Windows and Mac users have different options that will depend on the content they want to stream.Connecting a laptop to a TV is a great way to expand your experience , whether you’re watching movies, playing video games, or working with multiple screens.
This is a simple process that has many options, since not all computers and televisions have the same characteristics and for each type of content there are certain alternatives that work better. Below we explain everything in detail.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most common and effective method of connecting a laptop to a television. This digital standard allows for the transmission of both video and audio over a single cable, greatly simplifying setup.
Most modern laptops come with a full-size HDMI port. However, some models may have a Micro HDMI port, for which you will need a Micro HDMI to HDMI adapter.
To use this alternative, simply connect the HDMI cable to the laptop port and the other end to the TV. Then, turn on the TV and select the corresponding HDMI input.
Many modern laptops, especially thinner and lighter ones like some MacBook models, lack an HDMI port and feature USB-C ports instead.
In these cases, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. These adapters are widely available and easy to use. Plug the adapter into the USB-C port on your laptop, then connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV.
VGA (Video Graphics Array) is an older standard that was very popular in monitors and televisions of past generations. Although less common today, it can be useful if you are trying to connect to an older TV or projector.
Keep in mind that this option only transmits video, and not audio, so you will need an additional cable for audio.
If your laptop has an HDMI output, but your TV only has a VGA input, you can use an HDMI to VGA adapter. Connect the VGA cable to the TV and the adapter to the laptop. For audio, connect a cable from the laptop’s headphone output to the TV’s audio input.
Once you have connected your laptop to the TV, it is crucial to set the display preferences properly.
- Windows : Go to Start > Settings > System > Display. Here you can adjust the resolution, orientation, and how you want the screens to act (mirroring, extending, etc.). If the TV is not automatically detected, click “Detect.”
- macOS : Go to System Settings > Displays. Select your TV from the menu and adjust the resolution, refresh rate and display mode (mirror or extended screen).
Wireless methods offer greater convenience by eliminating the need for cables, although they can be less stable in terms of image quality and connectivity.
AirPlay is Apple’s technology for wireless streaming, compatible with Apple TV devices and many modern smart TVs. On your Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and select Screen Mirroring, then choose your AirPlay-enabled device from the list.
Google’s Chromecast allows you to cast content from a Chrome browser on any Windows or macOS device. To do this, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select “Cast,” and choose your Chromecast device.
- Miracast (for Windows users)
Miracast is a wireless display technology that allows mirroring of your laptop screen to compatible televisions. The way to use it is to click on the network icon in the taskbar, select “Connect” and choose your TV from the list of available devices.
To stream multimedia content, such as videos and music, an efficient option is to use DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) or UPnP (Universal Plug and Play).
- Settings in Windows : Turn on media streaming in Windows settings or install apps like Plex or Universal Media Server. These applications allow you to configure a media server on your local network.
- Access on TV : Compatible TVs will appear in the list of network devices, allowing access to shared content.