Teachers — IT Quick Help

This page is aimed at teachers and offers quick self-help for the most common IT problems in everyday teaching — projector, computer, audio, WiFi and presentation. Most problems can be solved by yourself in under a minute.

The 5 golden rules (try these first!)

Before contacting IT, these five steps solve most problems:

1. Restart — turning the device off and on again solves around 80 % of all problems.
2. Check cables — is every cable firmly connected at both ends? (power, HDMI, USB)
3. Wait a moment — some devices (especially projectors) need 1–2 minutes to start up.
4. Switch source — is the correct input source selected on the projector? Does another cable/device work?
5. Take notes — if nothing helps: note the exact error message and room, then contact IT.

Projector / Beamer

HDMI assignment at BG Zehnergasse

In the classrooms, the projector inputs are permanently assigned:

HDMI 1 — the fixed class laptop
HDMI 2 — the j5create for wireless casting from Windows and Apple/iOS devices (see the "Wireless casting" section below)

Select the appropriate source with the projector remote ("Source" / "Input").

Projector shows no image

Is the projector switched on?

Check the power LED. If it is red/orange, the projector is in standby — switch it on with the remote or the power button. After switching on, allow 1–2 minutes of warm-up time.

Select the correct input source

Press "Source" or "Input" on the remote and select the correct source: HDMI 1 for the class laptop, HDMI 2 for wireless casting (j5create).

Check the cables

Plug the HDMI cable firmly into both ends (PC and projector). If there are several ports, try a different one.

Send the PC image to the projector

Press Windows key + P and select "Duplicate" or "Extend" (see table below).

Send your screen to the projector (Windows + P)

The keyboard shortcut Windows key + P is the fastest fix for most projector problems:

Mode	What happens?	When to use?
PC screen only	Projector stays black	When the projector should show nothing
Duplicate	Same image on PC and projector	Standard for teaching (recommended)
Extend	Projector as a second screen	Notes on the PC, presentation on the projector
Second screen only	Only projector shows image, PC stays black	Rarely — only if desired

How to switch between modes

Press Win + P

Hold the Windows key and tap P once. A selection bar with the four modes appears on the right edge of the screen.

Select a mode — two ways

With the mouse: click the desired mode directly (e.g. "Duplicate" or "Extend").
Keyboard only: keep holding the Windows key and tap P repeatedly — each press moves the highlight one mode further. Release the Windows key on the correct mode.

Confirm

The switch happens immediately. No restart and no further click is needed.

Mirror ↔ Extend — what's the difference?

Duplicate (mirror): projector and PC show the same image. What you see on the PC is what the class sees. This is the normal case for teaching.
Extend: the projector becomes an extension of the PC screen. You can drag windows from the PC onto the projector — ideal for keeping the PowerPoint presenter view (notes) on the PC while the class only sees the slides.

Fastest switch: Windows + P and choose between "Duplicate" and "Extend" — possible at any time during the lesson.

With "Extend": image doesn't appear / window disappears

In "Extend" mode the projector area sits to the right of the PC screen. If a program "disappears", it was moved onto the projector. Fix: click the window and move it between screens with Windows + Shift + Arrow ←/→. If you just want a mirrored image: switch back to "Duplicate".

Laptop screen stays black, but the projector shows an image

The cause is almost always the display mode: the laptop is set to "Second screen only" — then only the projector gets an image and the laptop screen stays black.

Press Win + P (even blind)

Even if the laptop screen is black: press Windows + P — the selection menu is visible on the projector.

Switch to “Duplicate”

Hold Windows and tap P until "Duplicate" is highlighted — then release. Order: PC screen only → Duplicate → Extend → Second screen only (cycles around).

Laptop screen stays black even without the projector?

Turn up the brightness (Fn + brightness key, usually an F key with a sun symbol)
Restart the laptop (long-press the power button if needed)
If nothing helps → hard reset (see the "Laptop does not start" section)

Image is blurry or out of focus

Turn the focus ring on the projector lens until the image is sharp
If the image stays poor: carefully clean the lens with a microfibre cloth

Image is cut off or distorted

Adjust the resolution on the PC: right-click the desktop → Display settings → select the recommended resolution (usually 1920 × 1080)
In the projector menu, trigger "Auto" or "Auto Sync" to adjust the image automatically
Set the aspect ratio in the projector menu to 16:9

Projector does not respond / no power

Power strip switched on? Check switch and fuse
Remote: batteries may be empty — switch on at the device itself
Some projectors have a cool-down phase after switching off and can only be restarted after 1–2 minutes

Wireless casting (j5create on HDMI 2)

Every projector has a j5create ScreenCast receiver connected to HDMI 2. It lets you cast Windows laptops as well as Apple/iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, MacBook) wirelessly to the projector.

Set the projector to HDMI 2

With the remote, select "Source" / "Input" → HDMI 2. The projector shows the j5create home screen with the device name and instructions.

Connect your device — depends on the platform (see below)

Windows connects via Miracast, Apple devices via AirPlay. In both cases, select the j5create device name shown on the projector.

Windows laptop (Miracast)

Open the connect menu

Press Windows key + K (or Windows + P → "Connect to a wireless display").

Select the j5create

Tap the j5create device name shown on the projector. The connection is established within a few seconds — no WiFi change needed.

Choose the display mode

As with a cable: Windows + P → "Duplicate" (mirror) or "Extend".

Apple iPad / iPhone / MacBook (AirPlay)

Connect to the school WiFi

The Apple device must be on the school WiFi (not guest WiFi) — the same network access as the j5create receiver.

Open Screen Mirroring

iPad/iPhone: swipe down from the top-right edge (Control Centre) → "Screen Mirroring" (two overlapping rectangles). MacBook: Control Centre top-right → "Screen Mirroring".

Select the j5create

Choose the j5create device name shown on the projector.

Enter the code (if requested)

If an AirPlay code appears on the projector, enter it on the Apple device.

Wireless casting not working?

Is the projector really on HDMI 2? The j5create home screen must be visible.
Apple devices: signed in to the school WiFi (not guest WiFi)?
Windows: WiFi and Bluetooth enabled? Miracast needs both for device detection.
Device not found: turn WiFi off and on again on your device, then search again.
An old connection still active? The j5create home screen shows whether someone is already connected — disconnect the existing session if needed.
If nothing helps: use the class laptop via HDMI 1 for now and report the problem to IT.

Computer / PC

PC does not start

Check the power cable and power strip (switch, fuse)
Hold the power button on the PC case for 3–5 seconds
If the PC lights up/fans spin but the screen stays black → see next point

Laptop does not start / no reaction (hard reset)

If the laptop does not react at all (no lights, no fan, black screen), a power reset often helps — it drains the residual power and resets the hardware:

Disconnect everything

Unplug the power adapter and remove all devices (USB sticks, HDMI/ projector cables, mouse, dock).

Remove the battery (if possible)

On devices with a removable battery, take it out. With a built-in battery, skip this step.

Hold the power button for 15–30 seconds

Hold the power button for 15 to 30 seconds — even if the device is already off. This drains the residual power.

Reconnect and switch on

Reconnect the power adapter (and battery if applicable) and switch the laptop on normally.

Tip

After a hard reset, leave the laptop on the power adapter for a few minutes — a deeply discharged battery needs some time before the device starts again.

PC is running, but the monitor stays black

Monitor switched on? Check the power LED
Correct input source selected on the monitor? (button on the monitor → HDMI/DisplayPort)
Plug the monitor cable firmly into both ends
Windows + P → select "PC screen only" (the image may be redirected to a non-existent second monitor)

Login fails

Username correct? Format lastname.firstname (without @bgzwn.at on the school PC)
Caps Lock on? Check the indicator light on the keyboard
After 10 failed attempts the account is locked for 10 minutes — wait briefly and try again
Recently changed your password? It can take up to 15 minutes to apply everywhere

Program is not responding / frozen

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

End the program

Click the frozen program in the list → "End task".

Restart the program

Open the program again. Unsaved changes are unfortunately lost — so save regularly (Ctrl + S).

PC is very slow

Restart — closes all background programs and frees up memory
Close programs and browser tabs you don't need
With many open browser tabs: close the browser completely and reopen it

USB device (stick, mouse, keyboard) not recognised

Plug the USB connector into a different port
With USB sticks, wait 5–10 seconds until recognised
Wireless mouse/keyboard: check batteries, plug in the USB receiver firmly
Wired devices: check the cable for damage

BitLocker code requested at startup

BitLocker is the Windows drive encryption — it protects the data on the device. Normally the drive unlocks automatically at startup. If a blue screen appears asking for a recovery key (48 digits), BitLocker has been triggered — usually after an update, a hardware change, a changed boot order, or a connected USB device.

Try first without the key

Unplug USB devices

Remove all USB sticks, external drives and the projector cable if present — an accidental boot attempt from a USB device often triggers BitLocker.

Restart completely

Fully shut down the laptop (long-press the power button) and switch it on again. Often it was only a one-time trigger and Windows starts normally.

Try Esc / Enter

On the BitLocker screen, some devices offer another boot attempt with Esc or Enter — give it a try.

Don't guess the code — create a ticket

Do not enter the recovery key at random. If the device still asks for the code after a restart, create a ticket via the Helpdesk in Microsoft Teams. IT can provide the recovery key stored for your device. Have the key ID (short identifier) shown on the screen ready.

Audio / Sound

No sound

Check the volume

Click the speaker icon at the bottom right of the taskbar — turn up the volume and make sure it is not muted (no crossed-out icon).

Select the correct output device

Click the speaker icon → tap the small arrow/device name → select the correct device (e.g. projector name or speakers instead of "headphones").

Check the volume in the app

Some programs (e.g. YouTube, media player) have their own volume control — turn it up there too.

Should the sound play through the projector/speaker?

With HDMI transmission, sound is normally included. Select the projector name or the HDMI output as the audio output device. With separate speakers, the audio cable (usually 3.5 mm jack) must be plugged in and the correct device selected.

Audio control in Windows 11

In Windows 11, sound is controlled via the Quick Settings at the bottom right:

Volume: click the speaker icon at the bottom right (or Windows + A for Quick Settings) → move the slider
Mute: click the speaker icon once — a crossed-out icon means muted
Keyboard: many laptops have their own volume and mute keys (in the F-key row at the top)

Switch between audio outputs (HDMI ↔ laptop speakers)

Via HDMI, sound is sent to the projector. If you want it to come from the laptop speakers instead (or vice versa), switch the output device:

Open the volume control

Click the speaker icon at the bottom right of the taskbar.

Expand the device list

Click the small arrow ">" to the right of the volume slider — the list of all audio outputs appears.

Select a device

Choose the desired device:

Projector/HDMI name → sound plays through the projector
"Speakers" → sound plays through the laptop speakers
Headphone name → sound plays through the connected jack (headphones/speaker)

Test

Play a short video or a system sound to check that the audio comes from the correct device.

Sound comes from the laptop instead of the projector?

Then the wrong output device is active. Use the device list (steps above) to switch to the HDMI/projector name. If the projector is not listed: re-plug the HDMI cable and send the image again with Windows + P.

Internet / WiFi

No internet connection

Check the WiFi icon in the taskbar — is there a connection and signal?
Turn WiFi off and on again (or toggle airplane mode briefly)
Restarting the device solves most connection problems
Detailed WiFi guide: WiFi page

A specific website does not load

Reload the page (F5 or Ctrl + R)
Some sites are blocked by the school's web filter (child protection) — report incorrectly blocked sites to admin@bgzwn.at
Try a different browser (Edge, Firefox, Chrome)

Printing

Printer does not print

Is the correct printer selected? (not "PDF" or an old device)
Printer switched on, paper loaded, no error on the display?
With the SafeQ system: the print job is released at the printer with the edu.Card or login (FollowMe printing)
Print jobs stay in the queue for 4 days — resend if needed

Paper jam

Open the printer flaps and carefully pull out the jammed paper in the direction of travel
Don't leave any scraps of paper behind — they cause the next jam
Insert the paper tray correctly and do not overfill it

Online lessons / Microsoft Teams

Camera or microphone not working

Select the correct device in Teams

In the meeting: "…" (More) → Settings → Devices → select the correct camera and microphone.

Check mute

Is the microphone icon crossed out? Click it once to activate. Some headsets have their own mute button.

Check permissions (Windows)

Settings → Privacy → Camera/Microphone → allow access for apps.

Close other apps

Camera/microphone can only be used by one app at a time — close other video apps (Zoom, etc.).

Share your screen in Teams

In the meeting, click the "Share" icon (square with an arrow)
Choose "Screen" for everything or "Window" for a single program
To include sound (video): tick "Include computer sound"

Document camera / Visualizer

Switch on the device and select the correct HDMI source on the projector
If the camera connects to the PC via USB: open the matching software/app and display the camera image there
Set the sharpness with the focus button, ensure sufficient lighting

Interactive display / Smartboard

Touch not responding / inaccurate: check the USB touch cable between display and PC; restart the display
Pen not writing: select the correct input/mode on the display; with battery pens, check the charge
No image: like the projector — correct source (HDMI) and Windows + P "Duplicate"

Presentation (PowerPoint & PDF)

Start presentation: F5 (from the beginning) or Shift + F5 (from the current slide)
End presentation: Esc
Presenter view (notes on the PC, slide on the projector): requires "Extend" mode (Windows + P)
Black out the screen during the presentation: press B (black) or W (white) — press again to resume

Connector Types & Ports

The most important connectors in everyday school life — what they look like and what they are used for:

USB-A

Flat, rectangular connector — fits only one way around. For: USB sticks, mouse, keyboard, printers, older devices.

USB-C

Small, oval connector — reversible (fits either way). For: charging, modern laptops/tablets, video output and data — the new standard.

HDMI

Wide connector with chamfered bottom corners — carries video and audio together. For: projectors, monitors, TVs.

Jack (3.5 mm)

Thin round pin with grooves (audio plug). For: headphones, speakers, microphones (analogue audio).

RJ45 (LAN / network)

Wide connector with a clip — like a thick phone plug. For: wired internet/network.

Adapters & tips

Modern laptops often only have USB-C — for a projector (HDMI) or network (RJ45) you then need a USB-C adapter / dock.
Never force a connector — if it doesn't fit, it's the wrong type or upside down (except USB-C: fits either way).
No image despite HDMI? See the "Projector shows no image" section above.

Useful keyboard shortcuts (Windows)

Shortcut	Function
Windows + P	Select projector/screen mode
Ctrl + Shift + Esc	Task Manager (end frozen programs)
Ctrl + S	Save (use regularly!)
Ctrl + Z	Undo the last action
Alt + Tab	Switch between open windows
Windows + L	Lock the PC (when leaving the room)
Windows + D	Minimise all windows (show desktop)
F5	Reload page / start presentation
Windows + period (.)	Emoji and special character picker

When to contact IT?

If the quick help does not solve the problem, contact the IT administration. Please provide as much detail as possible:

Room (e.g. room 204, computer lab 2)
Device (PC, projector, display, iPad …)
What isn't working? As precise a description as possible
Exact error message (ideally a photo)
What has already been tried? (e.g. restart)
How urgent? (e.g. current lesson affected)

Contact IT Administration

admin@bgzwn.at — for urgent problems during lessons, contact the IT team on site directly. A photo of the error message speeds up the solution considerably.

Last updated: 3 June 2026