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How to Connect a Laptop to a TV (HDMI and Wireless)
A TV makes a big, cheap second screen for presentations at home, video calls with family, streaming or simply working on something larger than a 14 inch laptop display. Most laptops connect with one HDMI cable in under a minute, and many can connect wirelessly too. The steps below cover both, plus the fixes for the usual problems: no picture, no sound and an image that does not fit the screen.
Key takeaways
- HDMI is the simplest and most reliable connection, and it carries sound.
- Use the TV’s Source or Input button to select the port you plugged into.
- Windows key + P switches between Duplicate, Extend and Second screen only.
- Not every USB-C port carries video, so check for a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt symbol.
- Wireless works on many smart TVs, but a cable is better for video and gaming.
Choose the right cable
| Laptop port | What you need | Sound through the TV? |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI | A standard HDMI cable | Yes |
| USB-C with DisplayPort or Thunderbolt | USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter | Yes |
| Mini DisplayPort or DisplayPort | DisplayPort to HDMI cable or adapter | Usually yes |
| VGA only (older laptops) | VGA cable, if the TV has a VGA (PC) input | No, use the headphone jack or speakers |
How to connect a laptop to a TV with HDMI
- Plug the HDMI cable into the laptop and into a free HDMI port on the TV. Note the port number, for example HDMI 2.
- Turn the TV on and press Source or Input on the remote. Select the HDMI port you used.
- On the laptop, press Windows key + P and choose Duplicate to mirror your screen, or Extend to use the TV as a second display.
- If the picture does not appear straight away, open Settings, then System, then Display, and click Detect under Multiple displays.
Duplicate or Extend?
| Mode | What you see | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate | The same image on the laptop and the TV | Showing photos, slides or a video to a room |
| Extend | The TV becomes extra desktop space | Working with two windows side by side |
| Second screen only | The laptop screen turns off | Watching films or using the TV as your only screen |
How to connect a laptop to a TV wirelessly
- Miracast on Windows: many smart TVs support screen mirroring. Turn on the TV’s screen mirroring or screen share mode, then press Windows key + K on the laptop and choose the TV.
- Chromecast or Google TV: in the Chrome browser, open the menu, choose Cast, and pick the device. You can cast a tab or the whole screen.
- AirPlay on a Mac: Apple TV and many recent smart TVs support AirPlay. Click Control Centre, then Screen Mirroring, and choose the TV.
Fixes for common problems
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| No signal on the TV | Check the TV is on the right HDMI input, reseat the cable, then press Windows key + P and choose Duplicate |
| No sound from the TV | Click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select the TV or HDMI output |
| Edges of the picture cut off | In the TV’s picture settings, set the picture size to Just Scan, Screen Fit or Fit to screen (names vary by brand) |
| Text looks blurry | Set the laptop to the TV’s recommended resolution in Display settings |
| Picture flickers or drops out | Try a different HDMI cable or port; long and very cheap cables are common culprits |
Is a TV a good computer monitor?
For occasional use, yes. For a full working day at a desk, a proper monitor is usually better: it sits closer, has sharper text at the right size and fits an ergonomic setup. Our guide to choosing a refurbished monitor covers sizes and ports, and current stock is in our refurbished monitors range. Presenting in a meeting room instead? See how to connect a laptop to a projector.
If your current laptop lacks HDMI or a video-capable USB-C port, most business models in our refurbished laptops range have a full-size HDMI port, and they ship with genuine Windows Pro and a 1-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my laptop not connecting to my TV with HDMI?
The TV is usually on the wrong input, or the laptop is set to PC screen only. Select the correct HDMI input and press Windows key + P to choose Duplicate.
How do I get sound through the TV?
Click the speaker icon on the taskbar and choose the TV or HDMI device as the output. HDMI carries sound, VGA does not.
Can I connect a laptop to a TV without HDMI?
Yes. Use a USB-C or DisplayPort adapter, or connect wirelessly with Miracast, Chromecast or AirPlay if your TV supports it.
Can I close the laptop lid while using the TV?
Yes, if you change the lid setting. Search for “Change what closing the lid does” in Windows and set it to Do nothing when plugged in.
One cable, the right input and Windows key + P cover almost every laptop and TV. Keep a spare HDMI cable and a USB-C adapter in your bag and you will rarely be stuck.