How to Display Photos from a Laptop on a TV
You can connect with HDMI, mirror your screen, use a USB drive, or cast a local slideshow. The best method depends on whether you need a quick display, a presentation, or an ongoing photo loop.
PictaCast Team
Updated June 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answer
For a one-time presentation, connect your laptop to the TV with HDMI. To show exactly what is on your laptop screen without a cable, use AirPlay or Miracast. For an automatic photo loop that keeps your source files on your laptop, use a Chromecast or Cast-enabled TV with a local casting app such as PictaCast.
Which method should you use?
HDMI
Best for a reliable, one-time presentation at close range.
AirPlay or Miracast
Best when the TV needs to mirror exactly what is on your laptop.
USB drive
Best when Wi-Fi is unavailable and basic playback is enough.
Local browser casting
Best for a slideshow that runs separately while you keep using your laptop.
Method 1: HDMI Cable
The most obvious approach. Plug an HDMI cable from your laptop into the TV and your laptop screen is mirrored or extended to the TV.
Pros
- Works with any TV that has HDMI input
- No Wi-Fi or internet required
- Zero latency
Cons
- Cable length limits where you can sit
- The TV only shows what your laptop sends; slideshow controls come from a separate app
- Your entire screen is visible (notifications, desktop, etc.)
Method 2: Screen Mirroring (AirPlay / Miracast)
Built into macOS (AirPlay) and Windows (Miracast), screen mirroring broadcasts your entire display to a compatible TV wirelessly.
Pros
- No cable needed
- Built into the OS — no extra software
Cons
- Performance depends on the network and the devices involved
- Everything on your screen is visible
- Requires a separate photo app for slideshow timing and transitions
- Your laptop remains dedicated to whatever is on the mirrored screen
Method 3: USB Thumb Drive
Copy your photos to a USB flash drive, plug it into your TV's USB port, and use the TV's built-in media player. It is a practical offline option, but updating the collection takes extra steps.
Pros
- No internet or Wi-Fi required
- Works on most TVs
Cons
- Have to copy photos manually every time
- Slideshow controls and layouts vary widely by TV model
- No background music support on most TVs
- Format compatibility issues (exFAT, NTFS, HEIC)
Method 4: Cast a local slideshow from your laptop
RecommendedUse this route when you want a photo slideshow rather than a mirror of your desktop. PictaCast is a web app that reads photos directly from a folder on your laptop and streams them to a Chromecast or Cast-enabled TV. No cables, cloud upload, or copied USB files are required.
Open PictaCast in your browser
Navigate to app.pictacast.com in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your laptop. Sign in with your Google account.
Pick a photo folder from your laptop
Click the folder picker and select any folder on your laptop — Desktop, Pictures, an external drive, anywhere. Your photos never leave your computer.
Cast to your TV and enjoy
Click the Cast icon and pick your TV. Your slideshow starts instantly with crossfade transitions. Add background music, choose layouts, and use your laptop freely while it plays.
For the complete local-casting walkthrough, including browser and device requirements, read How to Cast Photos from a Laptop to a TV.
Pros
- 100% wireless — no cables
- Full slideshow with transitions & music
- Photos never leave your laptop
- You can keep using your laptop while casting
- Works on Mac & Windows
Cons
- Requires a Chromecast or Cast-enabled TV
- Needs Chrome or Edge browser
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HDMI | Mirror | USB | PictaCast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless | ||||
| Auto-slideshow | Basic | |||
| Background music | ||||
| Use laptop freely | Extended only | |||
| Photos stay local |
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