How to Connect PC to TV with HDMI

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Easily connect a computer to your TV with an HDMI cable
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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your PC to a TV using an HDMI cable. Connecting your PC to your TV will enable you to display your computer screen on your TV, so you can watch movies or browse the internet on the big screen. All you need to connect the two devices is an HDMI cable.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Connecting the PC to the TV

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  1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the PC. The HDMI slot is usually behind the CPU if you have a desktop computer, or on the side of a keyboard on a laptop. [1]
    • Some PC's may use a regular HDMI port, while others will use an HDMI mini or MiniDisplay port.
    • For HDMI mini and MiniDisplay cables, one end of the cable should be an HDMI mini or MiniDisplay cable which you can plug into your computer, and the other end should be a regular sized HDMI cable.
    • Not all computers have an HDMI port. Some older computer may use a VGA or DVI cable. You can connect these to the HDMI port of a TV using an adapter and a separate audio cable. If you are using a laptop that does not have an HDMI or other video-out port, you can purchase a USB-to-HDMI adapter. You may need to install additional software on your PC.
  2. Find a free HDMI port on your TV and connect the other end of the cable to it. The ports are usually numbered and labeled with "HDMI". [2]
    • Make a note of which HDMI port you are connecting to.
    • Make sure you purchase an HDMI cable that is the right length needed to connect from your PC to your TV. Measure the distance if needed.
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  3. Look for a button on the TV or remote that says "Source", or "Input" or something similar. Use this button to select the HDMI port you connected your PC to. [3]
    • After connecting the PC and TV together, sometimes the TV will automatically display what’s on your computer monitor. If it is blank, use Method 2 to detect your TV in Windows 10.
    • Use the number labels on the HDMI ports to help you find which HDMI source your computer is connected to.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Detecting Your TV in Windows

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  1. This is usually found in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. It has an icon with the Windows logo. This displays the Start menu. [4]
  2. It's the icon that resembles a gear. It's on the left side of the Start menu.
  3. It's the first option in the Windows Settings menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a laptop computer.
  4. It's the first option in the sidebar menu to the left. This displays your Display settings.
  5. It's at the bottom of the Display Settings menu. Windows will detect any connected displays. [5]
    • Adjust the resolution as needed so it looks good on your TV. If you have an HDTV, select 1920 x 1080 in the "Resolution" drop-down menu. If you have a 4K TV, select up to 3840 x 2160 or highest possible resolution in the "Resolution" drop-down menu.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I hook up the TV monitor first and then hook up the regular monitor for my desktop?
    Community Answer
    Yes, actually, if you have enough outputs. Have the television connected to the 1 output, boot up the PC, attach the secondary monitor, go to graphics properties, and adjust the monitor settings to your preference.
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    Not Helpful 33 Helpful 40
  • Question
    Do I have to connect HDMI to the graphics card HDMI or the PC HDMI?
    Community Answer
    In most cases, you should use the graphics card, because the PC HDMI is often disabled. Some PCs allow you to use either connection, so it depends on your computer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 39 Helpful 59
  • Question
    What do I do if the screen is zoomed in when connecting my laptop to my TV via HDMI?
    Community Answer
    Change your TV's aspect ratio from the picture settings.
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      • If audio plays from your computer or laptop speakers instead of the TV, open Control Panel, select Sound, and look for your TV on the playback tab. If you don't find it, try right-clicking in the white space and choosing Show Disabled Devices.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001370.htm
      2. ↑ https://computerinfobits.com/gaming-pc-wont-connect-to-tv/
      3. ↑ https://computerinfobits.com/gaming-pc-wont-connect-to-tv/
      4. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001370.htm
      5. ↑ https://computerinfobits.com/gaming-pc-wont-connect-to-tv/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Purchase the right sized HDMI cable to connect your PC to your TV.
      2. Connect the HDMI cable from the HDMI port on your PC to a free HDMI port on your TV.
      3. Use the TV remote to select the HDMI port connected your PC as the video source.
      4. Click the Start Menu on your PC.
      5. Click the icon that resembles a gear to open the Settings menu.
      6. Click Display in the sidebar menu to the left.
      7. Scroll down and click Detect in the Display menu.

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