How to Cast Your Laptop to TV: Step-by-Step Tips for Windows and Mac

Watching a movie on a 13-inch screen is fine — until you try it once on a big TV. The same goes for family photos, Zoom calls, and last‑minute slide decks. Casting your laptop to a TV can turn your living room into a mini theater, or your home office into a cleaner, more flexible workspace.

In this guide, you'll learn reliable, repeatable ways to cast from both Windows and Mac, plus the hardware options that solve the common pain points: not enough ports, unstable connections, and wanting a second (or third) screen.

Watching a movie on a 13-inch screen is fine — until you try it once on a big TV. The same goes for family photos, Zoom calls, and last‑minute slide decks. Casting your laptop to a TV can turn your living room into a mini theater, or your home office into a cleaner, more flexible workspace.

In this guide, you'll learn reliable, repeatable ways to cast from both Windows and Mac, plus the hardware options that solve the common pain points: not enough ports, unstable connections, and wanting a second (or third) screen — whether that's a simple USB to HDMI adaptor for quick plug‑and‑play display output or a more versatile HDMI hub for TV to streamline cables and connect multiple devices more easily.

Quick Checklist Before You Start

Before you pick a method, check these three things:

1. What ports does your laptop have? (USB‑C only, HDMI, or a mix)
2. What ports does your TV have? (usually HDMI)
3. What are you trying to do? Mirror, extend, or run two displays?

If your goal is a clean desk setup for dockable laptops, you'll likely want a hub/dock solution that handles video plus charging and accessories.

If you're mainly trying to watch content or present quickly, wireless casting can work — but cables are still the most dependable when you need stability.

How to Cast a Windows Laptop to a TV (Wireless + Wired)

Option A (Wireless): Cast from Windows via Built‑In Screen Sharing

Most Windows laptops can cast without extra hardware if your TV supports a compatible wireless display feature (or you're using a streaming device that does).

Steps (typical Windows workflow):

1. Make sure the laptop and TV are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
2. Open Settings → System → Display.
3. Look for Connect to a wireless display (or use the shortcut Win + K).
4. Select your TV/receiver from the list.
5. Choose whether you want to duplicate or extend your display.

This is the simplest answer to how to cast laptop to TV when you don't want cables. That said, wireless casting can introduce lag or compression — fine for videos and slides, less ideal for gaming or fast cursor work.

When wireless is best

• Casual streaming
• Quick presentations
• Temporary setups

When wireless isn't ideal

• Competitive gaming
• Color‑critical work
• Unstable Wi‑Fi environments

You'll see the phrase how to cast laptop to TV a lot online, but the real deciding factor is reliability. If you're tired of reconnecting or dealing with delays, wired is the next step.

Option B (Wired): HDMI from Laptop to TV

If your laptop has an HDMI port, the easiest path is direct: HDMI cable from laptop to TV.

Steps:

1. Plug HDMI into the laptop and TV.
2. On the TV, select the correct HDMI input source.
3. On Windows, press Win + P to choose:
   Duplicate (mirror)
   Extend
   Second screen only

This is also the most consistent method for how to cast laptop to TV in an office or conference room.
The catch: many modern laptops — especially thin ultrabooks — don't include HDMI. That's where adapters and hubs come in.

How to Cast a MacBook to a TV (Wireless + Wired)

Option A (Wireless): Cast from Mac via Built‑In Screen Mirroring

Most modern Macs can mirror wirelessly to compatible devices. The flow depends slightly on macOS version, but the concept is the same:

Steps (typical macOS workflow):

1. Ensure Mac and TV/receiver are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
2. Open Control Center (top menu bar).
3. Choose Screen Mirroring.
4. Select your TV/receiver.
5. Decide whether to mirror or use as a separate display (if supported).

Wireless is convenient, but for smoother playback and fewer dropouts, wired is often the better choice — especially if you're presenting.
You'll often see tutorials framed around how to cast laptop to TV, but on macOS the bigger issue is usually ports. Many MacBooks are USB‑C only.

Option B (Wired): USB‑C to HDMI for Mac

If you want a stable connection and your MacBook uses USB‑C, a USB to HDMI adapter (USB‑C to HDMI) can send video to your TV instantly.

This approach is especially helpful for:

• Training sessions
• Client presentations
• Watching 4K content without Wi‑Fi hiccups

If you also want charging, USB ports, Ethernet, and SD card support, a hub is more flexible than a simple adapter — especially for dockable laptops that live on a desk most days.

Choosing the Right Hardware: Adapter vs Hub vs HDMI Switch

Here's the simplest way to decide.

1. USB‑C to HDMI Adapter (Best for "just get video on the TV")

A USB to HDMI adapter is the quick fix when:

• Your laptop has USB‑C (or USB‑A with the right adapter type)
• Your TV has HDMI
• You only need one display output

On Anker's USB to HDMI adaptor collection page, the focus is on easy connection, broad compatibility, and 4K support — built for home and office setups.
If your main question is how to cast laptop to TV with minimal fuss, this is the cleanest starting point.

2. USB‑C Hub (Best for desks, meetings, and multi‑port setups)

A hub is the step up when you want:

• HDMI + charging at the same time
• Extra USB ports for keyboard/mouse
• Ethernet for a stable connection
• SD card access

A good example is the Anker 364 USB‑C Hub (10‑in‑1, Dual 4K HDMI) . It includes:

• Two 4K HDMI ports
• USB‑C and USB‑A data ports (up to 5 Gbps on the data ports)
• Ethernet
• SD card slot
• USB‑C PD‑IN for pass‑through charging (up to 85W)
• A USB‑C upstream port

It also supports:

• Single display up to 4K@60Hz
• Dual displays up to 4K@30Hz (when using both HDMI ports)

This hub is ideal for people building a station for dockable laptops — one cable in, everything connected.

3. HDMI Switch (Best when you have multiple devices, one TV)

The Anker HDMI Switch (4 in 1 Out, 4K HDMI) (Model A83H2) is a 4‑input, 1‑output switch. The listing highlights:

• Remote control + one‑click switching
• 4K clarity switching
• LED indicators
• Compatibility with devices like laptops, Xbox, PS4/PS5, Nintendo Switch, and TV boxes
• Notes on achieving 4K@60Hz with proper cable lengths (up to 5 m input and output)

If your household shares one TV for a console, streaming stick, and a work laptop, this is the easiest way to reduce cable swapping while still keeping a clean setup for dockable laptops.

Part 3: Mirror vs Extend — What You Actually Want

When people search how to cast laptop to TV, they usually mean “get my screen on the TV.” But there are two different experiences:

Mirror (Duplicate)

• TV shows exactly what your laptop shows
• Best for: movies, slides, quick demos

Extend (Second screen)

• TV becomes extra desktop space
• Best for: productivity, multitasking, drag‑and‑drop workflows

Extend mode is also the gateway to split screen workflows — like keeping email on your laptop while a dashboard, meeting notes, or a web app stays on the TV.
If you're building a more permanent workstation, extended display is where dockable laptops really shine.

Part 4: Going Beyond One TV — Dual Monitors from a Laptop

A TV can act like a monitor, but many people want two displays (or a TV + monitor). That's where the setup becomes more technical — and where the right hub matters.
If you're wondering how to connect dual monitors to laptop, start with your laptop's capabilities:

• Does it support two external displays over USB‑C?
• Does it support video output via USB‑C (often called Alt Mode)?
• Are you on Windows or Mac? (Some Macs handle external displays differently depending on chip/model.)

The Anker 364 USB‑C Hub (10‑in‑1, Dual 4K HDMI) is designed for this use case: its two HDMI ports can run two screens up to 4K@30Hz, or one at 4K@60Hz.

A practical dual-display layout

• Laptop screen: messages, notes, chat
• TV: presentation, video call gallery, or big spreadsheet
• Second monitor: research tabs or design canvas

This is also where split screen becomes less of a compromise. Instead of squeezing two windows onto one display, you can spread them out naturally.
If your main need is how to connect dual monitors to laptop, a dual‑HDMI hub is a straightforward answer — especially for USB‑C laptops.

Troubleshooting: The Most Common Casting Problems (and Fixes)

1. "My TV shows 'No Signal'"

• Confirm TV input is set to the correct HDMI port
• Reseat the cable on both ends
• Try another HDMI port on the TV

2. "Wireless casting is choppy"

• Move closer to the Wi‑Fi router
• Reduce network congestion (pause large downloads)
• Switch to wired HDMI if you need stable playback

This is why many people try wireless for how to cast laptop to TV, then keep an adapter in the bag as a backup.

3. "No sound on the TV"

• Windows: Sound settings → Output device → select TV/HDMI
• macOS: Sound → Output → select TV/HDMI

4. "I can't get the second screen to extend"

• Windows: Win + P → Extend
• macOS: check Display settings and arrangement options

Extended mode also improves split screen productivity — one app per screen instead of two cramped windows.

Putting It All Together: Which Setup Fits You?

If you just want your laptop on the TV tonight

• Use wireless mirroring if it's available
• Or use a USB to HDMI adapter for stable plug‑and‑play video

If you're building a daily workstation (charging + accessories + display)

• Choose a hub like Anker 364 USB‑C Hub (10‑in‑1, Dual 4K HDMI)

This is a strong match for dockable laptops, and it also answers how to connect dual monitors to a laptop without a complicated setup.

If you have multiple devices fighting for one TV

• Use Anker HDMI Switch (4 in 1 Out, 4K HDMI)

It's a simple way to stop swapping cables and keep your entertainment/work inputs organized — especially if you're constantly switching between devices while still wanting a clean split-screen-style workflow across screens.

Final Thoughts

Casting a laptop to a TV doesn't have to be fiddly. Wireless is convenient when it works, but a wired connection is still the most reliable route — especially when you're presenting, gaming, or trying to stay productive.
If you're focused on how to cast a laptop to a TV, start by deciding whether you need mirroring or extending. From there, pick the hardware that fits your routine: a USB to HDMI adapter for simple video out, a multi‑port hub for dockable laptops and dual displays, or an HDMI switch if the TV is the shared hub for multiple devices.