What to Know

• Windows computers use MiracastorWi-Fi Direct underSettings.MacBooks use Airplay; go throughSettingsoruse theAirplay icon.
• Before you attempt to mirror to a TV, be sure the TV and the laptop are connected to the same network.
• Can't go wireless? Connect the HDMI cable to your laptop and your TV.MacBooks can use an adapter for a mini DisplayPort or USB-C.

This article explains how to mirror a laptop to a TV both wirelessly and using wires and includes instructions to stop mirroring, too.

The instructions in this article apply broadly to both Windows and Mac laptops when connecting them to smart HDTVs.It may be possible to mirror a laptop to a non-smart TV, however, it requires the use of additional equipment, not covered in this article.

How to Wirelessly Mirror a Windows Laptop to an HDTV

In all Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 computers, including laptops, there's a built-in capability for mirroring your screen on a television calledMiracast or Wi-Fi Direct.There are a few things to keep in mind, though:

• Both the television and the laptop need to be connected to the same network.
• Your laptop and TV both should be current and completely updated with any operating system patches or security updates.
• It is possible that a laptop that was upgraded from an older version of the operating system may not support Miracast (because of outdated hardware).
• While most HDTVs will support Miracast, there are some that do not, and you will not be able to mirror your laptop to those TVs using Miracast unless you buy a separate Miracast dongle.

As long as your computer and your TV support Miracast, mirroring your TV should be a simple process.

1. Make sure both your laptop and your TV are connected to the same network and then go to theWindows logobutton (Start) >Settings>Devices.

   To get toSettingsyou could use the keyboard combinationWindows Key + I(uppercase 'i').

   

2. InBluetooth & other devicesclickAdd Bluetooth or other devices.

   

3. AnAdd a devicedialog box opens. SelectWireless display or dock.

   

4. A list of available devices appears, select the television you're trying to connect to.

   

5. Your laptop will try to connect to the TV, and a message will appear on your television prompting you to allow or deny the connection. SelectAllowand the connection will be established. It might take a few seconds for the image of your desktop to appear on the screen.

   If you have ever connected your laptop to an external monitor, your laptop might see the television as anExtendeddisplay. To change this, press theWindows Key + Pon your keyboard to open theProjectionscreen. SelectDuplicateor Second Screen Onlyto show your desktop on the television. Duplicate shows the desktop on both the laptop and the TV and Second Screen Only shows it only on the TV.

How to Stop Mirroring a Windows Laptop

When you're finished mirroring your screen on Windows, you can go back toSettings>Devicesand find the name of the TV you're mirroring to.Selectit and then clickRemove Device. Mirroring will stop immediately.

How to Wirelessly Mirror a Mac Laptop Screen to a TV

Apple notebook computers, called MacBooks, have a feature called AirPlay. If your television supports AirPlay, then wirelessly mirroring your screen to your TV can be accomplished in two ways.

Wirelessly Mirror a MacBook Using Settings

Depending on how you have AirPlay set up on your MacBook, you may need to go throughSettingsto mirror your screen.

1. OpenSystem Preferences.

   

2. Select Displays.

   

3. In the dialog box that appears, click theAirPlay Displaymenu and select the TV you want to mirror your screen to.

   

4. Your laptop will mirror to your TV and an options box will appear where you can change the optimization and brightness for the screen. You can close out of these windows without ending your AirPlay session.

   

How to Wireless Mirror a MacBook to a TV With the AirPlay Icon

If you have enabledShow mirroring options in the menu bar when availableyou should have an AirPlay icon on your menu bar that you can use to shortcut the process of mirroring your MacBook to your TV.

If you haven't enabled the AirPlay icon, you can do that now by going toSettings>Displayand placing a checkmark in the box next toShow mirroring options in the menu bar when available.

All you have to do is click the AirPlay icon and select the TV you want to mirror to. (Yes, it's really that simple on a MacBook).

How to Stop Mirroring on a MacBook

When you're finished working and want to end your mirroring session on a MacBook, click theAirPlayicon again and selectStop AirPlay. Your MacBook should stop mirroring and your TV will immediately become available again.

How to Mirror Your Laptop Using Cables

If you don't have a newer laptop or a smart TV, you can probably still mirror your laptop to your TV, you'll just need to use an HDMI cable to do it.

If you're using an older laptop, you may need to use a VGA cable. The problem with VGA cables is that they don't carry sound, so you'll also need an audio cable if you want to hear the sounds your computer makes. Also, check your TV to make sure it has VGA ports. If not, you will need to purchase a VGA adapter, too.

All you need to do is connect the HDMI cable to your laptop and to your TV. Then, using the remote on your TV, select the input that corresponds with where you plugged the cable in.

On Windows, you can then use the keyboard combinationWindows Key + Pto open display settings and choose how you want to display/mirror your laptop screen.

On a MacBook, you may not have HDMI connections so you'll need an adapter for a mini DisplayPort or a USB-C. Once connected you can go toSystem Preferences>Displayto adjust display settings if necessary.