How do I connect a desktop computer to a TV?

Last checked November 14, 2026

Short answer

Use an HDMI cable if the computer has an HDMI port. Many desktop graphics cards have DisplayPort instead, so use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable. Older PCs with DVI or VGA need their own adapters.

Find your port, get the right part

Look at the side or back of your device and pick the one that matches.

If you have: DisplayPort

Like HDMI with one cut corner; common on graphics cards

ComputerDisplayPort
adapter
TVHDMI

DisplayPort to HDMI adapter

Your device outputs DisplayPort and the screen takes HDMI, so this adapter converts it.

See UGREEN options on Amazon

If you have: DVI

Wide white port with screws

ComputerDVI
cable
TVHDMI

DVI to HDMI cable

Your device outputs DVI and the screen takes HDMI; the two are electrically compatible, so a simple cable does it.

See options on Amazon

If you have: VGA

Blue port with screws and three rows of pins

ComputerVGA
adapter
TVHDMI

VGA to HDMI converter

Your old computer outputs VGA and the screen takes HDMI, so this converts the picture.

See options on Amazon

How to connect it

  1. If your PC has a separate graphics card, use its ports (lower down on the back). The ports near the USB sockets often stay off when a graphics card is fitted.
  2. Connect the computer to a free HDMI port on the TV and switch the TV to that input.
  3. On Windows, press the Windows key and P to choose Duplicate or Extend.

Check this first

  • VGA carries no sound, and DVI usually does not either, so plan a separate audio cable from the computer's headphone socket if you need TV sound.

Questions people ask

The picture works but there is no sound on the TV. Why?

HDMI carries sound, but the computer may still be using its own speakers. On Windows, click the speaker icon and pick the TV. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Sound, and choose the TV under Output.

The text looks blurry on my TV. How do I fix it?

Set the computer to the TV's native resolution (often 3840 x 2160 for 4K TVs) and turn on the TV's PC or Game mode, which turns off extra processing.

Not sure which port you have?

Take a photo of it, or tap through the finder, and we will tell you.

Start the finder

Related questions