The three ways to connect your computer to a TV
You can connect your computer to a television using a cable, wirelessly through your home network, or through a streaming device. The method that works best depends on what ports your computer and TV have, how far apart they are, and whether you want to mirror your screen or extend it to show different content on each display.
Cable connections are the most reliable and require no setup beyond plugging in. Wireless connections work from anywhere in your home but need both devices on the same network. Streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV sit between your computer and TV and handle the connection for you.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI cables work with almost all modern computers and televisions and are the fastest way to get a picture on your TV screen.
- Check what ports your computer actually has — USB-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI all look different and need different cables or adapters.
- Wireless casting works from your computer to your TV if both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but the picture may lag slightly during video or gaming.
- If your computer has no video output port, a USB-C hub or docking station can add one without opening your computer.
- Your TV remote will not control your computer — you will need your keyboard, mouse, or a wireless remote designed for your computer.
Using an HDMI cable — the most straightforward method
An HDMI cable is the simplest way to connect your computer to a TV. One end plugs into your computer's HDMI port, and the other end plugs into any HDMI port on your TV. The picture appears on your TV immediately, and audio travels through the same cable.
Most desktop computers and laptops made in the last ten years have an HDMI port. Look for a flat, rectangular port about the size of a USB connector. If you do not see one, your computer may have a different video port — check the next section.
Turn on your TV and set it to the correct HDMI input using your TV remote. You may see a menu asking which input to use, or the TV may switch automatically. Your computer screen will appear on the television. You can then adjust the resolution and display settings from your computer's display settings menu.
Finding the right cable or adapter for your computer's ports
Not all computers have HDMI. Newer laptops, especially thin models, often use USB-C or DisplayPort instead. Older computers may have VGA or DVI ports. The cable you need depends on which port your computer has.
Look at the sides and back of your computer. HDMI ports are flat and rectangular. USB-C ports are small and oval-shaped. DisplayPort connectors are rectangular with a small notch on one corner. VGA ports are blue and have three rows of small holes. Once you identify your port, you can buy the matching cable or an adapter that converts your port to HDMI.
If your computer has USB-C, you have two options: buy a USB-C to HDMI cable, or buy a USB-C hub that includes an HDMI port. A hub is useful if you want to connect multiple devices at once. If your computer has DisplayPort, a DisplayPort to HDMI cable or adapter will work. These adapters cost between $10 and $30 and are sold at most electronics stores.
Casting wirelessly from your computer to your TV
If your TV and computer are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can send your screen to the TV without a cable. This is called casting or screen mirroring. The picture will appear on your TV a fraction of a second after you perform the action on your computer, which is fine for browsing but noticeable during fast video games.
On a Windows computer, press the Windows key and the K key at the same time. A menu will appear showing available devices. Select your TV from the list. On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right corner, then click Screen Mirroring, and select your TV.
Your TV must support a wireless casting standard like Miracast, AirPlay, or Chromecast. Most TVs made in the last five years support at least one of these. If your TV does not, you can add casting capability with a streaming device like a Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV box.
Using a streaming device as a middle step
A streaming device is a small box that connects to your TV's HDMI port and your home Wi-Fi network. Your computer sends its screen to the device, and the device sends it to the TV. This adds one extra step but gives you more control and works with older TVs that do not have built-in casting.
Common streaming devices include Google Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. They cost between $30 and $150 depending on the model. Once you plug one in and connect it to your Wi-Fi, your computer can cast to it the same way it would cast directly to a TV — using the Windows key and K on Windows, or Control Center on Mac.
Streaming devices are also useful if you want to watch content from multiple sources. You can cast from your computer, then switch to watching Netflix or YouTube without unplugging anything.
Adjusting resolution and display settings after you connect
Once your computer is connected to your TV, you may need to adjust how the picture looks. Your TV might show your desktop at a very small size, or the picture might be stretched or cut off at the edges.
On Windows, right-click on your desktop and select Display Settings. You will see options to change the resolution, orientation, and scaling. Start by setting the resolution to match your TV's native resolution — this is usually listed in your TV's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If the picture is too small to read, increase the scaling percentage.
On a Mac, click the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Displays. You can change the resolution and scaling here as well. If you want to use your TV as your main display and your computer monitor as a secondary display, you can arrange them in this menu.
Controlling your computer when it is connected to your TV
Your TV remote will not control your computer. You will need to use your computer's keyboard and mouse, or connect a wireless keyboard and mouse to your computer. Some people use a wireless remote designed for computers, which looks like a small keyboard with a trackpad built in.
If you are sitting far from your computer, a wireless keyboard and mouse make the experience much more comfortable. These are inexpensive — usually $20 to $50 — and connect to your computer through a USB receiver or Bluetooth.
If you are casting wirelessly, you can also control your computer from your phone using remote desktop software like Chrome Remote Desktop or Microsoft Remote Desktop. This lets you navigate your computer from across the room without any extra hardware.
Troubleshooting when your TV does not show a picture
If you plug in a cable and nothing appears on your TV, start by checking that the TV is set to the correct input. Use your TV remote to cycle through the HDMI inputs until you see your computer's screen. Most TVs have an Input or Source button on the remote.
If the TV is on the right input but still shows nothing, unplug the cable from both devices, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart your computer. If you are using an adapter, try a different adapter — some adapters are faulty out of the box.
If you are casting wirelessly and your TV does not appear in the list of available devices, make sure both your computer and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and your computer's Wi-Fi. If your TV does not support the casting standard your computer is using, you will need to add a streaming device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my TV as a monitor for gaming?
Yes, but there are trade-offs. A cable connection has no lag and works perfectly for gaming. Wireless casting adds a slight delay that makes fast-paced games harder to play. Most gamers use a cable connection for competitive games and wireless casting for casual use.
Will connecting my computer to my TV damage either device?
No. HDMI cables and wireless casting are designed to be safe. Make sure the cable is not pinched or bent sharply, and do not force the connector into the port. If a cable does not fit easily, you may have the wrong type of cable.
Can I connect my computer to my TV and still use my monitor at the same time?
Yes. Your computer can display different content on your monitor and your TV, or show the same content on both. You control this in your display settings. On Windows, right-click your desktop and select Display Settings. On Mac, go to System Settings and then Displays.
What if my TV only has one HDMI port and I need it for something else?
You can buy an HDMI splitter or switch that lets multiple devices share one port. These cost $15 to $40. Alternatively, use wireless casting instead of a cable, which frees up the HDMI port for another device.
Do I need a special cable for 4K video?
Standard HDMI cables work for 4K, but older cables may not. If you are buying a new cable, look for one labeled HDMI 2.0 or higher to ensure it supports 4K. Most cables sold today meet this standard.