How to Stream Video and Audio from Your Computer to Your TV

The simplest ways to send what's on your screen to your television

You can send video and audio from your computer to your TV using either a cable connection, a wireless connection, or a built-in streaming feature. The method that works best depends on what TV and computer you own, how far apart they are, and whether you want to mirror your entire screen or just play a single video or music file.

Most people use one of three routes: an HDMI cable (the fastest and most reliable), a wireless casting device like Chromecast or AirPlay (works from across the room), or a built-in feature on your TV if it's a smart TV. Each has different setup steps and works better for different tasks.

Key Takeaways

An HDMI cable is the most straightforward connection and works with nearly every computer and TV made in the last ten years.
Wireless casting (Chromecast, AirPlay, or Miracast) lets you send video from anywhere in your home without running a cable.
Smart TVs with built-in apps like Netflix or YouTube can play content directly without needing your computer at all.
Streaming over Wi-Fi sometimes stutters or drops if your router is far away or your signal is weak; a cable connection never does.
Different apps and services have different casting support, so check whether the app you want to use works with your TV before you buy hardware.

Using an HDMI cable: the direct connection

An HDMI cable runs from a port on your computer to a port on your TV. This is the most reliable method because the signal travels through the cable itself—there is no wireless interference, no buffering, and no setup beyond plugging in and selecting the right input on your TV remote.

Check what ports your computer has. Windows laptops and desktops usually have an HDMI port (a flat rectangular slot). Some newer laptops, especially thin models, use USB-C or Thunderbolt instead and need an adapter. Macs with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 chips) use USB-C or Thunderbolt; older Macs with Intel processors may have HDMI or Thunderbolt. If you are not sure, look at the ports on the side or back of your computer or search your computer model online.

Buy an HDMI cable long enough to reach from your computer to your TV—they come in lengths from 3 feet to 50 feet. Plug one end into your computer and the other into any HDMI port on your TV. Pick up your TV remote, press the Input or Source button, and select the HDMI port you plugged into (it will say HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Your computer screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your computer has a USB-C or Thunderbolt port instead of HDMI, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (around $15 to $30) and plug the adapter into your computer, then plug the HDMI cable into the adapter. The process is otherwise identical.

Wireless casting with Chromecast or similar devices

Chromecast is a small device you plug into an HDMI port on your TV. Once set up, it receives video and audio from your computer over Wi-Fi and displays it on the TV. Google makes Chromecast; Amazon makes a similar device called Fire TV Stick; Roku makes its own streaming devices. All work roughly the same way.

To set up Chromecast, plug it into an HDMI port on your TV and power it on (it draws power from a USB cable). Follow the on-screen instructions on your TV to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Once it is connected, open any app on your computer that supports casting—Chrome browser, YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and many others have a Cast button. Click the Cast button, select your Chromecast device from the list, and the content will appear on your TV within a few seconds.

Chromecast works best when you are casting a single app or video. If you want to mirror your entire computer screen (so your TV shows everything you see on your monitor), open Chrome browser, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast", then click "Cast desktop" instead of selecting a specific app. This uses more Wi-Fi bandwidth and may stutter if your router is far away.

The main advantage of Chromecast is that you can control playback from your phone or computer—you do not have to hold a remote. The main disadvantage is that it depends on your Wi-Fi network, so a weak signal or a crowded network can cause buffering or disconnections.

AirPlay for Mac and iPhone users

AirPlay is Apple's wireless casting system. If you own a Mac and an Apple TV device (a small box that plugs into your TV), you can send video and audio from your Mac to your TV using AirPlay without any additional setup beyond connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.

To use AirPlay from a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your screen, click Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your Mac screen will appear on your TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and click Screen Mirroring, then select "Turn Off Mirroring".

You can also use AirPlay to send audio only—for example, to play music from your Mac through your TV's speakers. Open the app playing the music, look for an AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with sound waves), and select your Apple TV.

AirPlay only works with Apple devices and Apple TV. If you have a Mac but a different brand of TV, you will need to use an HDMI cable or a Chromecast device instead.

Miracast for Windows computers and compatible TVs

Miracast is a wireless standard built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. If your TV supports Miracast (many newer smart TVs do, but not all), you can mirror your Windows screen to your TV without any extra hardware beyond what you already own.

To check if your TV supports Miracast, look in your TV's settings menu or search your TV model number online. If it does, open the Windows Action Center by pressing Windows key + A, click "Project" or "Connect", and select your TV from the list. Your screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds.

Miracast is convenient because it requires no extra device, but it is slower and less stable than an HDMI cable. If your TV does not support Miracast, or if the connection keeps dropping, use an HDMI cable or a Chromecast device instead.

Smart TV apps: streaming without your computer

Many modern TVs have built-in apps for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Spotify, and other streaming services. If your TV has the app you want to use, you can play content directly on your TV without turning on your computer at all. This is often the simplest option if you just want to watch a movie or listen to music.

To use a smart TV app, press the Home button on your TV remote, look for the app you want (Netflix, YouTube, etc.), and open it. Log in with your account if you have not already. You can then browse and play content using your TV remote.

The downside is that not every app is available on every TV brand, and some apps may be outdated or missing features. If the app you want is not on your TV, or if it does not work well, you can always fall back to casting from your computer using one of the methods above.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If your video keeps buffering or cutting out, move your computer and router closer together, or switch to an HDMI cable connection. Wi-Fi streaming depends on signal strength, and obstacles like walls or distance can cause problems. A cable connection is immune to these issues.

If your TV does not recognize your computer or casting device, make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your router and your TV, then try again. If you are using an HDMI cable and the TV shows no picture, try a different HDMI port on your TV, or restart your computer.

If the picture is stretched or the wrong size, look for an aspect ratio or zoom setting in your TV's picture menu. Some TVs automatically adjust, but others need manual adjustment. If the sound is not working, check that your TV volume is not muted, and that your computer is not muted either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any HDMI cable, or do I need a special one?

Any standard HDMI cable works. You do not need to buy an expensive one—a basic cable from any electronics store will work just as well. The only thing that matters is the length: make sure it is long enough to reach from your computer to your TV.

What if my computer does not have an HDMI port?

Buy an adapter that matches your computer's port type. If your computer has USB-C, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter. If it has Thunderbolt, buy a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter. These cost $15 to $40 and work with any HDMI cable. Plug the adapter into your computer, then plug the HDMI cable into the adapter.

Does wireless casting work if my router is in another room?

It depends on the distance and obstacles. If your router is one room away with no walls between you and it, casting usually works fine. If it is farther away or separated by multiple walls, you may see buffering or disconnections. An HDMI cable avoids this problem entirely.

Can I use my phone to cast to my TV instead of my computer?

Yes. Android phones can cast to Chromecast and other devices using the Cast button in compatible apps. iPhones can use AirPlay to cast to Apple TV. The process is the same as casting from a computer—open the app, tap the Cast button, and select your device.

What is the difference between mirroring and casting?

Mirroring sends your entire screen to the TV, so the TV shows everything you see on your monitor. Casting sends a single app or video, so the TV shows only that content while you can do other things on your computer. Mirroring uses more bandwidth and may stutter; casting is more efficient.

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.