How To Switch To HDMI On PC In Windows 11?

Wondering how to switch to HDMI on a PC in Windows 11? The process is quite simple and should only take a few minutes. But if your PC still can’t switch to HDMI, check for any connection issues or alter some display-related configurations of your PC.

Key Takeaways

• You can easily switch to HDMI on your PC by plugging in one end of your HDMI cable to the port on your second screen and selecting your second screen as the main display.
• If you can’t switch to HDMI, try cleaning the cables and replugging or swapping them.
• Some more solutions include changing the resolution, updating the display drivers, and changing the display settings.

What Do You Need To Switch To HDMI?

Connecting your computer to a bigger screen or using a secondary monitor with your system is an excellent feature in every Windows, including Windows 11. Whether you want your gaming sessions on your wall-mounted TV and play games from your couch or want to set up another monitor for work purposes, it’s all possible just through a cable.

The procedure for this setup isn’t complicated either. You need to make the connections and set up the display from your computer to get the output display on a secondary monitor or a TV.

Here are the things you will need to switch to HDMI on PC in Windows 11:

1. An HDMI cable.
2. HDMI ports on your PC and the monitor or TV you want to connect your PC with.

Now that we know the requirements, let’s move on to see how we can switch to HDMI on a PC.

How Can I Switch To HDMI On PC In Windows 11?

The process is as simple as it sounds. We will make the connections and then move on to the settings to set our second output display. 

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. First, plug your HDMI cable into your computer on any of the given ports and another end to your monitor or TV.
2. Then, go to the Windows search option and search for Settings.
3. When you open the settings app, there will be a Systems tab on the left. Click on it.
4. Next, go to the display option.
5. Then, click “Multiple Devices.”
6. Then, select the “Make this my main display” option for your second screen.

   

7. Click “Apply” and “OK” to finish the setup.

If you are trying to connect your PC to a TV, follow these additional steps:

1. After doing the setup, just as explained above, turn on your TV.
2. Press the HDMI channel button on your TV’s remote.
3. Doing so will bring up the available HDMI channels. Select the one you have plugged the HDMI cable, and you will start seeing your computer screen on your TV.

Also Read: How To Fix Windows 11 Screen Saver Not Working

What To Do If You Can’t Switch To HDMI In Windows 11?

If you followed the above procedure correctly, you should have no issues. But if you still can’t see your computer’s display on your secondary screen, there might be some problem with your hardware or your PC’s configuration. But worry not because we will also walk you through the troubleshooting process and provide every solution we have come up with.

Before moving to the more time-consuming solutions, let’s first see some of the quick solutions you can apply to fix this problem:

1. Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged in properly by both ends.
2. Remove the HDMI cable, clean the plugs, and replace it.
3. Swap the plugs.

If the above solutions didn’t help, let’s move on to some advanced solutions:

1. Set your connected screen as the main display.
2. Set a different screen resolution.
3. Install the latest display drivers.
4. Make sure the Windows is up to date.
5. Use the SFC scan tool.

Set Your Connected Screen As The Main Display

If your secondary screen still doesn’t show any output, one of the reasons could be the incorrect output display settings. You have to select the correct output display for your screen. By default, the correct output is automatically set when you switch to another screen. But if it didn’t, for some reason, we will show you how to do it.

Follow the steps below to change the output display for an HDMI-connected screen on Windows 11:

1. Go to Windows 11’s display settings by right-clicking on the desktop screen and selecting Display Settings.
2. Select the screen you want to switch to on the display settings panel and click the “Identify” option.
3. A list of output display options will show up. Select the “Show only 2” option, and you should start seeing your computer display on your second screen.

   

The “Show only 2” option lets Windows show the computer’s output display to the selected screen, allowing you to switch to HDMI for your secondary screen.

Install The Latest Display Drivers

Having old drivers can still run your PC just fine, but it may not be able to perform some functions. The output displaying capabilities of your computer can also be affected by outdated drivers, which may be why you can’t switch to HDMI. The latest drivers won’t hurt, so let us show you how to install them.

Follow these steps to update the display drivers in Windows 11:

1. Open the Windows 11’s device manager. To do so, right-click the Windows button and then Device Manager.
2. Scroll down to “Display adapters” and click it.
3. Right-click on the display adapter, and then click “Update driver.”

   

4. Finish the rest of the process by following the on-screen instructions.

Wondershare Recoverit Data Recovery on YouTube has also vouched for the above two methods, and people in the comments have also claimed that these solutions worked for them.

Set A Different Screen Resolution

Another reason you can’t switch to HDMI on your PC is because of the difference in your computer’s output display resolution and the supported resolution of your secondary screen. A YouTube channel, Windows Report, also shared this technique in one of its videos, which worked for many viewers.

These are the steps to change the display resolution on Windows 11:

1. Open the display settings; right-click on the desktop screen, and then click Display Settings.
2. Select the screen you want to change the resolution for, and then head to the “Scale & layout” section.
3. There, an option to change the display resolution will be available. Click it, and a list of resolutions will show up.

   

4. Finally, select your desired resolution.

Make Sure The Windows Is Up To Date

Older versions of Windows 11 can also cause glitches while performing certain functions. Therefore, always make sure to keep your Windows up-to-date. Installing the latest Windows updates can help with running things smoothly. 

Use The SFC Scan Tool

If none of the above methods worked, try running the SFC scan tool. It’s a built-in tool in Windows 11 that scans any corrupted files in Windows and repairs them. It may be possible that your PC has some corrupted files that are preventing you from switching to HDMI on your PC. Additionally, a user named Limitless Technology on the Microsoft community forum suggested this method in the comments, and as it worked for us, it can be worth a try.

Below is the procedure to initiate the SFC scan:

1. Open the Search Window and search “cmd.”

   

2. The command prompt app will show up; run the app as an administrator by clicking on the provided option.

   

3. Once the command prompt Window opens, type “sfc/scannow” and press enter.
4. Restart your PC, and hopefully, the HDMI switching problem will be solved.

Dayan Shahid

[How To Guides Specialist]

Dayan Shahid is a skilled mechanical engineer passionate about technology. With certifications in various programming languages and subjects ranging from microcontrollers to aerial robotics, Dayan can effortlessly present complex technical topics in an engaging way. His ability to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications sets him apart as he continues to inspire others through their insightful content.