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How to Fix Sony Smart TV HDMI Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Connecting your Sony Smart TV to a Windows 11 PC via HDMI should be a straightforward process. However, sometimes the HDMI connection may not work as expected, causing frustration.

This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix common HDMI connection issues between your Sony Smart TV and Windows 11 computer. The steps are simple and easy to follow, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

By following these solutions, you can enjoy your PC’s content on your big screen without hassle. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

These steps will save you time and help pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check HDMI Cable: Make sure your HDMI cable is not damaged. A faulty cable can cause no signal or poor connection.
  • Correct HDMI Port: Ensure your Sony TV and Windows 11 PC are connected to the right HDMI ports. Some TVs have multiple HDMI inputs.
  • TV Input Source: Verify that your TV is set to the HDMI input corresponding to your PC connection.
  • PC Display Settings: Windows 11 should detect the TV as a second display. If it doesn’t, the HDMI connection may have an issue.

Step 1: Restart Both Your PC and TV

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connection problems. Restarting your devices refreshes their hardware and software settings.

  1. Turn off your Sony Smart TV and Windows 11 PC.
  2. Unplug the HDMI cable from both devices.
  3. Wait for 30 seconds before plugging the HDMI cable back in.
  4. Turn on your TV and PC again.
  5. Set your TV to the correct HDMI input.

This simple reset often resolves temporary glitches causing HDMI issues.

Step 2: Verify Your Windows 11 Display Settings

Windows 11 needs to recognize your Sony TV as an external display. Here’s how to check and adjust the settings:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Scroll down to the Multiple displays section.
  3. Click Detect to find your TV if it’s not showing up automatically.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select Extend these displays or Duplicate these displays according to your preference.
  5. Click Apply to save the changes.

If your TV still doesn’t appear, the issue could be hardware-related or with your drivers (explained next).

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can prevent HDMI connections from working. Updating or reinstalling them can fix the problem.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find the latest version.
  5. If no update is found, consider visiting the manufacturer’s website for your graphics card to download the latest drivers manually.
  6. Alternatively, right-click the graphics card again and select Uninstall device, then restart your PC to reinstall drivers automatically.

Keeping your drivers updated ensures compatibility with Windows 11 and connected devices like your Sony TV.

Step 4: Use the Windows + P Shortcut to Select Display Mode

Windows 11 offers a quick way to switch between display modes using the keyboard shortcut:

  1. Press Windows + P on your keyboard.
  2. A sidebar will appear with display options: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only.
  3. Select Duplicate or Extend to use your Sony TV as an additional display.

This shortcut helps quickly toggle between display modes without going through settings menus.

Step 5: Check HDMI Cable and Ports for Physical Issues

If you still don’t see anything on your TV screen, the physical connection might be the culprit.

  • Try using a different HDMI cable to rule out a faulty cable.
  • Test the HDMI cable and port with another device (like a game console or DVD player) to check if the TV port works.
  • Likewise, connect your Windows 11 PC to a different HDMI display to see if the PC’s HDMI output works properly.

Identifying if the issue is with the cable, TV port, or PC port helps in deciding the next steps.

Step 6: Adjust TV Settings for HDMI Input

Some Sony Smart TVs have specific HDMI settings that can affect connectivity.

  1. Open the TV’s Settings menu.
  2. Navigate to External Inputs or HDMI settings.
  3. Check if HDMI Enhanced Mode or similar options are enabled or disabled.
  4. Try toggling these settings to see if they improve the connection.

These settings control features like HDR or higher bandwidth on HDMI ports, which can sometimes cause issues with PC connections.

Alternative Method: Use Wireless Display (Miracast) If HDMI Fails

If HDMI still does not work, consider using Windows 11’s wireless display feature as an alternative:

  1. Make sure your Sony TV supports Miracast or has a wireless display feature.
  2. On your PC, press Windows + K to open the Connect sidebar.
  3. Select your Sony TV from the list of available devices.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the wireless connection.

This method allows you to mirror or extend your PC screen wirelessly, avoiding HDMI hardware problems.

FAQs

Why is my Sony Smart TV not showing any signal from my Windows 11 PC?

This can be due to incorrect input selection on the TV, faulty HDMI cables, outdated graphics drivers, or incorrect display settings on Windows 11.

How can I check if my PC recognizes the Sony TV?

Go to Windows 11 Display settings and click Detect under the Multiple displays section. If the TV is detected, it will show as a second display.

Can a bad HDMI cable cause intermittent display issues?

Yes, a damaged or low-quality HDMI cable can cause flickering, no signal, or poor image quality. Try a different cable to rule this out.

Do I need the latest Windows 11 updates for HDMI to work properly?

While not always necessary, keeping Windows updated ensures better hardware compatibility and bug fixes, which can help with HDMI functionality.

What if my TV supports 4K but my PC doesn’t display properly?

Try lowering the resolution in Windows display settings to match what your PC and TV both support. High resolutions may require updated drivers or HDMI 2.0 cables.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and your Sony Smart TV HDMI connection still does not work with Windows 11, consider the following:

  • Visit the official Sony support website for troubleshooting guides specific to your TV model.
  • Check Microsoft’s Windows 11 support pages for known HDMI issues and patches.
  • Contact Sony or your PC manufacturer’s customer support for hardware diagnostics.
  • Consider using alternative connection methods like DisplayPort (if available) or wireless display technologies.

Sometimes, hardware faults can only be solved by professional repairs or replacements.

Conclusion

Fixing HDMI connection issues between a Sony Smart TV and Windows 11 involves a combination of simple checks and technical steps. Starting with cable and input verification, then adjusting Windows display settings and updating drivers, usually resolves most problems.

If hardware problems persist, testing cables and ports or switching to wireless display options can help. Remember to keep your devices updated and properly configured for smooth connectivity.

By carefully following these step-by-step solutions, you can enjoy your Windows 11 PC content on your Sony Smart TV without interruption.

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