How to Hook Up a Laptop to a TV

When you want to hook up a laptop to a TV, many people’s first instinct is to Google it. You’re then faced with long how-to guides, various cables to buy, different ports on your TV and laptop, and possibly even the need to purchase adapters.

Here’s what you truly need to know. There are two primary ways to hook up a laptop to a TV: 1] a wired solution, or 2] wireless solutions.

Three Options to Hook Up Laptop to TV

(Wired) HDMI Cable

The primary wired solution is to use an HDMI cable. This option is both straight forward and simple. You may even have all the tools necessary laying around your house. To hook up your laptop to a TV using an HDMI cable, simply plug one end of the HDMI cable into your laptop’s HDMI port and the other end into your TV. Your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port? In that case, you’ll probably need an adapter, likea USB to HDMI adapter.

While this wired solution is simple, note that there are a few limitations. First, this is a stationary solution. You are limited to a certain area based on the length of your HDMI cable. This could be problematic in a business setting. Using an HDMI cable also contributes to clutter around the TV, which again in a business setting is an unprofessional look.

Wireless Display Adapter

A wireless display adapter is a small device or dongle that plugs into the HDMI port of your TV and acts as a receiver to your laptop. Wireless display adapters are often used for mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, but they are also a viable solution for hooking up a laptop to a TV. There are various types of adapters on the market, such as Miracast adapters, Wi-Fi dongles or Apple TV, so compatibility with specific laptops may be an issue.

Wireless Video HDMI Kit

Wireless Video HDMI kits offer the same reliable connection as an HDMI cable, but without the cable-clutter. They are a better, permanent solution for business settings where employees or guests frequently need to connect to a TV to share their screens.

You will usually find the following components in a wireless video HDMI kit: a transmitter that plugs into a laptop, a receiver that plugs into a TV, power adapters, and some kits will even include various adapters for laptops that don’t have HDMI ports. Wireless Video HDMI is typically compatible with all devices that require an HDMI connection, including laptops, but also gaming consoles or cable boxes.

General Wireless Video HDMI Set Up Steps:

1. Connect the transmitter to your laptop’s HDMI port. If your computer does not have an HDMI port, you will need to use an adapter.
2. Connect the receiver to your TV’s HDMI input.
3. Connect the power cords.
4. Turn on devices to instantly connect your laptop and TV.