Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Johann Holsinger
Even with a PC monitor, we prefer watching movies on big screens
Laptops and desktops may have smaller screens. And you cannot enjoy movies and streaming with your standard monitor.
However, your source of visual graphics is on your laptop or desktop. No worries.
Even if your PC stands a few meters away from your home entertainment system, you can still connect your computer to a bigger TV.
Whether you would like to extend your PC or show the primary screen content to display on a monitor, there are options, and you only need to know how.
Connect PC to TV using a wired connection.
Before we go to wireless options, let’s get to the different connectors you can use to connect your computer to the TV.
It’s truly awkward to connect a desktop and home theater system or media console next to each other, so I will not advise on the wired option if you want to watch movies or shows from your desktop.
Even if you had a long cable, you probably have both devices close to each other. Direct HDMI cable is better with a permanent desktop or laptop connection since it is more handy.
If you don’t have a wireless media dongle, you can still use your cable to connect your television and laptop. You only need a floor TV stand to place your laptop on the shelf and your TV on the bracket; connect them, and you’re all set.
From most HDMI cables, you can simply connect one, select the video source from your TV, and choose whether you want an extended or duplicate display.
1. Check the ports on your computer and TV.
On the back of your PC are different cable ports. The ports allow you to connect to other hardware or accessories on your PC. If you are using a laptop, you must be familiar with the ports on the sides.
- HDMI. The High Definition Multi-media Interface is the commonly used cable to transfer video content from PCs to televisions. It is the safest connector to own if your computer is more advanced. HDMI can also connect audio. (An all-in-one connection from PC to TV.)
- VGA. The VGA port is connected to the 15-pin adapter used by old computers to connect to a monitor. If your TV and PC have this port, you can connect them to transfer video from your computer to your TV.
- DVI. The Digital Visual Interface can transfer analog and digital signals and is more advanced than VGA.
- USB-C port. Most modern laptops come equipped with this port. You need a USB-to-HDMI cable adapter to connect a computer to a TV. However, you must find out if your PC is compatible with this technology.
- S-Video. This video connector connects through an analog video connection. This port can be useful if you have an older TV and use a DVD as a video source.
- Thunderbolt. If you see a thunder icon on a seemingly USB-C port, it is a Thunderbolt cable. It does not only transfer video signals. It also transfers power and data. However, you can mostly use it with Apple device inputs.
Check out what the cable port looks like.
2. Connect the cables.
When you have obtained the right cable suitable for your computer, all you have to do is connect the socket like how you connect other devices on your laptop.
3. Select the input source.
Open your TV and select your chosen input source. If you are using an HDMI connector, then choose HDMI. If you use a VGA connector or DVI, choose CGA or DVI.
Some tubes can already detect signals. Some TVs would display PC as input when detected. If not, you have to set manual detection on Display settings.
Most televisions have multiple HDMI inputs (1,2,3,4) you will need to select the right input number that corresponds with the HDMI cable you plugged in.
4. Configure display.
After selecting the input source, you can view the contents on your computer in two ways.
You can either extend or duplicate the screen.
An extended display shows only a part of your PC monitor. A duplicate or mirror display shows the entire screen from your PC monitor.
To set this up, go to Display Settings. From the drop-down menu, select Multiple Displays.
From there, you can choose between Extend this display or Duplicate this display.
If you can’t see these options, you might have to click the Detect button first before you can select between extend or duplicate monitor screens.
Click Apply to finalize your settings.
5. Adjust resolution.
Sometimes, the resolution of the laptop does not fit your TV, so you have to adjust it first. Go back to Display Settings.
Select your preferred resolution.
The higher the resolution, the higher the picture quality displayed on your television. If you are streaming 4K from your laptop, make sure your HDMI or alternative cable supports HD, 4K, or 8K resolution or whatever quality your TV can handle. Ask when purchasing a cable or check the specs.
Cast PC screen to TV with Wireless Connection.
The problem with connecting your TV to your PC with wires is that your computer has to be beside it. That’s not much of a problem when using a laptop since you can carry it anywhere.
But connecting wires with desktops can be challenging. It’s a good thing wireless technology can help you extend or duplicate your PC monitor to your TV from different spots of the room.
You only need casting software that works both on your TV and PC.
If you are using Windows 8 and up
If you are using Windows, the Windows 8 and up versions have built-in Miracast Technology where you can share the screen with another monitor like a TV.
- Plug in the Miracast adapter to your display.
- Turn your TV on.
- Turn on the Wi-Fi on your computer.
- From the action center icon, choose Connect. The available display will be shown here.
- Select the display.
If you are using an iMac
Go to the Control Center and select Screen Mirroring. You should find your Apple TV from there and select it.
You will be prompted to input a four-digit code on your iMac.
After entering the code, go to Screen Mirroring.
From there, you can select Mirror Built-in Display to duplicate the screen on your computer or Use As Separate Display to extend your iMac monitor to your Apple TV.
If you are using Chrome browser
Like Airplay and Miracast, you need a television that supports Chromecast to cast anything from your PC’s Chrome browser.
Click the three dots in the top right corner of your Chrome browser. Choose Cast.
You will find a list of available TVs with Chromecast and a drop-down menu with sources.
Select a Chromecast device. Click Sources. Click Cast Tab to display only the tab or Cast Screen to show your entire screen.
The Key to Connecting Your Computer to a TV
Be familiar with the technology that comes with your computer and TV. Both devices should support the same casting technology. Like in communication, we want our devices to be speaking the same language.
For the wired option, there should be the same ports for the TV and computer. The same goes if you use wireless technology.
You need them powered up with the same mirroring technology. Having the same technology is a must for households trying to automate their homes.
My preference is to always keep things minimal with less clutter and complexity. I tend to save space as much as I can.
I ensure to use the tidiest flexible TV mount set and have the cables hidden beneath the wall. If you are not willing to drill holes in the wall, go for the wireless route.
A complete wireless setup: wireless soundbar speaker setup and wireless PC connection to television. This technology bridges the gap between devices and provides more room for flexible entertainment options and productivity.
Sometimes, you have no idea your TV and PC already have this technology built-in. You just have to explore.
