You can transmit the picture and sound from your computer to your television using an HDMI cable, DVI cable, or VGA cable. You can also stream them wirelessly to a smart TV or streaming device. HDMI is a connection that transmits high definition picture and sound with the same cable. VGA is an older connection that can only send the image, which means that you will need an audio cable to transmit the sound. While some DVI ports on computers support audio, not all do. Consult the owner's manual for your computer and television to find out what type of connectors you should use.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use HDMI
Step 1. Use a male-to-male HDMI cable
The HDMI port on your computer and the one on your television will be exactly the same, which is why the cable you use must have the same connector at both ends.
If the television has more than one HDMI port, write down the port number used somewhere
Step 2. Edit the TV input
Use the buttons on the television or on the remote control to select Input and then HDMI from the input options.
- If your television has more than one HDMI port, choose the one where your computer was connected.
- Some televisions automatically switch inputs when they detect a signal.
Step 3. Right click on the desktop
Select Display settings to open the display settings menu.
Step 4. Click Detect
Your computer will search for the television you have connected. See if there are 2 squares with 1 and 2 in the display settings window.
Your computer may have already detected the television
Step 5. Select Identify
A number will be displayed on each screen to allow you to identify the one assigned to the monitor and the one assigned to the television (“1” will be the primary display and “2” the secondary display).
Step 6. Pull down the Multiple displays menu
Select the option you want to use to display your computer on your television. Below are the available options.
- Duplicate these displays. The television will display exactly what is on your computer screen.
- Extend these displays. Your desk will extend over the television.
- Show only on 1. Display number 2 will be deactivated.
- Show only on 2. Display number 1 will be deactivated.
Step 7. Click Apply
The display settings will be changed and will apply to your computer monitor and your television. Your television should now be connected to your computer.
- You can further customize the displays by clicking on the corresponding numbered square and then selecting Advanced display settings. You can also drag and rearrange the squares to change the orientation of the 2 displays.
Method 2 of 4: Use DVI or VGA
Step 1. Use a male-to-male DVI or male-to-male VGA cable
The DVI port and the VGA port on the computer and the television will be exactly the same and the cable must have the same connector at both ends.
On some televisions, the VGA input is labeled "PC IN" or "Computer IN"
Step 2. Connect your devices with a male-to-male audio cable
This is a 3.5mm stereo audio cable, similar to the end of a headphone jack. Insert one end of the cable into the jack on your computer (this is usually a green port) and then the other end into the audio input port on the television.
The audio input port on the television should be next to the DVI or VGA port you used earlier
Step 3. Edit the TV input
Using the buttons on the television or on the remote control, press Enter to change the television input and select DVI or VGA.
- On some televisions, this input is called “PC” or “Computer”.
- Some televisions automatically switch their display when they detect a signal.
Step 4. Go to your computer's display settings
Right click on the desktop and select Display settings to open the display settings menu.
Step 5. Select Detect
Your computer will search for the television you have connected. See if you see 2 squares identified by the numbers 1 and 2 in the display settings window.
Your computer may have already detected the television
Step 6. Click Identify
This will display a number on each screen, letting you know which one is assigned to the computer monitor and which is assigned to the television.
Step 7. Click the Multiple Displays drop-down menu
Select a display option from those displayed in the drop-down menu.
- Duplicate these displays. This option allows you to reproduce exactly what is displayed on your computer on your television.
- Extend these displays. This will expand the display of your desktop on your television.
- Show only on 1. This option deactivates display number 2.
- Show only on 2. Display number 1 will be deactivated.
Step 8. Choose Apply
The display settings will be changed and applied to your computer monitor and television. Your devices are now connected.
- You can further customize each display by clicking on the numbered square and then selecting Advanced display settings. It is also possible to drag and then rearrange the squares to modify the orientation of the 2 displays.
Method 3 of 4: Use Wi-Fi
Step 1. Turn on the Wi-Fi mode on the TV
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to enable Wi-Fi mode on your television, then go to the Miracast protocol settings to configure the wireless connection.
Not all connected televisions are compatible with this function. Read your television's owner's manual before continuing
Step 2. Connect the television to a Wi-Fi network
The network must be the same as the one to which your computer is connected.
Step 3. Right click on the desktop
Then click on Display settings.
Step 4. Click Multiple Displays
Select Duplicate these displays from the drop-down menu that appears.
Step 5. Select Apply
Step 6. Open the Start menu
Then click on
to display the main settings window.
Step 7. Click Devices
Select Connected devices on the left of the page.
Step 8. Choose Add Device
Windows will begin to search for connected devices on the network.
Step 9. Select your television when it displays
Windows will automatically connect to your television.
Method 4 of 4: Troubleshoot problems
Step 1. Use the correct cables or adapters
Your cables may have the correct connectors, but are not designed to carry audio or video signals. Make sure they are designed for sound and picture transmission.
Most computers do not output audio through the DVI port, which means that a DVI to HDMI adapter generally does not support audio. You will need to use a separate audio cable
Step 2. Make sure the cables are securely connected
Take a look at the cables and make sure they are plugged into the ports properly and fully seated. If they have thumbscrews (like most DVI and VGA cables), make sure the screws are tight.
Step 3. Check the volume
Make sure the volume is turned on and audible on the computer and television.
Step 4. Change the audio output
If you can't hear any sound, make sure the correct audio output is selected.
- Right click on
- Click Playback devices.
- Select the correct audio output (HDMI output for HDMI or headphones if you are using an audio cable).
If you cannot find the correct output, right click on any of the listed devices and make sure the Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices options are both selected. This will tell you if the audio has been disconnected or disabled
Step 5. Restart your computer and your television
If all failed, restart your devices to allow the computer to detect the presence of a new display.
Step 6. Check your computer's display settings
In some cases, the error message “HDMI not supported” is displayed when the resolution of the television and the computer monitor is different.