Laptop to TV · Connect guide

How to connect a laptop to a TV

Sources checked 15 September 2026 · how we check

A cable is the simplest option and works with any TV that has an input your laptop can reach. Going wireless needs a TV that supports Miracast for Windows, or AirPlay for a Mac.

01 · Before you start

Check these first

Turn on your TV.
For wireless from Windows, the TV needs Miracast support. If you're using a Miracast dongle or adapter, make sure it's plugged in to the TV.

Source: Microsoft: screen mirroring and projecting to a wireless display

02 · Connect

Step by step, by device

Windows: with a cable

Connect the cable → Windows logo key + P → Duplicate or Extend

Connect the cable between the laptop and the TV, and make sure it's properly connected.
Press the Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate to show the same screen, Extend to use the TV as a second screen, or Second screen only.
If the TV isn't detected, go to Settings → System → Display → Multiple displays and select Detect.

Source: Microsoft: how to use multiple monitors in Windows

Windows: wireless (Miracast)

Windows logo key + K → choose the TV

Turn on the TV, and plug in the Miracast dongle or adapter if you use one.
Press the Windows logo key + K, then select the TV from the list of available displays.
Follow any additional instructions on the screen.

Source: Microsoft: screen mirroring and projecting to a wireless display

Mac: with an HDMI cable

HDMI port, or USB-C / Thunderbolt adapter → Sound → Output

Mac with an HDMI port: connect directly with an HDMI cable.
Mac with Thunderbolt 3, 4, 5 or USB-C: use an adapter such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. Thunderbolt 2 or Mini DisplayPort: use a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable.
To play sound through the TV, choose Apple menu → System Settings → Sound, and select the HDMI device in Output.

Source: Apple: connect to HDMI from your Mac

Mac: wireless (AirPlay)

Control Center → Screen Mirroring → choose the TV

Connect the Mac and the TV to the same Wi-Fi network. The TV must be an Apple TV 4K or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV.
Click Control Center in the menu bar, click Screen Mirroring, and choose your TV. Enter the four-digit code if one appears on the TV.
Choose whether to share a window, or mirror or extend your Mac screen.

To stream just a video, click the AirPlay icon in its playback controls and choose the TV.

Source: Apple Mac User Guide: stream video and audio with AirPlay

If it still won't connect

For a cable connection, make sure the cable is secure, then try a different cable or a different video port on the laptop. Press the Windows logo key + P and check the display mode, or press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. If the TV still shows nothing, restart the laptop.

Source: Microsoft: troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows

Frequently asked questions

Why is there no sound on the TV from my Mac?

Choose Apple menu → System Settings → Sound, and in Output select the HDMI device.

What's the keyboard shortcut to show my Windows laptop on a TV?

Windows logo key + K connects to a wireless display. Windows logo key + P switches between Duplicate, Extend and Second screen only once a display is connected.