Modern TVs with the function Smart TV HDMI cables have long since ceased to be mere devices for receiving broadcast signals, having transformed into powerful multimedia centers. Their large screen size and high resolution make them an excellent alternative to a computer monitor, especially when you need to display images on a large screen for presentations, watching movies, or playing games. However, running an HDMI cable across the room isn't always convenient, aesthetically pleasing, or even feasible due to the room's layout.
Fortunately, wireless data transmission technologies allow you to stream images from a computer or laptop to a TV screen without using physical wires. This solution requires a stable Wi-Fi connections and proper configuration of both devices. In this article, we'll cover all available methods, from built-in Windows features to third-party apps, and discuss performance and latency issues.
Before you begin setting up, it is important to understand that a wireless connection always introduces a certain amount of latency, known as input lagThis is practically unnoticeable when working with documents, watching videos, or surfing the web. However, for fast-paced shooters or competitive games, this method may prove unresponsive. However, for most use cases, the image quality and ease of use more than offset this drawback.
Network and hardware requirements
The foundation of successful wireless streaming is the quality of your home network. The standard 2.4 GHz band is often overloaded by neighboring routers and household appliances, resulting in image artifacts and audio desync. For a comfortable viewing experience, using the 2.4 GHz band as a monitor is highly recommended. 5 GHz, which provides higher throughput.
Both devices—the computer and the TV—must be on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router. If you have a complex mesh system or multiple access points, ensure there are no client isolation issues that could prevent devices from "seeing" each other.
⚠️ Attention: If your router is old and does not support standards Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer, the data transfer rate may not be sufficient to stream 4K images. In this case, the system will automatically reduce the resolution or frame rate.
It's also worth considering your PC's processor power. Real-time video encoding places additional strain on the system. On low-end laptops, this can cause the computer's interface to lag during streaming.
Using the built-in Projection feature in Windows
The easiest and most common way to turn a TV into a wireless monitor is to use technology Miracast, built into the Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. Most modern Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers support this protocol out of the box without installing additional software.
To get started, make sure that the signal reception function is enabled on your TV. In the menu Samsung It may be called "Connection Guide" or simply be active in the background, and on LG — "Screen Share." On Android TVs, you usually don't need to turn anything on; just be in the main menu.
On your computer, follow these steps:
- 📺 Press the key combination
Win + Kto call the connection panel. - 🔍 Wait for the list of available devices to appear and select your TV.
- 🖥️ Confirm the connection on the TV screen if a permission request appears.
Once paired successfully, your desktop image will appear on the big screen. You can change the projection mode by pressing Win + PThe available options are: "Second screen only" (image only on TV), "Repeat" (copy of screen), or "Extend" (TV becomes a second monitor).
DLNA setup and media streaming
If your goal is not to duplicate the desktop, but to play video files or photos stored on your PC, it is better to use the protocol DLNAIt's less resource-intensive and provides more stable playback of heavy content, as the TV decodes the stream itself rather than receiving a pre-made desktop image.
In Windows, this feature is implemented through "Media Streaming Settings." To enable it, open the "Control Panel," go to "Network and Internet," and find the appropriate item. Here, you'll need to allow access for your TV.
Once set up, you can simply right-click the video file on your computer, select "Cast to Device," and select your TV. The file will open on the big screen in the TV's standard video player.
| Protocol | Purpose | Delay | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | Screen mirroring, work | Medium/High | Depends on the network |
| DLNA | View videos/photos | Absent | Original |
| AirPlay 2 | Broadcasting from Apple devices | Low | High |
It's important to note that DLNA doesn't allow you to control the mouse cursor on your TV. It's a one-way stream of media content. This method isn't suitable for fully using your TV as a monitor, but it's ideal for a home theater.
Why is video lagging over DLNA?
Often, the problem lies in the file format. If the TV doesn't natively support a specific codec (for example, HEVC in an MKV container), it may attempt to stream it with on-the-fly conversion, which puts a strain on the network. In such cases, it's better to use a third-party media server like Plex.
Using Google Chrome to Stream
Owners of TVs based on Android TV or devices with support Chromecast built-in Users can use the Google Chrome browser to cast a tab or the entire desktop. This is a universal method that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Open the Chrome browser on your computer and click the three dots in the upper right corner. Select "Cast." A list of available devices will appear in the menu that opens. Before starting the cast, click the "Sources" button to select what you want to show: a specific tab, the entire screen, or a specific file.
This method is convenient because it doesn't require complex network configuration if both devices are signed in to the same Google account, although it works without that. The image quality when casting a tab is usually very high, as it uses the browser's hardware encoding.
⚠️ Note: Casting your entire screen in Chrome can significantly increase CPU usage. If you notice your mouse cursor moving erratically, try casting just a specific application window instead of the entire desktop.
For macOS users, this method is often the only native option for connecting to Android TVs without installing additional software, as Miracast support is lacking in macOS.
Third-party remote access applications
When standard methods are unstable or advanced management features are required, specialized programs come to the rescue. Applications like Spacedesk, TeamViewer or AnyDesk allow you to use your TV as a second monitor with the ability to fully interact.
The most interesting solution for turning a TV into a monitor is SpacedeskIt is installed as a driver on the PC (server) and as an application on the TV (client). The program creates a virtual video adapter, allowing you to extend your desktop onto your TV with minimal latency.
Benefits of using specialized software:
- 🚀 Ability to work over the Internet, not just on a local network.
- 🎮 Multi-touch support (if the remote control or app on the phone acts as a controller).
- 🔧 Flexible settings for quality, bitrate, and frame rate.
Installing such programs requires time for the initial IP address configuration or pairing using a code, but the results often exceed expectations from standard Windows tools. This is especially true for older TVs that poorly support modern wireless protocols.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
Solving delays and quality issues
Even with a perfect setup, a wireless connection is susceptible to external interference. If you notice blocky images, out-of-sync audio, or cursor lag, troubleshooting is necessary. The first step should always be to change your router's Wi-Fi channel to a less congested one.
A common problem is audio and video desynchronization. The sound may be ahead of the picture or behind it. In Windows sound settings (Control Panel → Sound → Playback device properties → Advanced options) You can try disabling all enhancements, which sometimes solves the buffering problem.
It's also worth checking your screen resolution. Trying to transmit a signal 3840×2160 (4K) over the air requires a huge amount of bandwidth. If your network can't handle it, try temporarily lowering the resolution on your PC to 1920×1080This will dramatically reduce the load on the channel and improve the smoothness of operation.
Is it possible to play games via WiFi on TV?
Yes, you can, but with limitations. For turn-based strategy games, card games, or slower RPGs, a latency of 50-100 ms isn't critical. However, for shooters (CS:GO, Call of Duty) or racing games, a wireless connection via Miracast isn't suitable due to noticeable input lag. For gaming, it's better to use an HDMI cable or stream via GeForce Cloud/Steam Link with a gamepad connected to the TV.
Why can't the TV see the computer?
The most common issue is with Windows network types. Make sure your network profile is set to "Private" and not "Public." Windows blocks device discovery on public networks. Also, check that UPnP is enabled on your router and that your antivirus software isn't blocking local connections.
Does connecting a wireless monitor affect internet speed?
Yes, it does. Streaming images, especially in high resolution, consumes a significant amount of Wi-Fi bandwidth. If you're downloading files or watching videos on other devices on the same network, you may notice a drop in speed. It's recommended to use a guest network for guests or prioritize PC traffic in your router settings (QoS).