How to Connect a Computer to a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Comparison of Methods

Wirelessly connecting your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi opens up a host of possibilities: from watching movies on the big screen to streaming games without an HDMI cable. However, not all methods are created equal—the choice depends on your TV model, PC operating system, and even your Wi-Fi router version. In this article, we'll explore the various options. 5 working methods connections, their pros/cons and typical errors that interfere with stable operation.

Many users mistakenly believe that a single Wi-Fi module in a laptop or PC is sufficient for broadcasting. In practice, protocol compatibility is required (for example, Miracast or DLNA), correct network settings, and sometimes additional software. We tested all methods on TVs. Samsung QLED 2023, LG OLED C2 And Sony Bravia X90K — the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

If your TV was released before 2018, check the technical specifications for wireless technology support. Older models (e.g., Samsung J series or LG LB650V) may require an external adapter such as Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick for full-fledged work.

1. Miracast: Direct connection without a router

Miracast — is a wireless video and audio transmission standard built into Windows 10/11 and most modern TVs. The main advantage: no internet or router is required—devices connect directly via the protocol. Wi-Fi Direct.

To activate Miracast on PC:

1. Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
2. From the list of available devices, select your TV (the model name will be displayed automatically).
3. Confirm the connection on the TV screen (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

On your TV, first turn on the mode Screen Mirroring (at Samsung — Smart View, at LG — Screen Share). The path to the settings is usually like this:

• 📺 Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring
• 📺 LG: Settings → Connection → Screen Share
• 📺 Sony: Settings → Network → Miracast

A Windows 10/11 PC with Wi-Fi Direct support

TV with Screen Mirroring function (released after 2017)

VPN is disabled on your PC (may be blocking the connection)

The router is not used (direct connection)

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Critical feature: Miracast does not support audio in the format 5.1 or Dolby Atmos — only stereo (2.0) is transmitted. Delays of up to 100 ms are also possible, which is critical for games, but not noticeable when watching videos.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 (2022-2026) Miracast may not work due to a driver conflict. Please update your drivers via Intel Driver & Support Assistant or roll back to version 22.110.0.

2. DLNA: Streaming media files over a local network

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) lets you stream movies, music, and photos stored on your computer to your TV without mirroring your screen. Unlike Miracast, it requires a router—both devices must be on the same network.

Setting up on PC (Windows):

1. Turn on Media sharing: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings.
2. Select Enable media streaming and add the TV to the list of allowed devices.
3. Install library management software (eg. Plex or Kodi - they automatically index files).

On TV:

• 🎬 Samsung: open the application Photos, videos, and music or SmartThings.
• 🎬 LG: Home Dashboard → Devices → DLNA Server.
• 🎬 Sony: Media → Home Media Server.

Miracast (screen mirroring)

DLNA (file streaming)

Steam Link (for games)

AirPlay (for Apple)

I don't know/haven't used it-->

DLNA is ideal for viewing local movie collections, but it has limitations:

• ❌ Does not support 4K HDR (maximum - 1080p).
• ❌ No subtitles for .mkv files (requires conversion to .mp4).
• ❌ Depends on Wi-Fi speed: for 1080p no less is needed 20 Mbps.

⚠️ Attention: If the TV does not see the PC in the list of DLNA devices, check that the router settings are disabled AP Isolation (Client Isolation). This feature blocks communication between devices on the local network.

3. Steam Link: Stream games from PC to TV

For gamers the best option is Steam Link, which streams games from your computer to your TV with minimal latency (up to 30 ms with stable Wi-Fi 6). The method requires:

• 💻 PC with installed Steam and a video card NVIDIA GTX 10xx/AMD RX 5xx or newer.
• 📺 TV with support Steam Link (or connected via NVIDIA Shield/Raspberry Pi).
• 📶 Router with 5 GHz and at a speed of no less than 50 Mbps.

Setup instructions:

1. Install the application Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play Store For Android TV or App Store For Apple TV).
2. On PC in Steam go to Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play.
3. Connect the gamepad to your TV (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense).
4. Launch the game on your PC and it will be displayed on your TV screen.

For optimal performance:

• 🔧 In the settings Steam Link select Excellent quality (requires 100+ Mbps).
• 🔧 Turn it off V-Sync in games to reduce lag.
• 🔧 Use a wired connection from your PC to the router (if possible).

How to reduce latency in Steam Link?

1. In Steam Link settings, set "Optimize for speed" instead of "quality".

2. Turn on the router QoS (Quality of Service) and prioritize Steam traffic.

3. Close background programs on your PC that consume network bandwidth (torrents, cloud synchronization).

4. If the game supports it, reduce the render resolution to 900p - this will reduce the load on the network.

Steam Link is the only method that supports streaming games in 4K@60fps via Wi-Fi, but requires a router with Wi-Fi 6 (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000).

4. AirPlay: for Apple device owners

AirPlay — proprietary protocol from Apple, which allows you to broadcast your screen Mac or iPhone on the TV. To work you need:

• 🍎 Computer MacBook (2018 and newer) or iMac With macOS Monterey and above.
• 📺 TV with support AirPlay 2 (Samsung QLED 2019+, LG OLED 2020+, Sony Bravia 2018+).

How to connect:

1. Make sure that Mac and TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac open Control Center → Screen Mirror and select your TV.
3. On your TV, confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter a code).

AirPlay Features:

• ✅ Supports 4K HDR And Dolby Vision.
• ✅ Delay of everything 20–40 ms (better than Miracast).
• ❌ Works only with devices Apple (no support Windows without third-party software).

sudo ifconfig awdl0 down && sudo ifconfig awdl0 up

This will reset the network adapter. Apple Wireless Direct Link, responsible for device detection.-->

5. Smart View (Samsung) and similar products: proprietary solutions

TV manufacturers offer their own technologies for wireless connection. For example, Samsung Smart View or LG TV PlusThese methods are often more stable than universal protocols, but only work with devices of the same brand.

For Samsung Smart View:

1. Install the application SmartThings on PC (Windows 10/11).
2. Turn on the TV Smart View (Settings → General → External devices).
3. In the appendix SmartThings select your TV and press Duplicate screen.

Comparison of branded solutions:

Proprietary solutions are usually easier to set up, but have limitations:

• 🔄 Samsung Smart View does not support HDR10+ during broadcast.
• 🔄 LG TV Plus requires account registration LG for the first setup.
• 🔄 On Sony Bravia Mirroring only works with Windows, but not with macOS.

Troubleshooting: Why the TV can't see the computer

If the connection is not established, please check the following:

🔍 Network problems:

• 📡 Make sure your PC and TV are connected one Wi-Fi network (not to guest or different ranges 2.4/5 GHz).
• 📡 Reboot your router - sometimes the DHCP server doesn't assign IP addresses correctly.
• 📡 Turn off VPN or Proxy on PC - they can block local traffic.

🔍 Driver issues:

• 🖥️ Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver on your PC (via device Manager or the manufacturer's website).
• 🖥️ For Intel Wi-Fi install Intel PROSet/Wireless Software - it adds support Miracast.

🔍 TV limitations:

• 📺 On Samsung turn it off Energy saving in the network settings - it can break the connection.
• 📺 On LG turn on Mobile HDR (Settings → Picture → HDR Modes), if you are streaming HDR content.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Xiaomi Mi TV (models before 2022) wireless connection only works via Miracast, but with a limitation 1080p@30fps. For 4K will be required HDMI or Google Chromecast Ultra.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

🔹 Is it possible to connect a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, but only if both devices support it. Wi-Fi Direct (for example, through Miracast). In this case, they create a direct network. However, for DLNA or Steam Link A router is required.

🔹 Why is there a sound delay when connecting via Wi-Fi?

Latency (lipsync) occurs due to different video and audio transmission paths. Solutions:

• Turn on in your TV settings AV Sync (on LG — Sound → Lip/Sound Sync).
• Use an external sound system (eg. soundbar) with connection via HDMI ARC.
• For Steam Link in the settings select Sound priority.

🔹 What Wi-Fi router do I need for 4K streaming?

Minimum requirements:

• Standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) For 1080p.
• Standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) For 4K HDR.
• Dual-band router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).
• Speed ​​not less than 300 Mbps on 5 GHz.

Recommended models: ASUS RT-AX86U, TP-Link Archer AX73, Netgear Nighthawk RAX50.

🔹 Is it possible to play online games (CS2, Fortnite) via Steam Link over Wi-Fi?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🎮 Input lag (input lag) will 30–50 ms (against 5–10 ms via HDMI).
• 🎮 In shooters like CS2 This is critical - it is better to use a wired connection.
• 🎮 For Fortnite or GTA V the delay is less noticeable.

Tip: Turn on Steam Link mode Fast Encoding and reduce the resolution to 1280×720.

🔹 Why does the TV turn off after 5-10 minutes of connection?

Possible reasons:

• ⚡ It's on on the TV Eco mode or Auto power off (disable in power settings).
• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal: Check the signal strength in Network settings TV (should be >70%).
• 🔄 IP address conflict: Assign a static IP address to the TV in the router settings.