You will need the standard HDMI cable for this. Nowadays, almost every laptop or desktop has an HDMI port.

If the laptop and the projector lack the same type of ports, you can use specific connectors to convert VGA to HDMI, USB to VGA, HDMI to VGA, and  USB to HDMI to get the required connections.

Recommended steps regarding How to connect an HP laptop to the projector without a VGA port

Step 1. Establishing the connection

First, turn off the laptop. Then, connect the video cable from the laptop’s external video port to the projector.

If your laptop does not have a VGA port, you can connect it to the projector using an HDMI to VGA adapter. This adaptor is designed explicitly to link the HDMI port from the computer or laptop to the VGA projector.

There are also HDMI to VGA connectors that can support the resolution up to 1080P.

These portable compact adapters provide a solution for connecting HDMI-enabled devices to VGA projectors. The HDMI to VGA adaptor usually does not require an external power source.

Step 2. Getting the right audio and video settings

After this, you must plug the projector’s power cable into the electrical power outlet. Then, switch on the device. After doing so, you have to turn on the laptop.

You must connect the laptop’s audio output to the projector if you need audio to watch movies or presentations. Similarly, you can utilize this method for another system.

The detailed list of steps

  • First, plug the projector’s power cord into the power outlet and press the power button.
  • Then, turn on the projector while selecting the required function to connect with the laptop.
  • Now, connect the HDMI cable to the laptop’s HDMI port.
  • Follow with the cable connection to the other end of the LCD projector.
  • As soon as you plug the cable in, you must ensure that it is secured in position so it does not become loose.
  • You must now turn on the laptop. Once the connection is established, the projector will display the laptop screen, depending on the selected display mode.
  • The projector and a laptop stay connected, and you can easily watch the movie or share the required presentation.

The bottom line

You must ensure that your HP laptop is compatible with this setup. You may need to adjust specific settings on the computer to do that.

Moreover, this process still varies depending on the type of projector and laptop model you have.

Follow the detailed list of steps mentioned above to get the required connection between the laptop and the projectors. Check all the settings and specifications of the computer and the projector in the same respect.

You should consider reading the projector’s user manual if you don’t find enough information.

See Also

Best mini portable projectors

How to increase FPS on a Laptop

Best Docking Station for HP Laptops