What is Keyboard Shortcut to Switch Monitors if Power is Out

[Mel222]

Hello,

I have an external monitor hooked up to my T410 laptop and only use that display screen (laptop screen is black). I know how to switch back and forth between an external monitor and the laptop's monitor using the keyboard (Fn + F7), however, when the power (electricity) goes out - which is did earlier today - my external monitor is then powered off...therefore, the menu of monitor choices that pops up on your screen after hitting Fn + F7 will not show. Is there another way to get the laptop monitor to show up so I can use it via battery power if the external monitor is not working (due to power outtage or other reason)?

Thanks!
Mel

[rkawakami]

Using my own T410 with a factory install of Windows 7 and the external monitor on the VGA port, I simply removed the cable and the LCD came back on. If this does not work for you, then I can suggest this:

- Assuming that you have activated the external monitor in the Projector Mode (the only setting out of the four that disables the LCD), press the Fn+F7 key combination, then the right arrow ONCE, then the Enter key

[Mel222]

Thanks for your reply rkawakami - I feel a bit silly now...didn't think to try unplugging the monitor from the port. We have power now, but I will manually turn off the monitor and see if that works in the case we ever lose power again. If it doesn't work, I'll try the other suggestion. Thanks again!

[dr_st]

To add Ray's suggestion:

Specifically, on Windows 7 and higher (which have the Win+P shortcut), what should always work is:
* Win+P (activate the video output switcher)
* Home (jump to the first option ; the first option will always be "pc screen only")
* Enter (apply settings)