How Do I Turn on My HDMI Output on My PC?

By Sara Bailey

Computers with HDMI output can transmit high-definition video to a TV screen.
i Ethan Miller/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The high-definition multimedia interface, or HDMI, output displays high-definition video from any supported source through a single cable. Many computers are sold with HDMI outputs, which means you can connect a computer to a high-definition monitor or television and view the computer's video output on the larger TV screen. You can turn on the computer's HDMI output with a few simple procedures.

Place the computer next to the device that you want to use as a display.

Plug the HDMI cable into the PC's HDMI output plug.

Turn on the external monitor or HDTV on which you intend to display the computer's video output.

Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI input on the external monitor. The computer's screen will flicker and the HDMI output will turn on. The external monitor will display the computer's video output.

Right-click on the desktop and click "Screen Resolution" from the context menu. Click on the "Multiple Displays" option on the next window and click on "Show Desktop on Monitor 2." The computer screen will black out and the external monitor will display the computer's video output.

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