How to Connect a PC to a TV: Cable Types and Setup Steps

Yes, you can connect a PC to a TV with the right cable or wireless method

A PC and TV can be connected using HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or wireless casting—the method depends on which ports your devices have and how far apart they sit. HDMI is the most common choice because nearly every TV made in the last 15 years has an HDMI port, and most PCs have one too. The connection takes about two minutes and costs between $10 and $30 for a cable. Once plugged in, your TV becomes a second monitor or a mirror of your PC screen.

Before you buy a cable, check the back and sides of both your PC and TV to see which ports are available. A port is a socket where a cable plugs in. Your PC might have HDMI, DisplayPort (a smaller rectangular slot), USB-C (a small oval slot), or older ports like VGA or DVI. Your TV almost certainly has at least one HDMI port, usually labeled "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," and so on.

Key Takeaways

HDMI is the easiest connection method because both PCs and TVs have HDMI ports, and the cable costs $10 to $30.
Check which ports are on the back of your PC and TV before buying a cable—the wrong cable will not fit.
After plugging in the cable, you may need to press the TV remote's input button to switch to the HDMI port your PC is using.
Your PC will detect the TV as a second monitor, and you can choose to mirror the screen or extend it across both displays.
Wireless casting works if your PC and TV both support it, but wired connections are faster and more reliable for gaming or video.

HDMI: The standard wired connection

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) carries both picture and sound through one cable, so you do not need a separate audio cable. An HDMI cable has a flat, rectangular connector about the size of a USB port. Most PCs have a full-size HDMI port; some newer laptops use mini-HDMI or USB-C instead. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports on the back or side.

To connect: plug one end of the HDMI cable into your PC's HDMI port and the other end into any HDMI port on your TV. Then pick up your TV remote and press the button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI." A menu will appear showing which HDMI ports are available. Select the port you plugged the cable into—for example, "HDMI 1" or "HDMI 2." Your PC screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If nothing appears, restart your PC with the TV already on and set to the correct HDMI input. If you still see nothing, right-click on your PC's desktop, look for "Display Settings" or "Graphics Settings," and check whether the TV is listed as a connected monitor. You may need to click a button that says "Detect" or "Extend Display."

DisplayPort and USB-C for newer PCs

Newer PCs, especially laptops and gaming desktops, often use DisplayPort or USB-C instead of HDMI. DisplayPort is a rectangular port slightly larger than HDMI and carries video and audio. USB-C is a small oval port that can carry video, audio, and power all at once. Both are faster than HDMI and support higher resolutions and refresh rates, which matters if you play games or edit video.

If your PC has DisplayPort, buy a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable (around $15 to $25) and plug the DisplayPort end into your PC and the HDMI end into your TV. If your PC has USB-C, check whether it supports video output—not all USB-C ports do. Look in your PC's manual or search the model number plus "USB-C video." If it does, buy a USB-C-to-HDMI cable or adapter. Plug it in the same way: USB-C end to the PC, HDMI end to the TV.

USB-C adapters are convenient because the same port charges your laptop and connects to the TV, but they cost $20 to $40. Make sure you buy an adapter that explicitly says it supports video output, not just charging or data transfer.

Older PCs: VGA and DVI connections

If your PC is more than 10 years old, it may have a VGA port (a blue port with three rows of small holes) or a DVI port (a white or black port with a flat edge and small pins). Newer TVs rarely have these ports, so you will need an adapter. A VGA-to-HDMI adapter costs $15 to $30 and converts the signal from your PC to HDMI so you can plug it into your TV. A DVI-to-HDMI adapter costs about the same.

One important note: VGA and DVI carry video only, not audio. If you use one of these adapters, you will see a picture on your TV but hear no sound. To get sound, you will need a separate audio cable running from your PC's headphone jack or audio output to your TV's audio input, or to a speaker system. This is why HDMI is so much simpler—it handles both at once.

Wireless casting without a cable

If you do not want to run a cable, you can cast your PC screen to your TV wirelessly using Miracast (on Windows PCs) or AirPlay (on Macs). Miracast is built into Windows 10 and later. To use it, make sure your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, then right-click your PC's desktop and select "Cast to Device" or "Connect to a Wireless Display." Your TV should appear in the list. Click it, and your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

Not all TVs support Miracast—check your TV's manual or search the model number plus "Miracast." If your TV does not have it built in, you can buy a wireless adapter like a Chromecast or Roku device and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. Then cast from your PC the same way. Wireless casting is convenient for presentations or watching videos, but it is slower than a wired connection and can lag if your Wi-Fi is weak. For gaming or fast-paced video, a cable is more reliable.

Choosing between mirror and extend modes

Once your PC is connected to your TV, Windows will ask what you want to do. You can mirror your screen (show the same thing on both the PC monitor and TV) or extend your display (use the TV as a second monitor with different content on each). To change this later, right-click your desktop and select "Display Settings." Scroll down to find "Multiple Displays" and choose "Duplicate These Displays" to mirror or "Extend These Displays" to use both separately.

Mirroring is useful for presentations or watching videos with others. Extending is useful if you want to work on your PC while watching something on the TV, or if you want more screen space for gaming or design work. You can drag windows from your PC monitor to the TV screen when in extend mode.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is buying the wrong cable type. Before you buy, look at your PC and TV ports carefully and match them exactly. If your PC has HDMI and your TV has HDMI, buy an HDMI cable—do not buy an adapter unless you need one. If you are unsure, take a photo of the ports and show it to a store employee or search online for your PC and TV model numbers.

Another mistake is forgetting to switch the TV to the correct HDMI input. Many people plug in the cable, turn on the TV, and see a blank screen because the TV is still showing cable or satellite input instead of HDMI. Always press the Input or Source button on the remote after plugging in the cable.

A third mistake is buying a very cheap cable. A $3 HDMI cable from a discount bin may work at first but can develop connection problems after a few months. Spend $10 to $20 on a cable from a reputable brand. It will last years and save you frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special cable or will any HDMI cable work?

Any standard HDMI cable will work. You do not need to buy an expensive "premium" or "high-speed" cable. A basic HDMI cable from any electronics store will carry video and audio perfectly well. The only exception is if you are using a very long cable (over 25 feet), in which case a thicker, shielded cable may help prevent signal loss.

Can I use my TV as my main monitor instead of a second one?

Yes. Once connected, right-click your desktop, select "Display Settings," and under "Multiple Displays" choose "Use This Display as the Main Display." Your TV becomes your primary screen. Keep in mind that TVs are not ideal for close-up work like reading text or editing documents because the pixels are larger and the resolution is lower than a computer monitor of the same size.

Why is there no sound coming from my TV?

If you used HDMI, the sound should come through automatically. If it does not, right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar, select "Open Sound Settings," and check that your TV is listed under "Output Devices." Click it to select it. If you used an older cable like VGA or DVI, you need a separate audio cable from your PC's headphone jack to your TV's audio input.

Can I connect my PC to my TV wirelessly?

Yes, using Miracast on Windows or AirPlay on Mac, provided your TV supports it or you have a wireless adapter like Chromecast. Wireless is convenient but slower and less reliable than a cable, especially for gaming. For the best experience, use a wired connection if you can.

What if my PC and TV are far apart?

HDMI cables come in lengths up to 50 feet, though cables longer than 25 feet may lose signal quality. If the distance is too great, buy a longer cable or use a wireless casting method instead. You can also use an HDMI extender or repeater, which boosts the signal over long distances, but these cost $30 to $60.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.