In this tutorial, we will show you how to duplicate a screen on a projector. This is a very useful feature if you want to duplicate a screen on a projector and project the same on a big screen.
You can also use it to show the same image on different screens like in a meeting room or in a classroom.
Duplicating a MacOS Screen on a Projector
On a macOS, a projector screen may be easily duplicated. All you need to know is how to get to the settings menu.
- Find the Apple logo first. It can be found in the top left corner of your screen. It’s wise to learn how to access it because this is where you’ll go for many settings.
- Click on “System Preferences” when you get there. You can change a lot of settings in System Preferences, but you’re looking for “Displays” specifically.
- Select “Arrangement” from the menu. A line of blue boxes will be seen. These stand in for the projector screen and your desktop. If you opt against duplicating the image, this will be useful.
- Check the “Mirror Displays” box next to that depiction. Your projected image will now resemble your desktop screen in appearance.
Duplicating a Windows Screen on a Projector
Windows machines do not automatically project the image onto the screen. The first time you attach your projector to a Windows computer, a blank desktop will be displayed on the wall.
It’s easy to fix this.
- Start by using the Windows-logo key. Press the letter “P” while keeping the key depressed. The settings for the projector will then appear.
- Press the “Duplicate” option to select it if it is not already selected. The display on your projector will now resemble the one on your PC. You can go back and uncheck the “Duplicate” option if you decide you don’t enjoy having the screens duplicated.
- If your device doesn’t support the shortcut technique, start by accessing the Windows menu. You may search and access the projector settings from there. Simply enter “display” in the search box.
Reasons to avoid duplicating screens
A common first reaction is to mirror their screen onto the projector. It is much simpler to use and how most people are accustomed to using technology.
However, it might not always be the ideal choice for you to duplicate the screen depending on what you’re doing.
As opposed to just duplicating your screen onto the second monitor or projector, switching to “extend mode” will enlarge it.
The ability to open a completely other windows on a larger screen is incredibly useful if you’re working away at something. You could either open up additional work-related content or play something in the background (if it isn’t too distracting).
Have children or visitors that you need to entertain? Find a video that you know they would enjoy and play it on the projection screen. Apparently, Paw Patrol is quite popular. Now you may use your computer normally without having to keep the kids amused.
Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to play any audio because doing so will ruin their ability to watch.
Finally, compared to screen mirroring, this projection technique provides a little bit more privacy. Sometimes we don’t want other people to see the things we have saved on our desktop, the programs we use a lot, or how we use our computer in general.
Your privacy is protected and only the information you want to see by others is made visible by dragging a window onto a white screen. We particularly advise against this in work contexts where it can be awkward for an embarrassing Google search to surface.
The Verdict
It only takes a few seconds for a projector to duplicate a screen. On macOS and Windows, it’s quite simple to do, but don’t anticipate the procedure to be the same.
Keep in mind that on a macOS machine, you must go to System Preferences to access the settings. On a computer running Windows, however, you must press and hold the Windows logo key.
Ensure that the HDMI cable you are using is the appropriate type. The cable’s performance will improve with age. With an HDMI cable with a 1.4 rating or lower, we do not advise streaming or playing video games.
Consider the possibility that you may prefer not to mirror your screen. In addition to giving you more solitude, it might even increase your productivity, especially if your kids are pleading with you to let them watch something on the big screen.