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You can use a TV as a computer monitor by connecting the computer to the TV, selecting the matching TV input, and choosing how the screen should display. This can cost nothing if you already have a suitable HDMI cable or adapter. If not, you will need to obtain the hardware your devices require.
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. The path is computer video output → HDMI cable → TV HDMI input. Apple notes that Macs can connect to HDMI devices with a cable or adapter, but available options depend on the Mac model: Apple’s Mac HDMI connection guide.
If your computer has USB-C, Thunderbolt, or another port instead of HDMI, verify that it supports video output and use an adapter compatible with that computer and the TV. A USB-C connector’s shape alone does not confirm that it can send video. Check the computer’s specifications before choosing an adapter.
Step 2: Select the TV input and choose a display mode
Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input number where the computer is connected. Then open the computer’s display controls and decide whether to duplicate or extend the display:
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- Duplicate or mirror: Show the same image on the computer and TV. This is useful for presentations or sharing what is on the computer.
- Extend: Treat the TV as additional desktop space, so you can move windows between screens.
On Windows, display controls let you choose how screens are arranged. For a wireless connection, press Windows + K to open the Cast panel; this works only when the computer and receiving display support the required wireless projection. Microsoft’s projection instructions cover displays that support Miracast.
On a Mac, use the display settings to configure the connected TV. AirPlay may also let a compatible Mac use a compatible TV as a display; it is not available on every device. See Apple’s guide to using a TV as a Mac display.
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- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Step 3: Adjust resolution, refresh rate, and picture fit
Set the resolution and refresh rate to a mode supported by the computer, any adapter or cable in the connection, and the TV. Do not assume that an HDMI connection guarantees 4K resolution or a particular refresh rate. Supported modes vary by computer model and connection setup; Apple documents those model-specific capabilities and adapter caveats in its Mac HDMI guide.
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If the desktop is cut off at the edges, look in the TV’s picture settings for an option such as screen fit, picture size, or overscan. Apple also documents overscan and underscan adjustments for supported Mac-and-TV configurations: Fix overscan or underscan on your TV or projector.
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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, then select that exact input on the TV. Check the computer’s display controls to make sure the TV is detected and enabled. See LG’s wired and wireless PC-to-TV guidance and HP’s laptop-to-TV connection guide.
- USB-C connection but no image: Check whether the computer’s particular USB-C port supports video output and whether the adapter supports that computer and display.
- Clipped edges: Adjust the TV’s screen-fit or overscan setting; supported Mac configurations may also offer an adjustment in macOS.
- Soft text or choppy motion: Check that the selected resolution and refresh rate are supported by every part of the connection, including the computer, adapter or cable, and TV.
When wireless projection is an option
Wireless projection avoids a cable, but it depends on compatibility. Windows can project wirelessly to a display that supports Miracast, while compatible Macs and TVs may support AirPlay. Neither option is universal. Microsoft explains the Miracast requirement in its wireless display instructions; Apple describes Mac-to-TV options in its TV display guide.
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