How to easily connect any laptop to a TV

Your laptop is your trusty computer on the go. While it’s convenient, its compact size also means a small screen. When you want to view content on a larger screen, you can connect your laptop to your TV. This can be useful if you’re giving a presentation, streaming a Netflix show or movie, or just want the picture quality of a large screen.

You don’t need to be super tech-savvy (or call an IT pro) to figure out how to connect your laptop to your TV. It’s a pretty straightforward process and you can do it one of two ways: Wirelessly or via an HDMI cable. Read on for a step-by-step guide explaining how to take your laptop screen and put it on the big screen.

How to connect your laptop to a TV with an HDMI cable

The most straightforward way to connect a laptop to a television is via an HDMI cable. This is a cable designed for transmitting digital audio and video from one source (like your computer) to a projector, monitor, or — in this case — TV screen. Here’s how to set it up.

Step 1: First, locate your laptop’s HDMI port. This is usually on the back or side of the laptop.

If your computer doesn’t have a full-sized HDMI, it may still have a mini- or micro-HDMI, which you can connect using a converter. Many modern laptops have USB-C, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, or Mini DisplayPort, all of which can be hooked up using an HDMI adapter.

If your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can use a video graphics array (VGA) connector. However, note that a VGA cable only transmits video, so you’ll also need to connect your laptop to your TV via an audio cable.

Step 2: Once your HDMI cable is connected to your laptop, connect the other end to your TV’s HDMI input. You’ll usually find the connector on the back. If you have a very slim TV, it might be on the side. The exact location may vary depending on the device.

If you can’t locate the HDMI portal, check your TV’s user manual for a quick refresher.

Step 3: Sometimes, the TV and laptop will automatically talk and start displaying content on the screen. If not, you'll need to change the TV's input manually.

To do this, turn the TV on and use the remote control to change the TV’s source to the numbered HDMI port you plugged into.

The steps for adjusting your TV’s display options depend on the device, so check your manual if you don’t know how to do it.

Step 4: In addition to setting the appropriate source on your TV, you also need to set the relevant output on your laptop. If you have a Windows PC, press the Windows key and “P” to open the display settings.

On a Mac, click the Apple icon at the top left of the screen, System Preferences, and then Displays.

How to wirelessly connect your laptop to a TV

If you don’t want to deal with the clutter of cables that comes with an HDMI connection, you might be able to set up a wireless connection between your laptop and a TV.

The exact process will depend on whether you have an Apple MacBook, Windows PC, or Chromebook.

How to wirelessly connect to a TV using AirPlay on an Apple computer

If you have an Apple computer and an Apple TV box, setting up screen mirroring to your TV is easy.

Step 1: First, make sure both devices are using the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Then, go to the display settings: Under the Apple menu, click System Preferences and then Displays and look for AirPlay Display.

Step 3: Whether you're launching from System Preferences or your menu bar, select the Apple TV from the dropdown list. Your screen will be mirrored or extended to your TV, depending on your choices.

Step 4: What if you don’t have an Apple TV? Don’t stress. Many modern smart TVs are Apple AirPlay compatible. When you open your Display settings, you may see your TV listed. You can always check the settings of your TV to see if AirPlay needs to be enabled.

How to wirelessly connect to a TV using a Windows computer

You can also set up a wireless display between your laptop and your TV if you have a PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11. Your laptop simply needs to support screen mirroring.

Further, for this to work, you need a smart TV that can connect to Wi-Fi and supports screen mirroring. If you aren’t sure whether your devices support screen mirroring, check the manual.

Step 1: Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Then, use the remote to select screen mirroring on your TV. You should get a list of sources. You simply have to add your TV to your laptop’s approved devices.

To do this, go to settings, Connected Devices and Add Device. Select your TV from the drop-down menu. The laptop will then mirror to the TV.