You can use a TV as a computer monitor by connecting your computer to an HDMI input, selecting that input on the TV, and choosing whether to mirror or extend the display. It costs nothing if you already have the required cable or compatible adapter; otherwise, you may need to get one.
Step 1: Check the ports and connect the computer
Look for a video output on your computer and an HDMI input on the TV. If both have HDMI, connect them with an HDMI cable. Apple’s instructions confirm that supported Macs can connect to a TV with an HDMI cable or adapter; the available display modes depend on the Mac model and connection. Apple’s Mac HDMI connection guide explains the options.
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If your computer has USB-C, Thunderbolt, or another connector instead of HDMI, check its specifications to confirm that the port supports video output. Then use an adapter compatible with that port and the TV. A USB-C connector’s shape alone does not guarantee video support, and an adapter can affect which display modes are available.
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Step 2: Select the TV input and choose a display mode
With the cable connected, use the TV remote to select the HDMI input you used—for example, HDMI 1 or HDMI 2. The computer’s image will not appear if the TV is set to a different input. LG’s wired connection instructions also describe selecting the matching input.
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Next, choose what the computer should show on the TV:
- Mirror or duplicate: Show the same image on both screens. This is useful for presentations or when you want the TV to reproduce the computer’s screen.
- Extend: Make the TV an additional desktop area. You can move windows between the computer screen and the TV.
The location of these controls varies by operating system. Windows users can look in display settings for the option to duplicate or extend screens; HP’s connection guide outlines the display-mode choice. If you want to connect wirelessly instead, Windows projection requires a display that supports Miracast. Microsoft’s Miracast projection instructions explain the workflow, including the Windows+K shortcut. Compatible Macs may also use AirPlay; see Apple’s guide to using a TV as a Mac display.
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Step 3: Adjust resolution, refresh rate, and picture fit
Choose a resolution and refresh rate supported by the computer, any adapter in the connection, and the TV. Do not assume that an HDMI connection alone guarantees 4K or a high refresh rate: supported display modes vary by model and adapter configuration. Apple lists model-specific capabilities in its Mac HDMI connection guidance.
If the image is cut off around the edges, look in the TV’s picture settings for a screen-fit, picture-size, or overscan option. On supported Mac configurations, Apple documents adjustments for TV or projector overscan and underscan. If text looks soft or movement is not smooth, check that the selected resolution and refresh rate are supported across the entire connection.
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If the TV does not show the computer screen
- No picture: Confirm that the cable runs from a computer video output to a TV HDMI input, select that same HDMI input on the TV, and check the computer’s display controls.
- USB-C connection but no image: Verify that the computer’s USB-C or Thunderbolt port supports video and that the adapter is compatible. Connector shape by itself is not enough to establish video support.
- Image cropped at the edges: Check the TV for a screen-fit, picture-size, or overscan setting; supported Mac setups may also offer overscan or underscan adjustments.
- Soft text or choppy motion: Check the resolution and refresh rate against the specifications of the computer, adapter, cable, and TV. The connector type alone does not establish the supported picture mode.
Wireless projection is an alternative only when the devices support it: Windows projection uses Miracast-compatible displays, while AirPlay is available on compatible Apple devices.
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