How to connect an external monitor to my laptop

Almost all laptops can connect an external display. Examples of such a display include a CRT monitor, flat panel display, or projector, and have the display sent to that device instead of to the laptop display.

Connect the monitor, flat panel, or projector 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 a key or keys on the keyboard to switch to the external display.

The key sequence can vary depending on the laptop; however, is often either: Fn + F3, F4, F5, F7, F8, or F9. For example, pressing and holding Fn + F7 at the same time could switch between your laptop  and external display. The function key 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 yourlaptop manufacturer.

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.

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, or to a single display at a time. 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 HDMIconnection. 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 avideo converter that converts VGA into DVI.

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 dock station, the laptop may have to remain open for a dual monitor display. Some docking stations have two ports for connecting two monitors, also allowing for a dual monitor display.

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 WindowsDevice 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.