Modern technology allows you to completely eliminate unnecessary wires, transforming your living room into a true multimedia center. Transmitting images from a computer monitor to a large TV screen is a standard procedure, allowing access to movies, games, and presentations on a panoramic display. This doesn't require complex equipment; all you need is Wi-Fi router and related software.
There are several main protocols responsible for wireless video signal transmission. The choice of a specific method depends on your PC's operating system, TV model, and intended use. The most common standards are Miracast, DLNA and proprietary solutions from Google. Each has its own setup features and image quality limitations.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection methods, address common errors, and help you choose the best option for your situation. You'll learn how to set up screen projection in Windows, use the Chrome browser's features, and stream media files over a local network.
Wireless video streaming technologies: Miracast, DLNA, and Chromecast
Before you begin setting up, it's important to understand the differences between the main streaming technologies. Miracast — is a standard developed for directly transmitting images from a device's screen to a display. It works on the principle of mirroring, meaning the TV displays the same image as the computer monitor in real time.
In contrast, the protocol DLNA This is designed for sharing media files. You won't see your mouse cursor or the Windows desktop, but you can play videos, music, and photos stored on your PC's hard drive. It's ideal for watching high-definition movies, as it provides a stable data stream without the lag typical of mirroring.
Technology Google Chromecast (or the Chromecast built-in feature) allows you to stream the contents of browser tabs or the entire screen. This method is convenient because it doesn't require complex network configuration and often works even if the devices are on different subnets, as long as they share a router.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router supports the 802.11n standard or later (ac, ax). Older Wi-Fi routers may not be able to handle Full HD or 4K video streams, causing constant buffering.
Preparing equipment and network
The foundation of a successful connection is the proper organization of the local network. The first and most important condition: the computer and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi networkIf you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are on the same frequency band (either both on 2.4 GHz or both on 5 GHz), although modern routers are usually able to route traffic correctly between bands.
Check your TV's software is up to date. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve the stability of wireless modules and add support for new codecs. Go to your TV's settings menu and find the section Support or About the device and check for updates.
- 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is stable: the signal level on your TV should not be lower than 2-3 bars.
- 💻 Your computer must have Wi-Fi enabled (even if your PC is connected via cable, some streaming features require an active wireless adapter).
- 🔒 The network must be marked as "Private" or "Home" in Windows settings to allow devices to be discovered.
If you're using a corporate network or guest Wi-Fi at a hotel, streaming may be blocked by your router's security settings. In such cases, creating a hotspot on your smartphone often helps, although this will limit internet speed.
Mirroring your screen in Windows 10 and 11 using Miracast
Windows operating systems have a built-in "Projection" feature, which is based on Miracast technology. This is the fastest way to display an image on a TV without installing additional software. To get started, press the following key combination: Win + K on the keyboard. The "Connection" panel will appear on the right.
The system will begin searching for available displays. If your TV supports Screen Mirroring (Samsung TVs may call it Smart View, LG TVs may call it Screen Share, or Sony TVs may call it Screen Mirroring), it will appear in the list. Click the name of your TV. A connection confirmation message may appear on the TV screen—select "Allow" or "Accept."
⚠️ Note: If your computer doesn't find your TV, check that discovery is enabled in the TV's menu. On some models (such as Philips or Toshiba), you'll need to manually launch the Miracast or Display app before searching from your PC.
Once connected, you can control the operating mode through the menu. System → Display → Multiple displaysThe available modes are "Duplicate" (a copy of the screen), "Extend" (the TV becomes a second monitor), and "Second Screen Only" (the PC monitor goes dark).
☑️ Checking the Miracast connection
Using Google Chrome Browser for Broadcasting
If Windows' built-in tools don't work or your TV doesn't support Miracast, a browser can help. Google ChromeIt has built-in Chromecast functionality, which allows you to cast a tab or your entire desktop to any Chromecast-enabled TV or Android TV.
Open the Chrome browser on your computer. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the menu and select Broadcast... (Cast). In the window that opens, you'll see a list of available devices. Before starting the broadcast, click the "Sources" button to select what you want to show: a browser tab, the entire screen, or a specific file.
This method is especially convenient for demonstrating presentations or viewing web content. However, it's important to keep in mind that it places a strain on the computer's processor, as it encodes the video stream in real time. At high resolutions (4K), there may be noticeable mouse cursor lag.
Why might streaming through Chrome be slow?
Slowdowns occur because the browser encodes the video stream using software. If you have a weak processor or a congested Wi-Fi network, image quality will degrade. For viewing larger movies, it's better to use DLNA or built-in Smart TV apps.
Organizing a media library via a DLNA server
To view movies stored on your hard drive, it is best to use the protocol DLNAWindows allows you to share folders containing media files so that the TV sees them as part of its file system. To do this, open Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Sharing options.
Enable network discovery and file sharing. Then find the folder containing your movies (e.g., "Videos"), right-click it, select "Properties" → "Sharing" tab → "Advanced." Check "Share" and allow reading.
Now, launch the Media Player, Gallery, or Video app on your TV. Your computer should appear in the list of sources. Once you log in, you'll see your shared folders and be able to play videos directly using the TV remote.
| Parameter | Miracast | DLNA | Chromecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring | Streaming media | Tab/Screen Cast |
| Delay | Low/Medium | Absent | Average |
| Control | From a computer | From the TV remote control | From a computer/phone |
| Background of work | The PC screen is active | The PC screen can be turned off | The PC screen is active |
Solution: No sound and poor quality
A common issue when connecting via Miracast is no sound or audio out of sync with the video. By default, Windows may continue to output audio through your laptop's speakers. To fix this, click the speaker icon in the system tray (near the clock), select the up arrow, and select your device from the list of playback devices. TV.
If the image appears blurry or choppy, your Wi-Fi channel is likely low on bandwidth. Try switching your router to the 5 GHz channel if it supports it. Also, close background downloads on other devices on the network.
In some cases, your antivirus or Windows Firewall may be blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling your network protection to test. If the issue resolves, add an exception rule for the Wireless Display service.
Alternative solutions and third-party software
If standard methods do not produce results, you can use specialized software. LetsView or AirServer Allows you to turn your computer into an AirPlay receiver (for Apple users) or improve compatibility with various protocols. These applications often offer more flexible quality and buffering settings.
For video card owners NVIDIA NVIDIA GameStream is available, allowing you to stream games from your PC to your TV via the app. GeForce Experience and compatible devices (such as NVIDIA Shield TV). This ensures minimal input lag, which is critical for gamers.
It's also worth mentioning the ability to connect via HDMI adapters if the Wi-Fi network is overloaded. However, when it comes to wireless technologies, using dedicated apps remains the best backup option.
⚠️ Note: TV menu interfaces and item names may vary depending on the manufacturer and firmware version. If you cannot find the option described, please refer to the official documentation for your model or the support website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer an image if the computer does not have a Wi-Fi module?
Yes, this is possible if your computer is connected to the router via a cable (LAN) and the TV is on the same Wi-Fi network. However, for Miracast (screen projection) to work, the PC still needs an active Wi-Fi adapter, even without an internet connection, since the technology uses Wi-Fi Direct.
Why is the picture worse when streaming via Wi-Fi than via HDMI?
Wireless channels have limited bandwidth and are susceptible to interference. The video signal is compressed for transmission, which can lead to compression artifacts, especially during fast-moving scenes. HDMI transmits an uncompressed digital signal, guaranteeing maximum quality.
Does broadcasting work through routers with a guest network?
Generally, no. Guest networks isolate devices from each other for security purposes, so the computer simply won't "see" the TV on the local network. You'll need to connect to the main network or use a Wi-Fi Direct connection, if supported.
How to increase data transfer speed via DLNA?
Make sure you're using the 5 GHz frequency. You can also try changing the channel width to 40 or 80 MHz in your router settings. If your router is older, upgrading to a model that supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) will significantly improve speed.