Almost all laptops, especially those made within the last few years have the ability to connect an external display such as a CRT monitor, flat panel display, or projector and have the display sent to that device instead of to the laptop display. Connect the monitor, flat panel, or projector to the laptop's 15-pin EXT. monitor connection on the back of the computer as shown to the right. Once connected your laptop may automatically switch to the new external display or you may be required to press a sequence of keys in order to switch from the laptop to the external display.

For example, often either Fn + F3, Fn + F5, Fn + F8, or Fn + F9 is pressed to switch between alternate displays. So if your laptop was Fn + F3 pressing and holding both Fn and F3 at the same time would switch between displays. Often the alternate key pressed in conjunction with the Fn key will be labeled as CRT/LCD and/or have a picture of a monitor on the key or close to the key. Unfortunately the keys pressed to switch displays is dependent on the model and manufacturer of the laptop. If any of the above key sequences do not work consult your laptop documentation or consult your laptop manufacturer.

Some laptops also have the ability to have the display on both the laptop and external display and/or one or the other at a single time. Laptops with this ability can switch between these modes by continuing to press the same function keys until in the mode the user wants.