Unless otherwise stated, all performance claims are based on theoretical performance. Actual figures may vary in real-world situations. The actual transfer speed of USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and/or Type-C will vary depending on many factors including the processing speed of the host device, file attributes and other factors related to system configuration and your operating environment.

All modern laptops can connect to an external display, such as an LCD monitor, projector, or TV. The external display can extend your viewing area, giving you more space for applications, or mirror your laptop screen (show the same thing on both screens).

Pc Desktop Computer

How to connect to an external display in Windows. To connect the external display to a laptop, locate the correct port on the body of your laptop. Most laptops utilize on or more of the following connections: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or USB-C (Thunderbolt 3). Some older laptops use VGA. These various connections are shown in the images below. Experience ultimate freedom with the Book Cover Keyboard’s free stop 165° hinge that lets you find the perfect angle for blogging, studying, sending email, and more. Plus, it’s packed with productivity-boosting features, like a larger trackpad and ergonomic layout, for a PC-like experience all wrapped up in a thin, lightweight design. I have a HP Spectre laptop and I tried to connect a monitor to it using a HDMI cable and VGA cable. On both occasions, the laptop did not the detect the monitor and the monitor didn't see the laptop. I am using a Bengiz USB-C to HDMI/VGA adapter. Also, I tried to connect to a projector and again no luck. On a computer, this would be a male not a female as pictured above. DB9 serial connectors. On the computer there should be a 'male' connector, the mouse or other serial device (modem, digital camera) would have a female.

How to connect to an external display in Windows

To connect the external display to a laptop, locate the correct port on the body of your laptop. Most laptops utilize on or more of the following connections: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or USB-C (Thunderbolt 3). Some older laptops use VGA. These various connections are shown in the images below.

Once you plug the display into your laptop, you may be required to press one or more keys on the laptop's keyboard to 'activate' the external display. This shortcut key combination varies depending on the laptop, but is often one of the following: hold the Fn key, and then press F3, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9, or F10.

The activation function key usually has a picture of a monitor on or above it. Consult your laptop's manual if you can't find the key. If you are still having trouble, or you need to download a copy of the manual, visit the laptop manufacturer's website.

Change what's displayed on the secondary monitor

In Windows, press Windows key+P to show the Project options (for controlling a projector or external display).

• PC Screen Only - Only the primary display is active. The external display is not used.
• Duplicate - The same image is shown on both displays. If the displays have different resolutions, the resolution of the smaller display is used for both.
• Extend - The external display extends the primary. Application windows can be moved from one display to the other if you click-and-drag the window's title bar.
• Second screen only - The primary display is disabled, and only the secondary display is enabled.

New Desktop Computers

If your external display uses Miracast (HDMI over Wi-Fi Direct), click Connect to a wireless display to connect to it.

How to connect an external display on macOS

For users with macOS X 10.8 or later:

1. Access the System Preferences menu and select the Displays option.
2. Press and hold the Option key.
3. In the bottom-right corner of the Displays window, locate a Detect Displays button.
4. Click it to force macOS to look for any external displays connected to the computer.

Laptop connected to a docking station

If your laptop connects to a docking station, there should be several video ports on the back of it for a monitor. However, the types of ports varies from brand to brand. Depending on the docking station, the laptop may have to remain open for a dual monitor display.

How do I disable the auto-switch or specify an external display?

Some laptops have an external display 'auto-switch' feature, which can be configured in the BIOS.

Dell Desktop Computers

Will a monitor work with my laptop if my laptop screen is broken?

In many cases, yes. If only the laptop's screen is broken, an external monitor usually still works with your laptop. However, if there are other malfunctioning components, such as your video hardware, the external display may not work.

Additional information

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• See the DVI, external display, and VGA definitions for additional information about these terms and related links.