How do I connect a laptop to a TV?

Last checked November 14, 2026

Short answer

Most laptops connect with an HDMI cable. If your laptop has no HDMI port, use the adapter that matches the port it does have: usually a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Find your port below to see the exact part.

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: USB-C or Thunderbolt

Small oval port, often with a screen or lightning-bolt symbol

ComputerUSB-C
adapter
TVHDMI

USB-C to HDMI adapter

Your laptop's USB-C port carries video and your screen takes HDMI, so a plain adapter does the job.

See the Belkin USB-C to HDMI + Charge Adapter (4K) on Amazon

If you have: Mini DisplayPort

Small port with two cut corners, on older Macs and some PCs

ComputerMini DisplayPort
adapter
TVHDMI

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter

Your computer's Mini DisplayPort (or Thunderbolt 1 or 2) port outputs video and your screen takes HDMI.

See the Belkin Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter on Amazon

If you have: Only USB-A ports

Flat rectangular USB ports and no video port

ComputerUSB-A
adapter
TVHDMI

USB to HDMI adapter

USB-A has no video of its own, so this adapter adds an HDMI screen over USB.

See options on Amazon

If you have: VGA (very old laptops)

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. Find your laptop's port in the list and get the matching part.
  2. Connect the laptop to a free HDMI port on the TV.
  3. Switch the TV to that HDMI input with its remote.
  4. On Windows, press the Windows key and P together, then choose Duplicate (same picture) or Extend (a second desktop).
  5. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Displays, to choose mirroring or a separate desktop.

Check this first

  • USB-C ports only send video if they support DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt. A screen or lightning-bolt symbol next to the port usually means yes.
  • VGA carries no sound, so a VGA connection needs a separate audio cable.

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.

Can I connect without a cable?

Often, yes. On Windows, press the Windows key and K to cast to a TV that supports Miracast. On a Mac, use Screen Mirroring to an Apple TV or an AirPlay smart TV. A cable is steadier for video and games.

What length of HDMI cable do I need?

Measure from the laptop to the TV's HDMI port and add a little slack. 2 m (6 ft) suits most desks and sofas.

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