How to Mirror Your PC Screen to Your TV

The fastest way to mirror your PC to your TV depends on what hardware you have

The simplest route is a wired HDMI cable — plug one end into your PC and the other into your TV, then switch your TV to that input. Your screen appears on the TV within seconds, with no setup required. If your PC doesn't have an HDMI port, a USB-C to HDMI adapter costs $15 to $30 and works the same way.

If you want to avoid cables, wireless casting works on most modern PCs and TVs. Windows 10 and 11 PCs can cast to any TV with Miracast support (most smart TVs made after 2015). Macs require an Apple TV box. The wireless route takes longer to set up the first time — usually 5 to 10 minutes — but once paired, connecting takes a few seconds.

A third option is streaming device software. If your TV has built-in Roku, Google TV, or Samsung SmartThings, you can use those apps to cast from your PC without buying anything extra. These work reliably but depend on your TV model and the app's compatibility with your PC operating system.

Key Takeaways

HDMI cable is the fastest and most reliable method, requiring only a cable and a TV input switch.
Miracast wireless casting works on Windows 10 and 11 PCs paired with most smart TVs, though setup takes longer than HDMI.
Your TV's built-in streaming app (Roku, Google TV, Samsung SmartThings) can cast from your PC if your TV supports it.
Older TVs without HDMI or wireless capability can use a dedicated streaming device like Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Roku Stick for $30 to $50.

Using an HDMI cable for a direct connection

An HDMI cable is the most straightforward method. Shut down your PC first, then plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the back or side of your PC and into any HDMI port on your TV. Power both devices back on, grab your TV remote, and switch to the input that matches the HDMI port you used (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on).

Your PC screen should appear on the TV when ready. If it doesn't, right-click on your PC desktop, select "Display settings" (Windows) or "System Preferences" > "Displays" (Mac), and look for an option to detect or extend the display. Most PCs recognize the TV automatically, but occasionally you need to tell the system a second display is connected.

If your PC has USB-C instead of HDMI, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (around $15 to $30) and use it the same way. Thunderbolt ports on Macs also work with USB-C adapters. Make sure the adapter is rated for video output — not all USB-C adapters support it.

Wireless casting with Miracast on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 PCs can cast wirelessly to any TV with Miracast support. Most smart TVs made after 2015 have it built in, though you may need to turn it on. Check your TV's settings menu (usually under "Network" or "Wireless") and look for "Miracast", "Screen Mirroring", or "Wireless Display". Some TVs call it "Intel WiDi" or "Miracast Ready".

On your PC, open the Action Center by pressing Windows key + A, then click "Connect" or "Project". A list of nearby devices appears. Select your TV from the list. The first time you connect, your TV may ask you to confirm the pairing — accept it. After that, your PC screen mirrors to the TV, and you can use both simultaneously (your PC screen stays independent).

If "Connect" doesn't appear, your PC may not have Miracast hardware. Older laptops and budget desktops sometimes lack it. You can check by typing "Connect" into the Windows search bar — if the app doesn't open, your PC doesn't support it. In that case, use HDMI or a streaming device instead.

Casting from a Mac to an Apple TV

Macs cannot use Miracast. Instead, they use AirPlay, which requires an Apple TV box (the $99 to $199 device, not the app). If you have an Apple TV connected to your TV, open Control Center on your Mac (click the icon in the top-right corner), select "Screen Mirroring", and choose your Apple TV from the list.

Your Mac screen appears on the TV within a few seconds. You can mirror the entire screen or extend it — extending lets you use your Mac screen and TV as two separate displays, useful for presentations or video editing. To switch between mirroring and extending, go back to Screen Mirroring in Control Center and select the option you want.

If you don't have an Apple TV, you can use an HDMI cable instead. Macs with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Older Macs with Mini DisplayPort need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. Both adapters cost $15 to $30.

Using your TV's built-in casting app

Many smart TVs have their own casting apps that work directly from your PC. If your TV runs Roku, Google TV, or Samsung SmartThings, you can read the matching app on your PC (from the Microsoft Store on Windows, or the App Store on Mac) and use it to cast without buying extra hardware.

Open the app on your PC, select your TV from the list of devices, and choose what you want to cast — usually your entire screen or a specific window. The app handles the connection, so you don't need to dig into your TV's settings. Performance is usually reliable, though it depends on your Wi-Fi strength and the app's stability.

Not all TV models support casting from PC through their app. Check your TV's manual or the app's description in the store to confirm compatibility before downloading. If the app doesn't work or your TV doesn't have one, fall back to HDMI or Miracast.

Setting up a streaming device for older TVs

If your TV is older and lacks HDMI, Miracast, or a built-in app, a dedicated streaming device bridges the gap. Chromecast ($30 to $50), Fire Stick ($40 to $55), and Roku Stick ($30 to $50) all plug into your TV's HDMI port and let you cast from your PC. Chromecast and Roku Stick work best with Windows PCs. Fire Stick works best with Amazon services but can still cast from any PC.

Plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and read the matching app on your PC (Google Home for Chromecast, Roku app for Roku Stick, Alexa app for Fire Stick). Open the app, select your device, and cast your screen. Setup takes about 10 minutes the first time.

These devices also let you stream Netflix, YouTube, and other services directly on your TV without using your PC, so they're useful even when you're not mirroring. If you plan to cast often, a streaming device is a one-time investment that outlasts your current PC.

Troubleshooting common mirroring problems

If your TV doesn't appear in the list of devices, make sure your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If you're using HDMI, swap cables or try a different HDMI port on your TV — sometimes a port stops working. For Miracast, make sure your TV's wireless display setting is actually turned on; many TVs have it disabled by default.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your PC closer to your TV or router. Wireless casting is sensitive to distance and interference from other devices. If the picture is laggy or pixelated, lower your PC's resolution or reduce the number of windows you have open — casting uses bandwidth, and a busy PC struggles to keep up.

On Windows, if you can't find the Connect option, update your graphics drivers. Go to Device Manager, right-click your graphics card, select "Update driver", and let Windows search for the latest version. Outdated drivers sometimes disable Miracast support. If updating doesn't help, your PC hardware may not support it, and HDMI is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my PC keyboard and mouse while mirroring to the TV?

Yes. When you mirror your screen, your PC remains fully functional. You can type, click, and control everything as normal — the TV just shows what's on your PC screen. This is useful for presentations, watching videos, or playing games on a larger display while keeping your PC in your lap or on a desk.

Does mirroring slow down my PC?

Wired HDMI has almost no impact on performance. Wireless casting uses some CPU and Wi-Fi bandwidth, so you may notice a slight slowdown on older PCs or if your Wi-Fi is weak. If your PC feels sluggish while casting, close unnecessary programs or move closer to your router.

What if my TV doesn't have any of these options?

If your TV is very old and has only composite or component inputs (colored cables), you need an HDMI converter box ($20 to $40) that accepts HDMI input and outputs to those older connectors. Alternatively, a streaming device with HDMI is usually cheaper and more reliable than a converter.

Can I mirror to multiple TVs at once?

Most methods only support one TV at a time. If you need to display on multiple screens, you would need multiple streaming devices or a more complex setup using a video splitter, which is rarely worth the cost for casual use.

Is there a delay when I'm gaming or watching video?

HDMI has virtually no delay. Wireless casting adds 100 to 300 milliseconds of lag, which is noticeable in fast-paced games but fine for watching movies or presentations. If lag matters for what you're doing, use HDMI instead.

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.