Unable to display a picture from a computer connected to the HDMI input of my TV

This article provides information for troubleshooting an issue where your computer is connected to your TV using an HDMI cable and there's no display.

Before you start

• Check the article Connect a computer to a TV for use as a monitor using an HDMI, VGA, or DVI cable if you're looking for information on how to connect your computer to your TV to use as a monitor.
• The computer settings and information used in this article are examples, if you're not familiar with making changes to your computer display settings, you may need to check the information provided with your computer or refer to your computer manufacturer for support.

This issue may be caused by several conditions, follow the steps as needed to help identify and resolve the issue:

TV input selection and HDMI cable connections

Follow these steps as needed for making sure your cable connections are secure and your TV input selection is correct:

1. Turn off both your TV and the computer, then turn your TV back on and then your computer.
2. Check the input selection of your TV to ensure it's set for the input used to connect to your computer.
   • On your TV remote, press the Input, Source, or TV/VIDEO button to toggle you through your input connection options to ensure the correct connection is selected. You can also check the back or side of the TV to identify which port the cable from your computer is connected to your TV, and then make sure the input selection on your TV is the same.

     

     Note: This image shows an example of the input names and options seen on a TV and the input button on a remote control. This information varies by model.
3. Check your HDMI cable connections. Disconnect the HDMI cable from your computer and the TV and then reconnect making sure the connections are secure. If the issue continues, try using a different HDMI cable.
4. Try connecting your computer to a different HDMI port on your TV, and then change the TV input to match the port used.
5. If you are using a VGA to HDMI adapter or something similar, make sure it's connected securely and working properly. The adapter could need replacing.

Computer settings

Your computer settings can vary depending on your computer type and operating system. The computer settings provided are examples only, you may need to refer to your computer's help or instruction manuals or contact your computer manufacturer for specific details and steps when making adjustments to your computer and the connection to a TV.

Make sure your computer is set to output a video signal to an external display

1. Select a computer screen resolution that is supported by the TV. In some cases, the computer is set to a screen resolution much higher than supported by the TV. Information for your TV can be found in your manuals. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

   

   Notes:

   • If your TV doesn't support the resolution set on the computer, the screen image may not be displayed or may be distorted.
   • It's recommended that you take note of your computer screen resolution settings before making changes (for reference when restoring the original settings).
   • For specific information on how to check or change your computer screen resolution, refer to your computer help or instruction manual.
   • Some computers aren't able to output an HDMI® or HD signal in certain video modes. If available on your computer, you may be able to use a clone or duplicate output with 1080i.
   • Depending on your computer and its video specifications, some resolutions supported by the TV cannot be displayed. For details, refer to the instruction manual for your computer and video card.

2. On your computer, select a lower screen resolution that's supported by your TV, then check if the image is displayed correctly.

Adjust your computer display settings to output to your TV

If you're sure you've selected the correct input channel on your TV, and the image is not viewable or not ideal, check your computer display settings.

• Computers with Windows® operating systems:
  • Windows 10 operating system

    The following steps show an example of the procedure for the Windows 10 operating system.

    Method 1: Windows Key + P Keyboard Shortcut

    1. Make sure all open programs are closed.
    2. Hold down the Windows key and press the P key on your keyboard.
    3. Select one of the following display style options.
       • PC screen only
       • Duplicate
       • Extend
       • Second screen only

         

    Method 2: Display Settings

    1. On your desktop, right-click your mouse and select Display settings.

       

    2. Click the Multiple Displays drop-down list, and select one of the following:
       • Duplicate these displays
       • Extend these displays
       • Show only on 1
       • Show on 2

         

  • Windows 8 operating system

    The following steps show an example of the procedure for the Windows 8.1 operating system.

    1. Display the Charms bar on your computer, then select Project in Devices.
    2. Select the output destination:

       

       • PC screen only - The image is not displayed on the TV.
       • Duplicate - The same image is displayed on both the computer screen and the TV.
       • Extend - The image is extended onto the TV and allows you to have a desktop that bs across both the computer screen and TV.
       • Second screen only - The image is displayed on the TV only.

  Note: When using laptop/notebook computers, certain display modes may be changed using the keyboard.

  • Press and hold down the Fn key, and then press the related function key (F3, F5, F7, F10, etc.) for changing the display mode. The applicable function key varies depending on the manufacturer.
  • When using a VAIO® computer, press F7 while holding down the Fn key.
  • If you're uncertain about the keyboard operation, refer to your computer manuals and help guides.
• Computers with Macintosh® operating systems
  • Check your display settings to ensure it's set properly. Your computer may have auto-selected an option based on the connected device.
  • If you need specific details for making changes to your computer display settings, check the information provided with your computer or refer to Apple Computer support for help.

  Note: Some software for playing videos, DVDs, etc., may be unable to display images on the computer screen and external display (TV) simultaneously. In this case, set the display mode so that the image is displayed on either one of the displays.