How to Connect Your Computer to Your TV

The fastest way depends on what ports your devices have

The connection method that works for you depends on which ports exist on both your computer and your TV. Most modern TVs have HDMI ports, which accept video and audio in one cable. Older TVs may have VGA, DVI, or component ports instead. Your computer likely has HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, or a combination of these. Check the back and sides of both devices before you buy a cable.

HDMI is the standard choice because it carries both picture and sound, requires only one cable, and works with nearly every TV made in the last fifteen years. If your computer lacks HDMI, an adapter from USB-C or DisplayPort to HDMI costs between $15 and $40 and solves the problem. Wireless options exist but introduce lag and complexity; they are worth considering only if running a cable is genuinely impossible.

Key Takeaways

HDMI is the simplest connection: one cable carries video and audio from your computer to your TV, and works with almost all modern televisions.
If your computer has USB-C or DisplayPort instead of HDMI, buy an adapter rather than replacing the computer or TV.
Wireless connections like Miracast and AirPlay work without cables but introduce delay and require both devices to support the same standard.
After connecting the cable, you may need to change your TV's input source and adjust your computer's display settings to show the picture on the TV.
Audio may route through the TV speakers, your computer speakers, or an external speaker system depending on which connection method you use and how you configure it.

HDMI: the one-cable solution

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the standard connection for computers and TVs. One HDMI cable carries video and audio together. Plug one end into the HDMI port on your computer and the other into any HDMI port on your TV. Most TVs have two to four HDMI ports on the back or side.

After you plug in the cable, pick up your TV remote and press the Input or Source button. A menu will appear showing all the inputs your TV can receive. Select the HDMI port you plugged into — it may be labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3. Your computer screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If the picture does not appear, check your computer's display settings. On Windows, right-click the desktop and select Display Settings. On Mac, go to System Preferences and choose Displays. Both systems should detect the TV automatically, but you may need to tell the computer to extend the display (show different content on each screen) or mirror it (show the same thing on both).

USB-C and DisplayPort adapters when HDMI is not available

Newer laptops, especially thin models, often have USB-C or Thunderbolt ports instead of HDMI. These ports can carry video, but your TV does not have a USB-C port. You need an adapter that converts USB-C or DisplayPort to HDMI. These adapters cost $15 to $40 and are sold at any electronics retailer.

Plug the adapter into your computer's USB-C or DisplayPort, then plug an HDMI cable into the adapter. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV. The process from this point is identical to a direct HDMI connection: switch your TV's input to the HDMI port and adjust your computer's display settings if needed.

Make sure you buy an adapter that matches your computer's port. A USB-C to HDMI adapter will not work in a Thunderbolt port on some older Macs, though most newer Macs accept either. If you are unsure, check your computer's manual or search the model number plus "video output ports."

Wireless connections: Miracast, AirPlay, and Chromecast

Wireless connections let you send video from your computer to your TV without a cable. The three main standards are Miracast (Windows), AirPlay (Mac and iPhone), and Chromecast (Google devices and some smart TVs). Each requires both your computer and TV to support the same standard.

Miracast is built into Windows 10 and later. On your computer, press Windows Key + K to open the Connect panel, then select your TV from the list. Your TV must have Miracast built in or you must connect a Miracast receiver (a small device that plugs into an HDMI port). Miracast works but introduces noticeable lag — typically half a second or more — which makes it unsuitable for gaming or video playback.

AirPlay works on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Click the Control Center icon in the top right of your Mac, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. AirPlay has less lag than Miracast but requires an Apple TV device or a TV that explicitly supports AirPlay 2.

Chromecast is Google's standard. If your TV has Chromecast built in, open Chrome on your computer, click the three-dot menu, select Cast, and choose your TV. Chromecast works well for streaming video but does not mirror your entire desktop — it sends only the content from your browser tab.

Adjusting audio routing and display settings

After your computer connects to the TV, sound may come from the TV speakers, your computer speakers, or an external speaker system. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select Open Volume Mixer. Look for the process you are using (such as your web browser or media player) and change its audio output to your TV or to your preferred speakers.

On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Sound, and choose the Output tab. Select your TV from the list if you want sound to come through the TV speakers. If you want sound from your computer speakers instead, select Built-in Speaker.

For display settings, you can choose to extend your display (use the TV as a second monitor, with different content on each screen) or mirror it (show the same thing on both). On Windows, right-click the desktop, select Display Settings, and scroll down to Multiple Displays. Choose Extend These Displays or Duplicate These Displays. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Displays, and check the Arrangement tab to see how your screens are configured.

Troubleshooting when the picture does not appear

If you plug in the cable and nothing shows on the TV, start by checking the TV's input. Press the Input or Source button on the remote and make sure you have selected the correct HDMI port. If you plugged into HDMI 2, select HDMI 2 on the TV — selecting HDMI 1 will show nothing.

Next, check your computer. On Windows, press Windows Key + P to open the Project menu and select Extend or Duplicate. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Displays, and look for the TV in the list. If the TV does not appear, unplug the cable, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. Both devices should detect each other within a few seconds.

If you are using an adapter, try a different USB-C or DisplayPort on your computer if your device has more than one. Some ports on newer laptops are USB-only and do not carry video. If the adapter has a light, make sure it is on. If the light is off, the adapter may not be receiving power — try a different USB-C cable or a powered adapter.

For wireless connections, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both your computer and TV, then try connecting again. Wireless connections are more fragile than cables; if you need a reliable connection, use HDMI.

Choosing between cable and wireless for your situation

Use HDMI or an HDMI adapter if you want the most reliable connection with the least setup. A cable costs $10 to $20, works every time, and carries both video and audio. This is the right choice for watching movies, gaming, or any situation where a dropped connection would be annoying.

Use wireless if you frequently move between rooms or if running a cable would be difficult. Miracast, AirPlay, and Chromecast all work, but each has trade-offs. Miracast has lag. AirPlay requires an Apple TV or compatible TV. Chromecast does not mirror your full desktop. Test the wireless option before you rely on it for something important.

If you use your computer with your TV regularly, consider a long HDMI cable (25 feet or more) routed along the wall or through cable channels. This costs less than a wireless receiver and is more reliable than any wireless standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special cable or can I use any HDMI cable?

Any HDMI cable works. There is no difference between a $5 cable and a $50 cable for video quality. Buy the length you need and the cheapest option available. HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 cables exist, but for most uses (watching video, browsing the web) a standard HDMI cable is fine.

Can I use an old VGA or DVI cable instead of HDMI?

VGA and DVI cables carry video only, not audio. If your TV has a VGA or DVI port and your computer has the matching port, you can use it, but you will need a separate audio cable (usually a 3.5mm headphone jack) to get sound. HDMI is simpler because it handles both in one cable. If you have an old TV with only VGA, buy a VGA-to-HDMI adapter instead of using the VGA cable directly.

Why is my computer showing a different resolution on the TV than on my monitor?

Your TV and monitor may support different resolutions. On Windows, right-click the desktop, select Display Settings, and look at the Resolution dropdown for each display. You can set them to match or leave them different. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Displays, and choose the resolution you want from the Scaled options.

Can I use my TV as a second monitor for work?

Yes. Connect your computer to the TV with HDMI, then on Windows press Windows Key + P and select Extend These Displays. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Displays, and check the Arrangement tab. Your TV will act as a second monitor. You can drag windows between your computer screen and the TV, or use the TV to display one process while your computer shows another.

What if my TV is in another room and I cannot run a cable?

Use a wireless connection. Miracast (Windows), AirPlay (Mac), or Chromecast (Google) all work without cables. Be aware that wireless connections have lag and may drop if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. For streaming video or web browsing, this is usually acceptable. For gaming or real-time work, a cable is more reliable.

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.