How to Play on TV with a Laptop via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Gaming on a big TV screen is a fundamentally different experience: detailed textures, immersion in an open world, and eye comfort. But not everyone has a gaming console or a powerful PC under their desk. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to use a laptop as a gaming station, streaming images to TV via Wi-Fi Without unnecessary wires. The main thing is to choose the right connection method to avoid delays, connection interruptions, and loss of quality.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of wireless broadcasting from a laptop to a TV: from built-in functions Windows And macOS to specialized programs like Steam Link or Moonlight. We will pay special attention to setting the minimum delay (input lag) is a critical parameter for shooters and fast-paced games. We'll also find out why, even with a powerful router, the image can lag and how to fix it.

1. Preparation: What you need to stream games over Wi-Fi

Before setting up a connection, please check hardware requirementsWithout them, even the most advanced programs won't be able to provide a stable broadcast:

• 📺 TV with support:
  • Miracast (most models Samsung, LG, Sony after 2013)
  • DLNA or Google Cast (for media streaming, but not games)
  • Apple AirPlay 2 (if you have MacBook And Apple TV)
• 💻 Laptop with:
  • Wi-Fi adapter 802.11ac (or newer Wi-Fi 6 for minimal delays)
  • A video card with hardware encoding support (e.g. NVIDIA NVENC or Intel Quick Sync)
  • The processor is not weaker Intel Core i5 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 5 (for broadcast in 1080p60)
• 📶 Router:
  • Dual-band (5 GHz A must for games!)
  • With support MU-MIMO or OFDMA (for stability across multiple devices)
  • Speed ​​not less than 300 Mbps on 5 GHz

If your TV does not support Miracast or AirPlay, you will need an external adapter: Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick or NVIDIA ShieldFor gamers, the latter option is preferable - it supports Moonlight with a delay of less than 10 ms.

⚠️ Attention: TV manufacturers frequently update firmware, removing support for older protocols. For example, Samsung stopped supporting in 2026 Miracast on younger models QLED Q60CCheck your TV's menu for current requirements: Settings → Support → Product Information.

We will take your answers into account when describing specific settings for different brands.

2. Method 1: Miracast (built-in broadcasting in Windows)

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern devices. It doesn't require internet access and works point-to-point between a laptop and a TV. The main advantage is minimal delay (near 30-50 ms), which is critical for games.

To turn on Miracast:

1. On TV:
   • Open the menu Source → Screen Mirroring (at Samsung) or Network → Miracast (at LG).
   • If there is no option, check your router settings: some models block Miracast when active VPN.

On a laptop with Windows 10/11:

• Click Win + K (or Win + P → Connect to a wireless display).
• Select your TV from the list. If it's not there, update the adapter drivers. Wi-Fi.

To reduce lag in games:

• 🎮 Turn on the mode Game in the settings Windows: Settings → Games → Game Mode.
• 🔧 Set the broadcast resolution 1920×1080 (and not 4K), even if the TV supports more.
• 📶 Connect your laptop and TV to the same network 5 GHz (do not use 2.4 GHz!).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with hybrid graphics (NVIDIA Optimus) Miracast can automatically use the integrated graphics card (Intel UHD), which will increase latency. To force the system to use NVIDIA, open NVIDIA Control Panel → Surround, PhysX Settings → Select Processor and install High-performance NVIDIA processor.

☑️ Check before connecting via Miracast

Update your Wi-Fi adapter driverDisable VPNSwitch the TV to Game ModeClose background programs (Discord, Chrome)Place the laptop closer to the router

Completed: 0 / 5

If even one point is not completed, the broadcast may slow down.

3. Method 2: Steam Link (for Steam games)

If you play through Steam, That Steam Link — one of the best options. The program is optimized for streaming games with minimal latency (20-40 ms (with a good connection) and even supports controllers. However, the laptop may be underpowered—the entire load falls on the main PC (if there is one) or on cloud servers. Steam.

Setup instructions:

1. Install Steam Link on TV:
   • For Android TV (including NVIDIA Shield): download from Google Play.
   • For Samsung/LG: Use the built-in app store (if 2020 models and newer).
   • For older TVs: connect Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast with Google TV.
2. On the laptop:
   • Open Steam → Settings → Login and turn it on Steam Guard (Necessarily!).
   • Go to Settings → Remote Play and activate Host.
   • In the section Additionally install:
     • Target frame rate: 60 FPS (not higher, otherwise there will be lags).
     • Quality: Balanced (or Performance for shooters).
     • Codec: H.264 (if you have problems, try HEVC).

For best results:

• 🖥️ If your laptop is weak, connect it to the router via cable (even if the TV is Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 Enable it in your router settings QoS (Quality of Service) and set the priority for the device with Steam.
• 🎛️ In games, turn off vertical sync (V-Sync) - it adds a delay.

4. Method 3: Moonlight (for NVIDIA GPU)

Moonlight - is an open implementation of the technology NVIDIA GameStream, which allows you to stream games from your PC to any device, including your TV. The main advantage is delay less 15 ms (under ideal conditions), which is comparable to a wired connection. But there is a catch: it requires NVIDIA graphics card (series GTX 600 and newer) on the main PC.

How to set up:

1. On your main PC (not necessarily a laptop!):
   • Install NVIDIA GeForce Experience and turn it on GameStream in the settings.
   • Add games to your library GeForce Experience (even if they are not from Steam).
   • IN NVIDIA Control Panel → SHIELD Setup Allow broadcasting for local network.
2. On TV:
   • Install Moonlight from Google Play (For Android TV) or through Sideload (For LG webOS/Samsung Tizen).
   • Enter the IP address of the main PC (you can find it with the command ipconfig V CMD).
   • Select a game from the list and configure:
     • Permission: 1080p (maximum for Wi-Fi).
     • Bitrate: 20 Mbps (or 50 Mbps For 4K, but only via cable).
     • Codec: HEVC (if TV supports it).

How do I reset Moonlight settings if the game won't launch?

Delete the file moonlight.conf in the folder /sdcard/Android/data/com.limelight/ on the TV. After restarting the app, the settings will be reset to factory defaults.

⚠️ Attention: Moonlight does not work with laptops on macOS or with video cards AMD/IntelIt also blocks broadcasts for games with DRM (For example, Denovo V Assassin’s Creed). In such cases, use Steam Link or Parsec.

5. Method 4: Parsec (for cloud and local gaming)

Parsec It was originally designed for remote access to a PC, but it's also great for streaming games to a TV. Its key advantage is controller support (including DualSense And Xbox Series X) and the ability to play even in cloud gaming (For example, Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW). The delay is 40-60 ms, which is acceptable for most genres except eSports.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Download Parsec on laptop and TV:
   • For TV use the version for Android TV or connect Fire TV Stick.
   • On your laptop, install the client from the official website (there are versions for Windows, macOS And Linux).
2. Create an account and add the laptop to the list of devices:
   • In the settings Parsec turn on Hosting (on a laptop).
   • On the TV, log in to the same account and select the laptop from the list.
3. Optimize your broadcast:
   • In the host settings (Host Settings) install:
     • Encoder: NVIDIA NVENC (or AMF For AMD).
     • Bitrate: 10-15 Mbps For Wi-Fi.
     • Resolution: Match Client (automatic resolution).

In the client settings (on TV) turn it off Hardware Decoding, if there are artifacts.

Parsec automatically adjusts its input buffer to compensate for network latency. This makes it one of the best solutions for Wi-Fi gaming, but it requires a stable connection: if packet loss exceeds 1%, the image will begin to "disintegrate" into squares.

6. Method 5: DLNA and alternative methods (for non-gaming tasks)

DLNA, Google Cast And AirPlay suitable for streaming video or music, but not suitable for games due to high latency (100-300 ms). However, they can be used to stream gameplay (for example, playing on YouTube) or launching simple casual games (like Among Us or Stardew Valley).

If you're specifically looking for screencasting (not gaming), try:

• 📱 Google Cast (For Chrome):
  • Open Chrome on a laptop, press Three dots → Broadcast.
  • Select Broadcast tab (not screen!) for less load.
• 🍎 AirPlay (For MacBook):
  • Turn on AirPlay on Apple TV or compatible TV.
  • On MacBook click Control Center → Screen Casting.
• 🖥️ DLNA (for media):
  • Use programs like Plex or Kodi for streaming recorded gameplays.

7. Troubleshooting: Why is the broadcast slow?

Even with proper settings, lag, stutter, or artifacts may still occur. Here are the main causes and how to fix them:

If nothing helps, check:

• 🔄 Router overload: Disconnect all unnecessary devices from the network.
• 🔌 Nutrition: the laptop must be connected to a power outlet (on battery Wi-Fi works slower).
• 🛠️ Drivers: update your drivers Wi-Fi and video cards through GeForce Experience or Windows Update.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to play 4K via Wi-Fi?

Technically yes, but for stable broadcasting 4K@60Hz you will need:

• Router with Wi-Fi 6 (or wired connection of a laptop).
• Video card with support HEVC coding (for example, NVIDIA RTX 20/30/40).
• Bitrate not less than 50 Mbps (which is only possible within a radius of 2-3 meters from the router).

In practice, even under ideal conditions, there may be micro-lags noticeable in shooters. For 4K better to use HDMI-cable.

Why Miracast can't find the TV?

The problem may be:

• Disconnected Miracast on TV (check the menu) Network → Screen Mirroring).
• Outdated drivers Wi-Fi on a laptop (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
• Blocking by antivirus (disable Windows Defender or Kaspersky at the time of connection).
• Incompatibilities of standards (eg Intel Wi-Fi 6 may not work with Samsung Miracast 1.0).

Try connecting via Steam Link or Parsec as an alternative.

How to play with a gamepad over Wi-Fi?

Most broadcast methods support controllers:

• Steam Link: automatically detects Xbox, PlayStation And Switch Pro gamepads.
• Moonlight: requires connecting the controller to the TV (not to the laptop!).
• Parsec: supports virtual gamepads (eg. DS4Windows For DualShock).

For minimal latency, connect a gamepad wire to the TV or use an adapter 8BitDo for wireless connection.

Is it possible to stream games from MacBook?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• AirPlay: only for Apple Arcade or simple games (delay ~80 ms).
• Steam Link: works, but requires Windows on the main PC.
• Parsec: the best option for macOS, but you need a powerful video card (for example, M1 Pro or external eGPU).

Moonlight And Miracast on MacBook are not supported.

How to reduce lag in shooters?

For CS2, Valorant or Fortnite critical delay less 30 msTo achieve it:

• Use Moonlight with settings:
  • Bitrate: 10 Mbps (the quality will deteriorate, but the latency will be reduced).
  • Resolution: 1280×720 (instead of 1080p).
• Connect your laptop to the router cable, and leave the TV on Wi-Fi.
• In the game settings, disable:
  • V-Sync And Triple Buffering.
  • Post-processing effects (Motion Blur, Depth of Field).

It will also help gaming monitor instead of TV - it has an input lag that is 2-3 times lower.