Connecting a Microsoft Windows 10 laptop to a TV or projector is probably the first thing I need to deal with in the corporate IT world. I always get calls from people who are about to start a presentation in a conference room and have nothing but trouble getting their laptop to work with a TV or projector. So, I thought I’d write about it.
HDMI port
If you have an HDMI port on your laptop, you can usually use one to connect your laptop directly to your television or projector with an HDMI port.
Mini-DisplayPort
Many laptop brands such as Lenovo, Microsoft Surface, and Dell have a mini-DisplayPort port. You can use a, or a mini-DisplayPort adapter with an HDMI cable to make a connection to the equipment.
VGA port
If your laptop has a VGA port, you will need to use a VGA cable to connect it to a VGA port on the TV. VGA is not compatible with HDMI, so if you want to use a VGA port on the laptop with an HDMI port on the TV, you will need a converter.
Windows Presentation Project Mode
Once you are physically connected, hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press ” P ” to set Windows to the desired setting (or one that works). Choose from ” Computer only “, “Duplicate”, “Extended” or ” Projector only “.
Some laptops may require you to hold down a function key (fn) and press a key that activates the display port used on the laptop.
Wireless connection
In many cases, you can connect your Windows 10 laptop to a TV or projector wirelessly using Miracast. You will need to check the equipment documentation to see if it supports Miracast.
In cases where you are using a non-smart TV or projector that does not support Miracast, you can connect an adapter or box that supports Miracast to the HDMI port of the TV or projector. Common devices are,, or.
Follow these steps to connect wirelessly:
Make sure your TV, projector, or other Miracast device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your laptop.
Set the device to receive a Miracast signal. These instructions may vary by device. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for the steps. (In many cases, it is automatic and no steps are required).
Hold down the Windows key and press ” P ” on your laptop.
A menu should appear where you can select ” Connect to a wireless display “. Select this option.
Windows 10 will search for supported devices that you can connect to. Select it once it appears and you are off and mirrored!
Nothing appears on the TV or projector
If nothing appears when you plug everything in, here are some common things you can do to try and fix it.
Input settings
Make sure the correct input setting is set to the correct selection on the projector or TV. There is usually an ” Input ” button on the remote control or the unit itself that will switch it between each input.
Stop
Select ” Start “> ” Shutdown ” and shut down completely.
Make sure the cable is connected between the laptop and the display / projector and that the display / projector is turned on.
Turn the laptop back on.
Update Display Video Driver
This is common, especially with Lenovo laptops. Visit the manufacturer’s website of your particular laptop and check if there are newer display drivers available. In some cases, your laptop may have some kind of driver update software that will automatically figure it out for you.
Update BIOS
It’s a rare fix these days, but it’s still a fix for some laptops. Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website and see if a BIOS update is available for your model.
Conclusion
Hopefully, with the information above, you’re off and running with your Windows 10 laptop mirrored to a TV or projector.
