How to Mirror Your Computer Screen to a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Proven Methods

Wireless screen mirroring from your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi is a convenient way to turn a large screen into a work monitor, gaming display, or content viewing platform. However, not all technologies are created equal: some require specialized equipment, while others are simply supported by the built-in features of Windows or macOS. In this article, we'll explore the possibilities. all current methods image transmission via Wi-Fi - from standard Miracast to specialized applications like Steam Link or Moonlight.

The main problem with this connection is signal delay (latency) and possible image artifacts. We tested each method on different TV models (Samsung QLED 2023, LG OLED C2, Xiaomi TV A Pro) and PCs (from budget laptops to gaming desktops with NVIDIA RTX 4080). As a result, we identified optimal scenarios for office work, video streaming, and gaming. If you need more than just mirroring, but also screen extension, we'll cover that too.

Before proceeding with the setup, please check two key conditions:

• 📶 Router must support the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer. On Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) There may be some slowdowns when transmitting Full HD.
• 🖥️ PC video card (or integrated graphics) must support hardware video encoding (NVIDIA NVENC, Intel Quick Sync, AMD AMF). Without this, the CPU will be loaded by 30-50% even with simple duplication.

1. Miracast: Standard Wireless Mirroring for Windows

Miracast — a built-in technology in Windows (starting with version 8.1) and most modern Smart TVs that allows screen mirroring without additional software. It works on a peer-to-peer basis, meaning the router isn't involved in data transmission—the signal goes directly from the PC to the TV. This reduces latency, but requires both devices to support the standard.

To check compatibility:

1. On PC: Open Settings → System → Display → Advanced display settings → Wireless displayIf this option is active, your PC supports Miracast.
2. On your TV: Find the function in the menu Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Screen Share).

Connection instructions:

1. On your TV, activate the signal reception mode (for example, Screen Mirroring).
2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Notification Center → Connect).
3. From the list of available devices, select your TV model.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Sony Bravia 2019-2021 Miracast only works after disabling the feature Google Cast in the network settings. Also on a PC with a discrete graphics card AMD There may be problems with the drivers - update them through AMD Adrenalin to the latest version.

Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if Miracast works without it)

The TV's power saving mode is disabled (this may cause the connection to be interrupted)

VPN and firewalls are disabled on the PC (they may block the transmission)

The PC screen resolution does not exceed 1920×1080 (otherwise lags are possible)-->

2. AirPlay: The best choice for Apple and tvOS TV owners

If you have MacBook, iMac or PC with Windows, but the TV is from Apple (Apple TV 4K) or supports AirPlay 2 (Samsung 2018+, LG 2019+, Sony (2020+), this method will ensure minimal latency and maximum image quality. Unlike Miracast, AirPlay uses lossless video compression and adapts to network speed.

For macOS:

1. Make sure your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. In the menu bar, click on the icon Screen control (or Control Center → Screen Mirroring).
3. Select your TV from the list. When connecting for the first time, you may be asked to enter a code from the TV screen.

For Windows:

• 🍎 Install iTunes (for AirPlay drivers) or specialized software like 5KPlayer.
• 🖥️ Turn on the feature Wireless Display through Win + K (required) Bonjour Service from Apple).
• 🔄 Alternative: Use ApowerMirror or LetsView with AirPlay support.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with firmware Tizen 6.0 AirPlay may disconnect after a reboot. To avoid this, disable the option in the network settings. Quick Start (Quick launch).

3. Steam Link: Ideal for Gamers

If you need to broadcast games from PC to TV, Steam Link — the best solution. The app uses a proprietary protocol. Valves, which is optimized for minimal latency (up to 20 ms (on a local network). All games from the library are supported. Steam, as well as any other applications in desktop mode.

How to set up:

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play For Android TV or as a separate application on Samsung/LG).
2. On PC in Steam go to Settings → Login → Steam Link Settings and turn on the option Enable streaming.
3. Launch it on your TV Steam Link, select your PC from the list and connect the controller (or use the virtual keyboard).

Critical point: for stable operation, a router with support is required Wi-Fi 6 and channel 5 GHzOn . 2.4 GHz the delay can reach 100+ ms, which will make the games uncontrollable.

4. Google Cast and Chromecast: for streaming videos and presentations

Google Cast (built in Android TV and devices Chromecast) is optimized for video streaming, but isn't suitable for gaming or desktop work due to high latency. However, it's the easiest way to stream movies from YouTube, Netflix or local files.

Methods of use:

• 📺 Built-in Cast on TV: On Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV or Philips) open the notification panel and select Transmit or Cast.
• 🖥️ Via browser: IN Google Chrome click Three dots → Broadcast and select your TV. Tabs, local files, and the full screen are supported.
• 🎮 For presentations: IN Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides Use the "Present → Cast to Device" feature.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting your screen via Chrome sound may be transmitted with a delay of up to 0.5 secTo sync audio and video, select in Cast settings Optimize for video (instead of Optimize for sound).

Why can't Chromecast find my PC?

If your TV does not appear in the list of devices for casting, check:

1. Are firewalls disabled on your PC (Windows Defender or third-party antiviruses).

2. Are both devices connected to the same network (not a guest network).

3. Is the protocol enabled in the router? multicast (required for discovery devices).

4. Are the drivers for the Wi-Fi adapter on your PC updated (especially relevant for laptops with Realtek chips).

5. Moonlight: A Steam Link Alternative for Non-Gaming PCs

Moonlight — open source software that uses technology NVIDIA GameStream for screen streaming. Unlike Steam Link, it works with any applications, and not just games. The main requirement is a video card. NVIDIA (series GTX 600 and newer) and drivers GeForce Experience.

Step-by-step setup:

1. On PC:

   1. Install GeForce Experience and turn it on GameStream in the settings.
   2. In NVIDIA Control Panels go to SHIELD Setup → Add Device and remember the PIN code.

2. On TV:

   1. Install Moonlight from Google Play (For Android TV) or through APK.
   2. Add the PC to the list of devices by entering the IP address or PIN code.

Advantages Moonlight:

• 🎮 Support 4K@120Hz And HDR (if you have a compatible TV).
• 🔌 Possibility of connecting a gamepad or keyboard via Bluetooth.
• 🛡️ Traffic encryption (unlike Miracast).

⚠️ Attention: On video cards AMD or Intel Moonlight it won't work - only NVIDIAFor an alternative, try Rainway (but there is a higher delay there).

6. Problems and solutions: why the screen is not duplicated

Even with proper configuration, errors can still occur. Let's look at typical scenarios and how to resolve them:

If none of the methods work, check:

• 🔧 Drivers: Update your Wi-Fi adapter and video card drivers via Device Manager or official utilities (NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin).
• 📡 Router: Make sure it's not overloaded (disconnect other devices from the network). To test, connect your PC to the router with a cable. Ethernet.
• 🔒 Firewall: Temporarily disable Windows Defender and antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast may block Miracast).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to mirror my screen via Wi-Fi if I have an older TV without Smart TV?

Yes, but you will need an external device:

• 📦 Android set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S or NVIDIA Shield) - supports Miracast, AirPlay and Steam Link.
• 🔌 Miracast adapter (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter) - connects to the HDMI port.
• 💻 Raspberry Pi 4/5 with installed Moonlight or Chromium for Cast.

The cost of such solutions is from 1 500 to 10 000 ₽.

How to reduce latency when streaming games?

The delay depends on the transmission method and equipment:

• 🎯 The best option: Steam Link or Moonlight By Wi-Fi 6 (delay 20–40 ms).
• 📶 If it lags: Connect your PC to the router with a cable, and leave the TV on Wi-Fi. Use the channel 5 GHz with width 160 MHz (if supported by the router).
• ⚙️ Game settings: Set FPS limit to 60 (even if the monitor supports more) and turn it off V-Sync.

Why is there no sound when mirroring via Miracast?

This is a typical Windows problem. Solutions:

1. Click Win + X → Device Manager, find Sound, video and gaming devices and update the drivers for Intel Display Audio or NVIDIA High Definition Audio.
2. IN Control Panel → Sound check that the default device is not Digital audio (HDMI), namely wireless (for example, NVIDIA Audio).
3. Restart the service Windows Audio through services.msc.

If the sound still does not appear, try an alternative method (for example, Steam Link).

Is it possible to stream a screen from a PC to a TV via the Internet (not a local network)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🌍 For video: Use Google Cast through Chrome or YouTube — there will be a delay 1–3 sec.
• 🎮 For games: Moonlight or Parsec allow you to play over the internet, but require speed from 50 Mbps and stable ping < 30 ms.
• ⚠️ Restrictions: The quality will be worse than on a local network, and the latency will be higher. This is acceptable for work or watching movies, but critical for gaming.

To set up remote access in Moonlight you will need to forward ports on your router (TCP 47984, 47989, 48010).

How to mirror only the audio from a PC to a TV, not the entire screen?

If you only need to transmit audio (for example, to listen to music through TV speakers), use:

• 🔊 Bluetooth: Connect your TV as a Bluetooth speaker (Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth).
• 📡 DLNA/UPnP: Set up a media server on your PC (Plex, Kodi) and broadcast the sound through Android TV or SmartThings.
• 🌐 AirPlay (for Apple TV): IN iTunes or Apple Music Select TV as the output device.