How to Connect Laptop to Projector with HDMI

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Modern projectors offer a range of ways to watch our favorite content. Yes, just like a TV! If you want a highly-versatile projector, you need to learn about the different ways to connect your projector to different devices. With that said, this is no easy task.

Regardless of the other options, the best way to connect projector to laptop is with a HMDI cable. Seeing as nearly all devices have a HMDI port, this will be the easiest way to get connected. In fact, you may have done this with your TV and not even realised it!

How to Connect Laptop to Projector with HDMI Cable?

Simple! Just follow these four steps:

1. Get the correct cables

Getting HDMI cables seems like a simple task, but you need to make sure you have the correct length and connections. Think about how far the laptop will be positioned from the protector. Try and find a cable that is slightly longer than the exact length you require, this will allow the cable to lay comfortably. Also, it’s worth making sure that cable plug won’t impede other connections, like your USB stick.

2. Plug your laptop into the mains

Playing movies or music on your laptop will use a lot of power. As such, some laptops are actually built to prevent the use of HDMI when the laptop is not plugged into a power source. So make sure your laptop has a working power cable. Doing this will also the laptop to run to maximum performance, as you won’t have batty-saving features interrupting the playback.

However, if you have no choice but to run off your laptop’s battery, there are options. The best choice is to simply adjust your laptop’s power settings via the control panel. With that said, nothing you do will stop your battery from draining very fast when sending content through HDMI.

3. Connect the HDMI cable

This step is easy – just plus the one end of the cable into the laptop, and then plug the plug the other end into your projector. If there are multiple places to connect, always go for the single HDMI port option, which will allow for the smoothest video and audio playback.

4. Turn on the devices

All connected? Good, now it’s time to turn on your laptop and projector. Now, your projector may have multiple ports, so you will likely need to make sure you are on the correct input channel. This is a step that many people forget, which leads to that “why isn’t it working” feeling. By now, you should be all set-up. Congrats!

Troubleshooting Tips

If you followed the steps above you should be now watching your favorite movie or soundtrack. However, in real life not everything runs so smoothly. If you’re still having troubles, the tips below should help you out:

  • Restart both devices – As when faced with any technology issue, the first step is to restart the device. Even though your laptop should automatically recognize the connection, it sometimes doesn’t work like that. As such, restart both your laptop and the projector, but leave them connected. Start with the projector, and then turn on your laptop afterwards
  • Check the connections – Is everything plugged in properly? Sometimes you have to push the plug in further than you may think. It could have also slightly fallen out while you were positioning the equipment
  • Enable HDMI content – If it still doesn’t work after you have ensured the connection is secure, you may need to make sure your laptop is enabled to use HDMI. This can be enabled in your laptop settings
  • Check your cables – Are you using the correct cables? While you can use a Category 2 HMDI cable on a Category 1 connection, it doesn’t work the other way around. You may be trying to use an old HDMI cable with a new projector or laptop. This is likely to be the case if your picture is unfocused or there is a loss of audio.

Why use HDMI?

Simply put, using HMDI is the most convenient option. Nearly every device will have a HMDI port, and using a HMDI cable is handy for a wide range of applications. In fact, you’ll find a HDMI port on nearly all electric equipment. With such popularity, you have a huge range of HDMI cables to choose from, which allows you to find one in the perfect length and style.

HDMI changed the game when it came onto the scene. It meant that people could swap all of their cables for one single cable. It allows audio and video to pass through the one channel, which is a massive help.

HMDI is the best option when you want the best video quality. You see, HMDI transfers uncompressed signals that do not lose quality. The Category 2 cables are best for sending 1080p content, so go for those if you want the greatest video quality.

Connecting laptop to projector without wires?

Wireless projectors exist, but they are found at premium prices. With that said, it’s not always possible to connect a projector to a laptop using HDMI, especially if your projector is positioned on your ceiling. As such, you can create a wireless connection to projector from laptop with a Wi-Fi dongle. We recommend the Sumboat Wireless Dongle (Amazon link).

Conclusion

Generally, learning how to connect a projector to a laptop with HDMI is a simple process. All you need to do is plug in a single cable. However, it’s not always that straightforward in practise. Please follow the tips in this guide to get your projector working with your laptop!