The shortcut to project your Windows screen is Windows Key + P. This keyboard combination instantly brings up the "Project" or "Project to a second screen" menu, allowing you to choose how your desktop is displayed on external monitors or projectors.
A comprehensive guide to the Windows + P shortcut
The Windows + P shortcut is a versatile tool for managing display settings on the fly. It is especially useful for presentations, multi-monitor setups, and quick troubleshooting.
The 'Project' menu display options
When you press Windows Key + P, a menu appears with four primary display options. To select an option, you can click on it with your mouse, use the arrow keys and press Enter, or repeatedly press Windows Key + P to cycle through the options.
- PC screen only: Displays content only on your primary screen, disabling any external displays. This is useful for turning off a projector or external monitor after a presentation.
- Duplicate: Mirrors your primary screen onto all connected external displays. This mode is ideal for presentations, as the audience sees the exact same content you do.
- Extend: Expands your desktop across all connected displays, giving you a larger workspace. You can drag windows between screens, which is perfect for multitasking with multiple monitors.
- Second screen only: Uses only the external display, leaving your primary screen (e.g., your laptop screen) blank. This is great for an immersive experience with a larger monitor or projector.
Connecting wirelessly (Windows Key + K)
For wireless displays that support Miracast, there is a separate but related shortcut: Windows Key + K.
- How it works: Pressing Windows Key + K opens the "Cast" or "Connect" menu in the Quick Settings panel.
- For wireless displays: From there, you can select and connect to any available wireless display, such as a smart TV or wireless projector.
Advanced display settings
While the Windows + P shortcut is excellent for quick changes, more granular settings are available for advanced configurations:
- Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Display.
- In the "Multiple displays" section, you can perform tasks such as:
- Arranging your displays to match their physical setup.
- Changing the resolution and scale for each individual display.
- Setting a specific monitor as your primary display.
Troubleshooting the shortcut
If the Windows + P shortcut doesn't work, consider the following solutions:
- Check the hardware: Ensure all physical connections, such as HDMI or DisplayPort cables, are secure.
- Restart the device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that prevent the shortcut from working.
- Update display drivers: Outdated or corrupted display drivers can cause projection issues.
- Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the "Display adapters" section, right-click your adapter, and choose Update driver.
- Run the troubleshooter: Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can help.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Run the "Keyboard" troubleshooter to check for keyboard-related issues.