How to Switch to HDMI on HP Laptop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 10, 2025

Want to connect your HP laptop running Windows 11 to an external monitor, TV, or projector using HDMI but not sure how? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re setting up a dual monitor for productivity or streaming your favorite show on a bigger screen, switching to HDMI on an HP laptop is simple once you know the right steps.

In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to switch to HDMI on HP laptop Windows 11, troubleshoot common HDMI issues, and optimize your display settings for the best viewing experience.

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Step Action Description
1 Connect HDMI Cable Plug one end into your HP laptop and the other into your TV or monitor
2 Select HDMI Source Switch your external display’s input to the HDMI port
3 Use Windows + P Choose how you want your screen to appear (Duplicate, Extend, etc.)
4 Adjust Display Settings Configure resolution, orientation, and scaling in Windows Settings
5 Troubleshoot if Needed Check drivers, cables, and hardware if HDMI doesn’t work

What Is HDMI and Why Should You Use It?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital standard that transmits both audio and video signals over a single cable. It’s one of the easiest and most reliable ways to connect your HP laptop to:

  • External monitors

  • HDTVs

  • Projectors

  • Gaming displays

Benefits of Using HDMI on HP Laptops:

  • 🔊 One cable for audio and video — no extra cables needed.

  • 🎥 Supports Full HD and 4K resolutions.

  • 🖥️ Plug-and-play compatibility with most Windows 11 laptops.

  • 🧩 Ideal for dual-screen setups, work presentations, or entertainment.

How to Switch to HDMI on HP Laptop Windows 11 — Step-by-Step

Let’s dive into the main process. Follow these steps carefully to switch to HDMI and get your display working properly.

Step 1: Locate the HDMI Port on Your HP Laptop

Most HP laptops come with a standard HDMI port, usually located on the left or right side of the laptop. It looks like a slightly wider USB port.

However, on newer or slimmer HP models (like HP Spectre or HP Envy), you might find:

  • Mini HDMI port, or

  • USB-C port with DisplayPort or HDMI support

💡 Tip: If your laptop doesn’t have a built-in HDMI port, you can use an adapter, such as:

  • USB-C to HDMI adapter

  • DisplayPort to HDMI adapter

  • HDMI docking station

Step 2: Connect the HDMI Cable

  1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your HP laptop.

  2. Connect the other end to your external display (TV, monitor, or projector).

  3. Make sure both devices are powered on.

You should see the screen flicker for a moment — that’s Windows detecting the new display.

Step 3: Switch the Input Source on Your TV or Monitor

Now, you need to tell your external display to use the correct input source.

  1. On your TV or monitor remote, press the Input or Source button.

  2. Select the HDMI port your laptop is connected to (for example, HDMI 1 or HDMI 2).

  3. Wait a few seconds — your HP laptop screen should appear on the display.

🖥️ Pro Tip: Some HP laptops automatically detect and switch to HDMI once the display is connected. If not, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Use Windows + P to Switch Display Modes

Press Windows + P on your keyboard to open the Project menu. You’ll see several display options:

Mode Description
PC Screen Only Shows display only on your HP laptop screen.
Duplicate Shows the same screen on both laptop and external display.
Extend Expands your screen across both displays (great for multitasking).
Second Screen Only Turns off your laptop display and uses only the HDMI screen.

Select the mode that fits your needs.

💡 Example: If you’re watching a movie on TV, select Second Screen Only for best performance.

Step 5: Adjust Display Settings in Windows 11

If the image doesn’t fit perfectly or looks stretched, tweak the display settings.

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.

  2. Under System > Display, you’ll see both your laptop and HDMI display.

  3. Scroll down and adjust:

    • Display resolution → Match the TV/monitor’s native resolution.

    • Display orientation → Choose Landscape or Portrait.

    • Scale → Adjust text and app size for better visibility.

Click Apply after making changes.

Step 6: Set HDMI Display as Primary (Optional)

If you want the HDMI display to act as your main screen:

  1. In Display settings, click the external display number (usually “2”).

  2. Scroll down and check the box for Make this my main display.

  3. Click Apply.

This is especially useful if you want to close your laptop lid and keep working on the external display.

Step 7: Enable HDMI Audio Output

Sometimes, the video appears fine, but there’s no sound on your HDMI display. Here’s how to fix that:

  1. Right-click the sound icon on your taskbar and choose Sound settings.

  2. Under Output, select your HDMI audio device (often labeled as your TV or monitor).

  3. Test the audio.

🎧 If you still don’t hear anything, go to Control Panel → Sound → Playback tab, then right-click your HDMI device and select Set as Default Device.

Common HDMI Problems on HP Laptops (and How to Fix Them)

Even after following all steps, sometimes HDMI doesn’t work as expected. Let’s troubleshoot common issues.

❌ Problem 1: HDMI Not Detected on HP Laptop

Cause: Loose connection, faulty cable, or driver issue.

Fix:

  1. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable firmly.

  2. Try a different HDMI cable or port.

  3. Restart both your laptop and display.

  4. Check for driver updates (see below).

❌ Problem 2: HDMI Sound Not Working

Fix:

  • Ensure HDMI audio is set as default output device (as shown above).

  • Check if your HDMI cable supports audio.

  • Update your audio driver via Device Manager.

❌ Problem 3: HDMI Screen Flickering or Resolution Issues

Fix:

  • Go to Display settings and set resolution manually.

  • Update your graphics driver.

  • Try a higher-quality HDMI cable (especially for 4K displays).

❌ Problem 4: Laptop Doesn’t Detect Second Display

Fix:

  1. Press Windows + P, select “Extend” or “Duplicate.”

  2. Go to Display settings → Detect (bottom of the page).

  3. Restart your HP laptop and external display.

Updating Graphics Drivers for HDMI Support

Outdated graphics drivers often cause HDMI issues. Here’s how to update them:

Option 1: Using Windows Update

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

  2. Install any display or driver updates listed.

Option 2: Using Device Manager

  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters.

  3. Right-click your GPU (Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA) → Update driver.

  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Option 3: Using Manufacturer’s Software

For better performance:

  • HP laptops with Intel graphics → Use Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

  • HP laptops with NVIDIA GPU → Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience.

  • HP laptops with AMD GPU → Use AMD Adrenalin Software.

How to Use HDMI with a Docking Station or Adapter

If your HP laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still connect via adapters.

Common Adapter Types:

Laptop Port Adapter Needed
USB-C USB-C to HDMI
DisplayPort DisplayPort to HDMI
Mini HDMI Mini HDMI to HDMI
VGA VGA to HDMI (active converter required)

Make sure the adapter supports video output (not all USB-C ports do).

Bonus Tips for Best HDMI Performance on Windows 11

  • Use high-speed HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cables for 4K or HDR displays.

  • Keep your graphics drivers updated regularly.

  • If your display looks blurry, set it to its native resolution.

  • Turn off Night Light or HDR if colors look off.

  • For gaming, enable Game Mode in Windows Settings for smoother performance.

⚙️ Advanced: Set Up Dual Monitors with HDMI

Want to multitask? Use HDMI to extend your display to a second monitor.

  1. Connect your HDMI display.

  2. Press Windows + P → Extend.

  3. Drag windows between screens or rearrange their position under Display settings.

  4. Choose which monitor should be the main display.

💼 Perfect for productivity, coding, video editing, or having multiple browser tabs open side by side.

📚 Table: Display Mode Comparison

Display Mode Use Case Description
PC Screen Only Single screen Use laptop screen only
Duplicate Presentations Same image on both screens
Extend Productivity Two independent screens
Second Screen Only Media Use only HDMI display

🧩 Why HDMI May Not Work on Some HP Laptops

  • The port might be damaged or disabled in BIOS settings.

  • Using an incompatible adapter (e.g., USB ports without DisplayPort support).

  • Outdated graphics or chipset drivers.

  • Incorrect display input source on the external device.

⚙️ You can reset your BIOS or update it via HP Support Assistant if hardware-level HDMI issues persist.

✅ Conclusion: Switch to HDMI Easily on HP Laptops

Switching to HDMI on an HP laptop with Windows 11 is easier than it looks.
Here’s the quick recap:

  1. Connect your HDMI cable securely.

  2. Switch your external display input to HDMI.

  3. Use Windows + P to choose your display mode.

  4. Adjust resolution and sound settings.

  5. Update drivers if the HDMI connection doesn’t work.

Now you can enjoy seamless screen mirroring, extended displays, or movie streaming in crisp high-definition.

🔍 FAQs: How to Switch to HDMI on HP Laptop Windows 11

1. How do I switch my HP laptop to HDMI input?

You can’t use HDMI as input on most HP laptops — the HDMI port is output-only for sending signals to external displays.

2. Why isn’t my HP laptop detecting HDMI?

Check your cable, try a different HDMI port, or update your graphics drivers. Also, press Windows + P and select “Extend” or “Duplicate.”

3. Can I use HDMI without restarting my laptop?

Yes! HDMI is plug-and-play in Windows 11. You can connect it anytime, and Windows will automatically detect it.

4. Why is there no sound on my HDMI display?

You need to set your HDMI audio device as the default under Sound Settings.

5. Do I need special drivers for HDMI?

Usually, no. But keeping your GPU and audio drivers updated ensures the best compatibility and performance.

🧾 Final Tip:

For the smoothest HDMI experience, keep your HP BIOS, Windows, and GPU drivers up to date — and always use a certified high-speed HDMI cable.

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