Whether you want to stream movies, give presentations, or enjoy games on a bigger screen, connecting your Windows 11 PC or laptop to a TV via HDMI is the easiest and most reliable method. In this guide, we’ll cover all the steps, settings, and troubleshooting tips so you can get your display mirrored or extended in no time.

What You Need Before Connecting

Before we dive into the steps, make sure you have:

A Windows 11 PC or laptop with an HDMI port.
A TV with an HDMI input port.
An HDMI cable.
Optional: TV remote for selecting input source.

💡 Pro tip: Most modern laptops have HDMI or USB-C ports that can handle video output. If your laptop only has USB-C, you might need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Step 1: Plug in the HDMI Cable

Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your Windows 11 PC.
Connect the other end to an available HDMI port on your TV.
Make a note of which HDMI port you used (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.)—you’ll need this later.

Step 2: Turn On Your TV and Select HDMI Input

Power on your TV.
Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input corresponding to your cable connection.
You should see a “No signal” message until your PC sends a video signal.

Step 3: Configure Display Settings on Windows 11

Once connected, you need to configure Windows 11 to recognize the TV.

Step 3a: Open Display Settings

Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
Scroll down to the Multiple displays section.

Step 3b: Detect Your TV

If Windows doesn’t automatically detect your TV, click Detect.

Step 3c: Choose Display Mode

Windows 11 offers multiple display options:

Duplicate – Shows the same screen on both PC and TV.
Extend – Uses TV as a second monitor to increase workspace.
Second screen only – Turns off PC display, only shows content on TV.

Choose the mode that fits your needs.

Step 4: Adjust Resolution and Scaling

In Display settings, select your TV from the display list.
Scroll down to Display resolution.
Choose the native resolution of your TV (e.g., 1920×1080 for Full HD or 3840×2160 for 4K).
Adjust scale and layout if text or apps appear too small or too large.

💡 Pro tip: Using the TV’s native resolution ensures the sharpest image.

Step 5: Configure Audio Output (Optional)

By default, HDMI also transmits audio, but Windows 11 may not automatically switch output.

Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
Select Open Sound settings.
Under Output, select your TV as the playback device.

Now your TV should play sound from the PC as well.

Step 6: Test the Connection

Open a video, presentation, or game.
Check that both video and audio are working.
If you see a black screen or distorted image, double-check your HDMI cable and TV input.

Troubleshooting Common HDMI Connection Issues

Even with the right setup, sometimes HDMI connections act up. Here’s what to do:

1. No Signal on TV

Ensure HDMI is firmly connected.
Verify the TV is on the correct input.
Try a different HDMI cable or port.

2. Display Not Detected by Windows 11

Press Windows + P and select Duplicate or Extend.
Click Detect in Display settings.
Update your graphics drivers via Device Manager.

3. Audio Doesn’t Play on TV

Go to Sound settings > Output.
Select HDMI / TV as the output device.

4. Resolution Looks Off

Ensure you’re using the native resolution of the TV.
Change refresh rate under Advanced display settings if necessary.

Step 7: Using the Windows + P Shortcut for Quick Switching

Windows 11 makes switching display modes super easy.

Press Windows + P.
Choose between:
1. PC screen only
2. Duplicate
3. Extend
4. Second screen only

This is handy if you frequently switch between presentations and TV streaming.

Step 8: Connect a Laptop Without an HDMI Port

Many ultrabooks and modern laptops only have USB-C. You can still connect via HDMI:

Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Some adapters support 4K resolution at 60Hz—check specs before buying.
Connect adapter → HDMI cable → TV.
Follow the steps above to configure display and audio.

Step 9: Tips for a Smooth HDMI Experience

Always use high-quality HDMI cables for 4K or high-refresh-rate content.
Keep your graphics drivers updated.
Avoid connecting via splitters or cheap adapters for critical tasks like presentations.
Make sure your TV is set to Game Mode if you’re gaming to reduce input lag.

Step 10: Disconnecting Safely

When you’re done:

Press Windows + P and select PC screen only.
Turn off the TV or switch input.
Unplug the HDMI cable.

This prevents display glitches next time you reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I connect multiple TVs to Windows 11 via HDMI?
Yes, if your PC has multiple HDMI ports or you use a compatible HDMI splitter.

2. Why is my TV showing black screen even though connected?
Check HDMI port selection, cable connection, and graphics driver updates.

3. Can I use HDMI to mirror my laptop screen and play audio on TV?
Yes, HDMI transmits both video and audio. Make sure to select TV as the playback device in Windows.

4. Will connecting via HDMI drain my laptop battery faster?
Yes, especially if you’re playing videos or games. Keep your laptop plugged in for longer sessions.

5. Can I extend my display to TV instead of duplicating it?
Absolutely! Use Display settings > Multiple displays > Extend to increase workspace.

Conclusion

Connecting Windows 11 to a TV via HDMI is quick, reliable, and perfect for movies, gaming, or presentations. By following the steps above—from plugging in the cable and selecting the correct TV input to configuring display and audio—you can enjoy a seamless big-screen experience.

Remember: use good cables, keep your drivers updated, and leverage Windows + P for quick display switching. With these tips, your Windows 11 PC is ready for any screen adventure!

How to Connect Windows 11 to TV via HDMI: A Step-by-Step Guide