How to Hook up a Windows 7 Computer to a TV

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find out what output ports your computer has.

   Most new computers will come with HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) ports built right into them.
   
   There is a photo of an HDMI port to the right, it is thinner then a USB port.
   
   VGA port:
   A VGA port is rectangular with 15 pins.
   
   There is a sample photo of one to the right DVI port:
   A DVI port is rectangular with 24 pins.
   
   There is a sample photo of it to the right VGA and DVI ports look very similar, be sure to count the pins and make sure.
   
   Both of these ports require an adapter to to a television.
   
   S port:
   An S Video port is circular with 4 or 7 pins.
   
   There is a sample photo of one to the right.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find Out what input ports your TV has.

   There is an image of a TV to the right, it has coloured arrows to label the input ports.
   
   Check to see which of the following your TV has.
   
   Purple Arrow:
   HDMI port.
   
   Red Arrow:
   S Video port.
   
   Orange Arrow:
   HDMI Component.
   
   Green Arrow:
   RCA Component. , If you have an HDMI port on both your computer and your laptop, then all you need is an HDMI cable.
   
   If you have a VGA or a DVI port on your computer and and HDMI or HDMI Component on your TV, you can get a cable for that (there is a picture to the right side) If you have either a VGA or DVI port on your computer and you do not have an HDMI or HDMI Component port on your TV, you will need an adapter cable.
   
   There are three kinds of cables you can get an adapter for, the first is RCA Component (Red, yellow, White), the second is HDMI Component (Green, Blue, Red), the third is an HDMI cable adapter.
   
   Make sure you choose the right one for your port (VGA or DVI).
   
   Then choose the right cable to use according to the inputs on your TV ( RCA or HDMI Component).
   
   If you have an S Video port on both your computer and your TV, then you only need an S Video cable.
   
   If you have an S Video on your computer but not on your TV, you will have to get an adapter for your computer. ,, Sometimes your computer screen will automatically change the settings to fit your t.v screen However if it looks funny, follow the next few instructions to fix your display settings. ,,, If you only want your computer to show up on the TV screen and not the computer screen anymore, you can choose the Multiple Displays drop down menu, and choose the "Monitor" you wish to use.
   
   To find out which is which, you can click on Identify, and the number will show on the identifying screen. , Next click on the Resolution drop down menu, and choose the highest resolution for your television (you can find out you TV's resolution by searching it online).
   
   If it is a high definition TV then the highest resolution setting is appropriate.
   
   If you would like advanced resolution settings for INTEL(R) HD Graphics Cards, please follow the next few steps... ,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Get the right cable to the ports.

4. 4

   Step 4: Hook the cables into your computer

5. 5

   Step 5: and your television.

6. 6

   Step 6: Turn on your computer first

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   Step 7: then turn on your TV

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   Step 8: and go to the proper input in your TV settings.

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   Step 9: Go into windows Control Panel

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    Step 10: and click on Display.

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    Step 11: Go to the left side of the screen and click on Change Display Settings.

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    Step 12: Click on the Display drop down menu

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    Step 13: and choose Multiple Monitors

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    Step 14: or just The other "Monitor" (television) you have hooked up to.

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    Step 15: Choose your resolution.

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    Step 16: Choose Available Display Output on: INTEL(R) HD Graphics from the Display drop down menu.

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    Step 17: Go to the bottom right side of the page and select your INTEL(R) Graphics icon

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    Step 18: and click on Graphics Properties.

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    Step 19: Click on Display

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    Step 20: and adjust the screen resolution until it is appropriate for your TV.

Detailed Guide

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