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How to Connect Your Laptop to a TV or Projector: All You Need to Know

Connecting your laptop to a large TV or projector is the perfect way to enjoy films, share photos, or display a presentation during a meeting. The good news is that this setup is now simpler than ever. We break down the three most common ways to connect your laptop to a large display, starting with the fastest and most reliable method: using a cable.

Method 1: Connecting with a Cable (HDMI or DisplayPort)

Connecting directly with a cable is the most stable method, offering the best picture and sound quality.

A Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1. Check Your Ports:

Look at the ports on your laptop and your TV. Most modern devices use HDMI. If you have a thin laptop, it might use a smaller USB-C port, which needs an adaptor or a special cable.

Step 1. Check Your Ports:
Step 2. Connect the Cable:

Step 2. Connect the Cable:

Plug one end of the cable into your laptop and the other end into an available port on your TV. Note which port number you use (e.g., HDMI 2).

Step 3. Set the TV Input:

Use your TV remote to switch the input source to the matching HDMI port (e.g., HDMI 2). Your desktop should appear immediately.

Step 3. Set the TV Input:
Step 4. Set the Display Mode (Windows):

Step 4. Set the Display Mode (Windows):

If your desktop does not appear, press the Windows key + P on your keyboard. A menu will appear with four options:

  • PC screen only: Shows the picture only on your laptop.
  • Duplicate: Shows the same picture on both your laptop and the TV.
  • Extend: Gives you an extra desktop space on the TV.
  • Second screen only: Shows the picture only on the TV.
  • Select the option you need, with Duplicate being the best choice for films or presentations.

Method 2: Connecting with Wireless Screen Mirroring (Casting)

If you hate having cables running across the room, wireless mirroring is a convenient option. This uses Wi-Fi to send the picture and sound from your laptop to the TV. This works best when both devices are close to your router.

A Step-by-Step Guide (Windows):

1. Check Compatibility:

Step 1. Check Compatibility:

Ensure your TV or streaming device (like a Fire Stick or Chromecast) supports Miracast or a similar casting standard.

2. Open the Connect Menu:

Step 2. Open the Connect Menu:

On your laptop, press the Windows key + K to open the "Connect" sidebar.

3. Find the Display:

Step 3. Find the Display:

Your TV or wireless adaptor should appear in the list. Select it.

4. Disconnect:

Step 4. Disconnect:

When you finish, press Windows key + K again and select "Disconnect."

Method 3: Using a USB-C Docking Station

If you are setting up a permanent hybrid working space, or if your laptop only has a single USB-C port, a docking station is the best solution.

Why it Works:

A docking station plugs into one USB-C port on your laptop and instantly provides multiple outputs, including several HDMI ports, DisplayPorts, and USB ports.

Why it Works:
Benefit:

Benefit:

You connect all your accessories (monitors, TV, keyboard, mouse) to the dock. When you sit down, you only need to plug one cable into the laptop to start working immediately.

Time to Get Connected

A high-quality cable is essential for a clear, uninterrupted picture, especially when streaming in 4K or for long presentations. Lower-quality cables can cause flickering or signal drops.

Browse our range of HDMI and DisplayPort cables to complete your connection, or check out our powerful Docking Stations to upgrade your entire desktop setup.

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