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Use Your TV as a Computer Monitor for Free: A Step-by-Step Guide

ZDNet says connecting a TV to a PC with an HDMI cable is a free alternative to costly monitors, with tips for adapters, wireless casting, and display settings.

AI News Feed · 2026-08-23 03:21

For most users, the quickest method is to plug an HDMI cable from the computer into the TV and select the corresponding input using the TV’s remote. This produces an almost seamless mirror of the desktop. Laptops or desktops that rely on Thunderbolt or DisplayPort for external displays will need a USB-C-to-HDMI or DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, which typically costs $10 to $15. ZDNET notes that because the TV still uses HDMI, users won't get the high-speed data transfer of a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt monitor.

Wireless connectivity is another option. Many modern smart TVs support Apple’s AirPlay or Google’s Cast screen mirroring, allowing users to cast their computer screen without cables. However, the guide warns that wireless transmission can introduce noticeable input lag and resolution degradation due to compression and transmission overhead. For owners of newer Samsung or LG TVs, there is a remote PC access feature that requires enabling a setting on the computer and entering the device’s IP address in the TV’s dedicated app.

Finding the IP address varies by operating system. On Windows, users can open Command Prompt and type “ipconfig” to locate the IPv4 address. On macOS, navigate to System Settings > Network, select the active connection, and click Details. ChromeOS users can find the IP address under the network information in the Quick Settings panel. For Linux, the guide suggests either a GUI path (Settings > Network, clicking the gear icon) or terminal commands such as “hostname -I” or “ip addr” to reveal the internal IP address, with legacy distros using “ifconfig” instead.

Once connected, configuring the display is essential. If the TV is intended as a second or third monitor, display settings must be adjusted to arrange the screens correctly. On Linux, users can use the “xrandr” command to confirm output names, set resolution and refresh rate (for example, 1920×1080 or 3840×2160), and specify the relative position of each display.

The most important factor for picture quality is matching the resolution output of the computer to the TV’s native resolution. Computers capable of native 4K can simply set the TV to 4K; others should select the highest compatible settings. ZDNET emphasizes that matching refresh rates also helps reduce flicker and improve smoothness. By following these steps, a TV can become a fully functional monitor at no cost, aside from possibly a cheap adapter, offering an economical solution for those in need of a larger screen or a temporary display.