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How to use your PC as TV remote control

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Nowadays, everything tends to be abouttime managementand the ways in which we can make our lives better. And even the most insignificant things (as some might think) can help us save time andenjoy a more relaxing way of life. Thus, in that matter, maybe you would like to learn how to use ourWindows 10 laptops, notebooks or computers for remotely controlling the other devices and gadgets with which we interact on a daily basis.

For example, you canuse yourPCas a remote control for your TV, or for other similar devices that can be controlled remotely through a piece ofhardware. As you know, most devices are controlled via infrared with dedicated remotes – the remote and the TV (for example) are linked first through a unique virtual code and based on this code the connection is then set.

Therefore, for being able to use yourPCas a universal remote you first have to buy aUSBinfrared transmitter/receiver. Of course, this is the classic method which can grant accurate remote access for different devices by using your own portableWindows 10machine.

This solution is the best as it recreates a similar experience as by using a regular remote, but it comes with an important downside: you have to pay for theUSBinfrared transmitter/receiver and for the software that can configure this cable.

However, we will recommend you a great remote controller which is more a USB receiver and works on every PC: FLIRC. This is a great tool that will allow you to use your PC as a remote control for your TV.

Similarly, you can choose to use a dedicatedprogramavailable on the Windows Store. Thisprogramwill let you remotely control your TV or other gadgets but only if all your devices are connected to the same wireless network. So, in this situation, we are discussing about Smart Televisions or about gadgets that can be accessed through yourWiFi network.

We will discuss a little more about these solutions that can help you use yourPCas a universal remote control device – both software andhardwaremethods.

How to use PC as a remote control for TV?

How to use PC as a remote control for TV?

There are different software solutions available for almost all the TV brands available on the market (at least for the most popular ones) – you can even check your manufacturer’s official website for suchapplications.

Anyhow, most platforms can be found on Windows Store and you can choose from both paid and free tools. For example, you can anytime try platforms likeTV remote(it’s free, with in-app purchases),Unofficial Samsung Remote(priced at $0.99),TV Remote Control for Windows 10(free),TV Remote Philips(free),LG TV Remote (2011’s models), orSony Remote Control(free with in-app purchase).

But, as already outlined before the best way in which you can use yourWindows 10PCas a remote control for TV is by buying and setting an external USB infrared transmitter/receiver. And here is how you can do that:

So, that’s how you can use yourPCas a remote control for your TV. As you noticed, there are two ways in which this can be achieved: by using a third-partyappor by buying and setting up an externalUSBinfrared transmitter/receiver cable.

The first method is cheaper but it requiresdevices connected to the same wireless network (and, in most situations the third-partyappswill not be quite accurate); the second method is what we recommend, especially if you want to use stable and accurate solutions and, of course, if spending some money on it isn’t a problem for you.

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Andrew Wafer

Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he’s truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what makes his presence here, at WindowsReport, such a valuable one.

He specializes in writing about the best products for this operating system and Windows 10 fixes. Determined and creative, Andrew also loves coffee, country music, and Sunday mornings.

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