How to Use a TV as an Unsupported Monitor

Connect your TV to your PC to use it as a monitor.

Knowing how to use a TV as an unsupported monitor for your computer comes in handy in the case that your computer monitor breaks, or if you need a larger display for your laptop. Though TVs can be connected to computers in a matter of minutes, the computer sees the TV as "unsupported" or generic. All this really means is that the computer may not recognize the TV as a monitor immediately, meaning you will need to restart the computer after the TV is connected.

Things You'll Need

• HDMI cable
• VGA cable

Instructions

1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the "HDMI" port on the computer and plug the other end of the cable into the TV. The majority of new TVs have HDMI connections and they are becoming more popular on computers. If your computer does not have a HDMI port, skip this step and go onto the next one.

2. Plug one end of the VGA cable into the VGA connection on the computer and plug the other end of the VGA cable into the TV. These are the cables that regular computer monitors use to hook to your computer. New TVs are commonly equipped with VGA ports to integrate your TV with your computer. If you connected your computer and TV through the HDMI ports, skip this step.

3. Press the "HDMI" button on your remote control if you used the HDMI method of connection. Press the "PC" button on your remote control if you used the VGA method of connection. Restart the computer so the system boots up while connected to your TV. During the boot process, the computer recognizes your TV as a connected monitor, allowing the TV to display the images from the computer.

References

• Microsoft: Connect Your Computer to a TV