How to connect a laptop to your TV
Connecting a laptop to a TV lets you watch videos, photos or a presentation on the big screen. You will need an HDMI cable, and sometimes an adaptor. Menus differ by brand and Windows or Mac version, so use these steps as a guide.
What you need
- An HDMI cable long enough to reach.
- A free HDMI socket on the TV.
- A laptop with an HDMI socket. Many newer laptops only have USB-C sockets, so you may need a USB-C to HDMI adaptor or cable.
Connect the cable
- Turn the TV and laptop on.
- Plug one end of the cable into the laptop, via the adaptor if needed.
- Plug the other end into an HDMI socket on the TV. Note the socket number, such as HDMI 2.
- Press Source or Input on the TV remote and choose the same HDMI number.
Show the laptop screen
On Windows, press the Windows key and P together. Choose Duplicate to show the same on both screens, or Extend to use the TV as a second screen.
On a Mac, open System Settings, then Displays, and check the TV is listed. You can choose to mirror displays.
If the picture does not fit
- Look in the TV picture settings for Screen size, Aspect or Just Scan. The name varies by brand.
- Choose the option that shows the full picture without cutting off the edges.
If there is no sound
Sound should travel down the HDMI cable. If not:
- Check the TV volume and mute.
- On Windows, click the speaker icon in the bottom corner and choose the TV as the sound output.
- On a Mac, open System Settings, Sound, then Output, and pick the TV.
No signal
Try another HDMI socket, a different cable and restart both devices.
When to get more help
Get in touch if the TV says "no signal" even with a new cable, if you are not sure which adaptor you need, or if the picture looks blurry. We can help choose the right cable and settings.