How to Connect a Projector to Your PC: Complete Wired and Wireless Guide

Connecting a projector to a computer is easier than ever today, and you have several ways to do it, both wired and wireless. In this guide, you'll find All methods that work on Windows and with current projectors, including HDMI, MHL, VGA connections, Miracast, WiGig and network projection.

In addition to the steps, you'll see options for choosing how to display the desktop (duplicate, extend, etc.) and details about audio, which is often a nuisance. Everything is explained with a practical approach so that, With a couple of adjustments, you can have the projected image in minutes..

Before you start: ports, cables, and compatibility

The vast majority of modern projectors include an input marked as HDMI/MHL IN. This connector allows you to plug in computers, multimedia players, consoles, DTT decoders or TV boxes, and also MHL-compatible mobile phones using the appropriate cable.

If your projector has HDMI/MHL, you can use a standard HDMI cable from your computer or a MHL cable/adapter if you are going to activate MHL from Android to project from a smartphone Compatible. Some models vary slightly in implementation and connection methods, so it's normal for the manufacturer to recommend consulting the manual.

For reference, there are projectors portable very popular, such as the models MP-CL1 and MP-CL1A, which have that HDMI/MHL input and accept multiple sources. Even if your device isn't exactly like that, the connection pattern is equivalent.

If your PC only has USB‑C or Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt, you'll need a adapter that converts to HDMI or VGA depending on the input available on the projector. In Mac The same thing happens: use the appropriate adapter to output the signal to HDMI (recommended) or VGA.

Cable connection: HDMI and MHL step by step

The fastest and most reliable way is HDMI: it transmits video and also audio through the same cable, so you don't have to bother with additional connections if your projector includes speakers.

1. Connect the HDMI cable from the PC output to the HDMI input of the projector.
2. Make sure that PC and projector have power and turn them on.
3. The projector usually detects the signal on its own; if not, open the projector menu and select HDMI like source.
4. In Windows, if the image does not appear, press Windows key + P and choose the display mode (Duplicate, Extend, etc.).

For MHL-compatible mobiles, the process is just as straightforward: plug them into the input HDMI/MHL IN from the projector using the corresponding MHL cable and select that source. In many cases the same MHL cable powers the mobile phone, but depends on the model and may require additional feeding.

If you do not hear anything when connecting via HDMI, check the sound panel in Windows and mark the default as projector playback device (usually identified as the name of the projector or the HDMI port).

Connect via VGA and configure the audio

If you're working with older equipment, the connector may be your only option. VGA (the classic blue one). This cable only carries video, so you will have to bring the sound separately.

1. Connect the cable PC VGA to VGA input of the projector.
2. Turn on both devices and if not automatically detected, select VGA in the projector's source menu.
3. For audio, use a cable minijack 3,5mm from the PC's headphone/line out output to the projector's audio input or external speakers.
4. In Windows, tap Windows + P to choose the display mode you want.

Please note that with VGA the quality may be limited to lower resolutions and the text may be less clear than with HDMI, so If you have the option, prioritize HDMI or considers improve video quality in post-production. For more powerful sound, connect the mini-jack to a sound bar or external equipment.

Wireless Connection on Windows: Miracast and Integrated Projection

Windows offers several ways to connect wirelessly to a compatible display. If your TV, projector, or dongle supports Miracast, you can mirror/send your PC screen wirelessly.

1. Turn on your TV, projector, or other display. If you're using a Miracast adapter, connect it to the projector or display and select the correct input.
2. On the PC, press Windows+K and choose the screen you want to cast to from the list of available devices.
3. Follow the instructions that appear if requested; otherwise, the connection will be established at the moment.

You can also get there from Settings: search To transmit in the search bar, enter Connect to a wireless display or open Display settings and, in the section Multiple screens, tap Connect to a wireless display, then Connect. It's the same feature accessible from two forms.

WiGig Base: High-speed wireless projection

If you have a base or dock WiGig Connected to a monitor or projector, you can send images wirelessly with very low latency. This method requires your PC to support WiGig.

1. Turn on your TV or projector and make sure that the WiGig base is connected to the screen.
2. Power on the WiGig base/dock and check the wiring to the corresponding video input.
3. Check that your PC supports WiGig: in Windows you will see a specific control for WiGig in Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode when supported.
4. Balance Windows+K and select the WiGig base to start the connection.
5. Follow the instructions that appear; if there is nothing extra, you'll have it working.

If the WiGig control does not appear, your computer most likely does not include that hardware. In that case, use Miracast with a compatible adapter or connect via HDMI.

Choose how the image is displayed: Windows + P

Once you've connected your display (wired or wireless), you can decide what to display on each screen. The shortcut Windows + P opens a quick launcher with several useful options.

• PC screen only: Only the computer monitor is used; the external screen remains black.
• Double: Displays the same image on both the PC and the projector; ideal for presentations.
• Extender: Extends your desktop across two displays; you can drag windows between your PC and projector.
• Second screen only: Turn off the PC display and use only the external projector/monitor.

To arrange the layout (which one is on the left or right), open Settings > System > Display and drag the monitors until the distribution matches reality; like this, the mouse and windows will move naturally.

Project from one Windows PC to another Windows PC

Windows also allows you to send the screen of one computer to another PC, without any additional devices. The receiving computer acts as a wireless display.

1. On the PC that will receive it (where the projection will be seen):
   1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Project to this team.
   2. Under “Add the optional 'Wireless Projection' feature…”, enter Optional features.
   3. Balance Add a feature and search for “wireless projection.”
   4. Brand Wireless projection in the results and select Install.
   5. When finished, adjust your preferences in Project this team (permission, PIN, etc.).
   6. Open the app Connect searching for “Connect app” in the taskbar and launch Connect.
2. On the sending PC (the one you will be projecting from): Open the mirroring/projection settings or press Windows+K and choose the destination team from the list.

If both computers are on the same network and meet the requirements, you will immediately see the desktop of the sending PC on the receiving PC, and you will be able to use the Windows + P projection modes as on any external display.

Connect to a network projector in Windows 7 and Windows Vista

In previous systems such as Windows 7 Windows Vista has a native utility for network projectors that allows you to send the image over the LAN, either by cable or Wi-Fi. No additional installation is required, and it is especially useful in classroom or business environments where the projector is connected to the local network.

1. Check that PC and projector are on the same network.
2. Turn on the projector and select the source LAN.
3. In Windows, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Connect to a network projector.
4. Follow the wizard to choose your projector and establish the connection.
5. If the projector allows it, use the corresponding pencil or icon to display the annotation toolbar (annotation mode) and add notes or capture/print the content.

Depending on the projector model, the wizard may ask for a PIN or authentication. If your device doesn't appear in the list, check your firewall and make sure the projector is actually on. network projection mode.

To close the circle, remember that some projectors include automatic adjustments (focus, keystone, source detection) that speed up installation. It's normal that, as soon as you connect the cable or connect wirelessly, the projector find the source and adjust the image quickly.

If you're interested in audio, HDMI is the most convenient option because it integrates everything; with VGA, you'll have to use a minijack or external speakers. And if you're looking for wireless convenience, Miracast or a compatible WiGig dock give you a very solid experience. In older environments, Windows' network projector functionality is still available. a valid alternative.

Related article:

Project Windows 11 to Smart TV without HDMI cable: Complete guide, display modes, and troubleshooting

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.