Don’t fret if your laptop’s screen is broken, because you still have options. One popular and cost-effective solution is to connect your laptop to an external monitor. Doing this can not only save you money but also prolong the usefulness of your laptop. In this article, we will walk you through the steps for attaching a laptop with a broken screen to a monitor.

1. Gather the necessary equipment

To set up an external monitor, you’ll need the following items:

– A functional external monitor

– A compatible video cable (HDMI, VGA, or DVI)

– A power cable for the monitor

– An adapter (optional), if your laptop’s output port doesn’t match the input port of your monitor

2. Connect the video cable

Start by connecting one end of the compatible video cable (HDMI, VGA, or DVI) into your laptop’s designated video output port. Before proceeding, make sure your laptop is powered off. Now, plug the other end of the video cable into the external monitor’s input port. If required, use an adapter to ensure proper connectivity between both devices.

3. Connect the power cord

Next, connect the power cord to your external monitor and plug it into a power outlet.

4. Turn on your devices

First, turn on the external monitor and adjust it to obtain the most comfortable viewing angle. Then, switch on your laptop with its broken screen.

5. Configure display settings

Once everything is powered on, you’ll need to configure how your laptop and monitor interact. On Windows-based devices, use keyboard shortcuts like Windows key + P (or Fn + F4/F5 for some laptops) to access display options such as:

– PC screen only: The main display stays on your laptop’s screen.

– Duplicate: Your laptop screen is mirrored onto the external monitor.

– Extend: You can use both screens, extending your desktop across them.

– Second screen only: Your laptop’s screen is turned off and only the external monitor is used.

For macOS systems, you can enter “Closed Clamshell Mode” by following these steps:

– Connect an external keyboard and mouse to your laptop via USB or Bluetooth.

– Close your laptop’s lid, which will put the computer to sleep.

– Wake up your laptop by pressing any key on the external keyboard or clicking the mouse.

You should now successfully have connected your laptop with a broken screen to an external monitor. This setup allows you to use your laptop without needing to replace the broken screen. However, it’s important to remember that this is a temporary solution, and you should consider getting a proper repair or replacement for your laptop in the long run.