Connecting and disconnecting Windows to a room's AV system by cable

Questions

  • How do I connect my Windows laptop to the projector or display using a cable?
  • How do I plug my PC into a classroom's AV system?
  • Which cable or adapter do I need for my Windows laptop in a classroom?
  • My laptop screen is not showing on the projector after I plugged in the cable — how do I fix it?
  • How do I duplicate or extend my display in a classroom?
  • How do I get audio through the room speakers from my Windows laptop?
  • How do I disconnect my Windows laptop when I am finished?
  • How do I present from my PC by cable now that the classroom computer is gone?

Environment

This article applies to faculty, staff, and students presenting from a Windows laptop in a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space that has a wired display cable at the instructor station.

  • In scope: Connecting and disconnecting a Windows laptop by cable (HDMI or USB-C).
  • Out of scope: Presenting wirelessly to a classroom Apple TV (covered in a separate article).

Resolution

Watch the short video below, or follow the written steps.

Video

Connect your Windows laptop by cable

  1. At the instructor station, locate the AV cable. It is usually an HDMI or USB-C cable, and is often labeled.
  2. Plug the cable into the matching port on your laptop. If your laptop's port does not match the cable, use the appropriate adapter (for example, a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter).
  3. The room's display or projector should switch to your laptop automatically. If it does not, use the room's control panel to select the cable, HDMI, or laptop input.
  4. To control how your screen appears, press Windows + P and choose Duplicate or Extend. If nothing appears, open Settings → System → Display and click Detect.
No sound? Click the speaker icon in the taskbar, select the output selector, and choose the room display device.

Disconnect when you are finished

  1. Unplug the cable (and adapter) from your laptop.
  2. The room system returns to its default state.
Remember your adapter. If you brought an adapter, take it with you when you leave.
Prefer to present wirelessly? Most classrooms also have an Apple TV you can present to using AirPlay. See the related wireless presentation article for your device in the Related Articles section.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (4)

Classroom and Meeting Space Technology Changes
Explains Bowdoin's phased removal of instructor computers from classrooms and meeting spaces (Fall 2025 through Fall 2026) and the addition of Apple TVs for wireless presentation, including how to present from your own device, where to get orientations and emergency help, and which rooms are affected. For faculty, staff, and students who teach or present in Bowdoin classrooms and meeting spaces.
Connecting and disconnecting an iPad to a room's AV system by cable
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting an iPad to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable using a USB-C-to-HDMI or Lightning Digital AV adapter, including selecting the room input, sound and mirroring tips, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from an iPad in Bowdoin classrooms.
Connecting and disconnecting macOS to a room's AV system by cable
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting a Mac laptop to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable (USB-C or HDMI), including choosing the right adapter, selecting the room input, fixing display and audio issues, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from macOS in Bowdoin classrooms.
Connecting and disconnecting Windows to a classroom Apple TV using the Ditto app
Explains how to connect and disconnect a Windows laptop to a classroom Apple TV using the Ditto Connect app, with a step-by-step instructional video, since Windows cannot use AirPlay natively. Requires the Ditto Connect app installed on the Windows laptop. For staff, faculty, and students presenting wirelessly from a Windows laptop in a Bowdoin classroom.