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How to Adjust Computer Screen Size on Your TV

How to Adjust Computer Screen Size on Your TV

Now that most devices are plug-and-play, you might assume your laptop will automatically adjust to fit a television screen. However, this isn’t always the case—the image can shrink or become distorted. The same goes for connecting your laptop to a monitor. Fortunately, there are simple ways to adjust your television’s aspect ratio and improve picture quality.

In this guide, we’ll outline the simplest and most common methods for ensuring your computer fills your television screen when connected via HDMI.

Quick Fix

  • You can easily adjust your laptop to fit your television screen through resolution and advanced scaling settings.
  • If using an HDTV, the best display resolution is 1920 x 1080 px.
  • If your television doesn’t support a 16:9 aspect ratio, the second-best option is typically 4:3. 

Why Doesn’t My Computer Screen Size Fit My TV?

The most common reason a computer screen size doesn’t match a television screen is the difference in aspect ratio. While most televisions have an aspect ratio of 16:9, not every device supports these measurements.

In addition, aspect ratios on laptops and computers are often labeled differently. Instead of 16:9, you’ll likely see 1920 x 1080 px, 1080p, or 1600 x 900, which can be confusing.

Alternatively, the graphics card on your laptop may not be compatible with your television. In this case, you may have to purchase an updated one.

How to Adjust Computer or Laptop Screen Size on a TV

Whether using a traditional desktop computer or laptop, the process of adjusting the screen size to fit your television is generally identical. After connecting your device to your television via HDMI, note the following steps to ensure your screen adjusts accordingly.

Fix the Display Resolutions

Display resolutions indicate how many pixels are on display on your screen. Lower display resolutions project poor-quality images that may not fit your screen.

If your display resolution isn’t projecting the resolution you want, note this quick fix for Windows users:

  1. Click through to the Windows search bar and find “Display Settings.”
  2. Review the display resolution settings, which should look something like the screenshot below:
display resolution
  1. Select the full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 px). If your device doesn’t have this resolution, click through each until your screen adjusts accordingly.

If you are still determining what resolution(s) your TV supports, refer to its manual or make a quick Google search. Don’t have a full HD television or laptop? The second-best resolution is often 1366 x 768 px.

Using a Mac? Making resolution changes is generally similar. Just follow these steps:

  1. Click through to the Apple menu and click “System Preferences.”
  2. Choose “Displays” and select “Scaled.”
  1. Choose 1080p. If your TV still fails to display the proper resolution, select 1600 x 900.

Fixing the Displays

Some users mirror or extend their display to fit their television screen better. If mirroring your display, follow these steps to ensure your resolution matches:

  1. Click through to your laptop’s “Multiple Displays” option.
  2. Go to “Scaling Tab” and adjust the settings according to your television’s aspect ratio.
  3. Drag the corners of your laptop display until it suits your television screen correctly.
  4. Finish up by clicking “Resize.”

If you want to learn more about the various resolutions that laptops and computers use, read our article about laptop screen resolutions.

Change the Settings on Your TV

If you’re having trouble changing display resolutions on your laptop, you can instead resize the screen on your television. 

  1. Select the “Settings” button on your remote.
  2. Select “Picture” then “Picture Size Settings.”
  3. Click on “Custom” and “Zoom and Position” to your liking.

How to Connect Your Computer Screen to Your TV Wirelessly

Nowadays, you won’t always need an HDMI cable to connect your laptop to your television—there are methods of doing it wirelessly. However, Internet speed can directly impact how well your laptop casts.

To achieve a lag-free experience, you’ll need a reliable WiFi source that can transmit large amounts of data—just as a physical cable would. Here is how you can connect your Windows computer to your television wirelessly:

  1. Search for “Display Settings” in your search bar.
  2. Scroll to “Multiple Displays” and select “Connect to a Wireless Display.”
connect to tv wirelessly
  1. If your television is already connected to the WiFi, click on the same connection to pair your devices.

Get the most out of your wireless connection by plugging your laptop into a power source. Charging your laptop while casting your screen maximizes bandwidth and gets a high-quality transmission.

Ultimately, while casting your laptop screen to your television is possible on WiFi, you’ll be better off using an HDMI cable.

Things to Consider When Adjusting the Computer Screen Size on Your TV

When connecting your computer or laptop to a TV, keep these tips in mind:

  • Ensure the HDMI cable is connected correctly and pushed in fully.
  • Do not try to connect cables with wet hands. Doing so can cause a short circuit or produce more serious, potentially life-threatening problems.
  • Don’t try to bend your cable. Instead, use a shorter cable for a better connection.
  • Ensure your laptop’s battery is full. Even better, plug it in.
  • If you’re connecting via WiFi, ensure your router is in an accessible and reliable spot to prevent lag.
  • If there is no visible image on your TV, switch the input source to where you’ve connected your cable.

Connecting Your Laptop to Your TV Via VGA or USB Cable

If you don’t have an HDMI cable, you can connect your laptop to your television via VGA or USB cable. However, expect lower picture quality, as transfer rates via VGA or USB are not nearly as fast.

Fortunately, you can convert your VGA or USB port into HDMI with an adapter, producing better picture and sound quality.

How to Fix Desktop Overscaling if You Use a TV as Your Monitor

Overscaling or overscan occurs when your laptop’s screen margins become hidden beyond the borders of your television screen. This issue can result in tucking your taskbar away and making browsing difficult.

Cut screens and over-zooming are more commonly present in older TV models. Fortunately, you can easily adjust your television’s interface by selecting the appropriate resolution. If you have an older model without 16:9 or 1920 x 1080 px, 1280 x 720 px will do.

Final Words

A TV is more than enough if a laptop screen isn’t doing it for you, but you don’t have a monitor. If your screen isn’t appropriately sized, don’t worry—many easy fixes above only take seconds!

Adjustments and resolution changes can provide an excellent big-screen experience at home.

And now that you’ve got this taken care of, you might want to learn how to connect your laptop to a surround sound system for maximum sound quality.