Modern technologies allow you to get rid of unnecessary wires and bulky storage devices, turning your LG TV into a full-fledged multimedia center. Connecting your computer to your TV via your home Wi-Fi network opens up access to a vast collection of movies, TV series, and photos stored on your PC's hard drive. This solution is ideal for those who value comfort and want to enjoy high-quality content on a big screen without any hassle.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but modern operating systems and Smart TV firmware have automated this process as much as possible. DLNA And Miracast have become industry standards, ensuring stable data transfer. In this article, we'll examine all current streaming methods, explore the nuances of Windows setup, and answer questions users may have when first starting out.
You don't need to be an IT professional to set up a wireless connection between devices. Simply follow step-by-step instructions and understand the basic principles of a local network. We'll cover both built-in operating system features and third-party solutions that can help if standard methods fail for some reason.
Preparatory stage: network and equipment requirements
Before you begin setting up video transmission, you need to ensure that your infrastructure is ready to handle multimedia traffic. The key condition The key is that both devices—the computer and the TV—must be on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router, either via an Ethernet cable or wirelessly.
Connection stability directly depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. If the router is located far from the TV or the signal passes through several solid walls, you may experience delays or buffering when playing large files. Ideally, router must support 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or later to ensure sufficient throughput.
⚠️ Important: Make sure Client Isolation (or AP Isolation) is disabled on your router. If this option is enabled, devices on the Wi-Fi network will not be able to see each other, and a connection will not be established.
It's also worth checking that IPv4, the default network protocol for home networks, is enabled on both devices. In rare cases where the network is configured for IPv6 only, older TV models may not be able to see the computer. Check the network adapter settings in Windows and the network settings in the TV menu.
Setting up sharing in the Windows operating system
The Windows operating system has a built-in mechanism for sharing files called Media StreamingTo activate it, you need to open the Network and Sharing Panel. Go to "Control Panel," then select "Network and Internet," then "Network and Sharing Center." Here, click "Change advanced sharing settings."
In the menu that opens, find the "Private" profile (your current network). You need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. This will allow your LG TV to see your computer in the list of available devices. Without these settings enabled, even with a perfect connection, streaming won't start.
Next, scroll down to the "All Networks" section. Here, it's important to enable "Turn on media sharing" and click "Choose media streaming options." In the window that appears, you'll see a list of devices on your network. Find your LG TV (it may appear as [TV] LG webOS or similar) and make sure "Allowed" is checked.
After applying the settings, the system may ask you to confirm the network type. Make sure your network is set to "Private" and not "Public," as Windows blocks most device discovery features for security reasons in the Public profile.
Using the built-in Media Transfer feature
In Windows 10 and 11, there's a quicker way to start streaming without diving deep into Control Panel settings. This method is called "Streaming" and works via the standard DLNA protocol. Open the folder containing the video file you want to watch, right-click it, and select "Stream media to device" from the context menu.
The system will begin searching for available receivers on the network. If the TV is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you will see its name in the list. After selecting a device, a connection permission prompt may appear on the TV screen. Use the remote control to confirm by selecting "Allow" or "Accept."
This method is convenient for a one-time viewing of a specific movie. However, it has limitations: the playback control interface (rewind, pause, select the next episode) is limited by the capabilities of the standard Windows player. For more advanced controls, it's better to use specialized apps or the TV's built-in player.
It's worth noting that when using this method, the computer acts as a server. This means it must remain on and not go into sleep mode while viewing. Configure the power plan so that the hard drive and system don't shut down after a certain amount of inactivity.
Miracast technology: broadcasting the entire screen
If your goal is not just to play a file, but to show a presentation, photos from a browser, or run a game on a big screen, you will need technology Miracast (In Windows, it's called "Connect to a Wireless Display"). Unlike DLNA, which only streams media files, Miracast broadcasts an image of the entire desktop or part of it.
To launch, press the key combination Win + K on your computer keyboard. The "Connection" panel will appear on the right. Your LG TV should appear in the list of available devices. When connecting for the first time, a code may appear on the TV screen that needs to be entered on the PC, or a confirmation prompt may appear using the remote.
| Characteristic | DLNA (Media Transfer) | Miracast (Wireless Monitor) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Files only (videos, photos, music) | Full screen image |
| Control | TV or PC remote control | PC only |
| PC load | Minimum | High (video stream is encoded) |
| Quality | Original (lossless) | Depends on the signal (artifacts may occur) |
Using Miracast requires a stronger Wi-Fi connection, as the video stream is encoded and transmitted in real time. If the signal is weak, you may notice audio and video out of sync or a drop in image quality. This method may be less effective than DLNA for watching high-definition movies (4K HDR).
☑️ Pre-launch check for Miracast
LG TV Plus app and third-party solutions
LG has developed its own app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG SmartShare), which significantly simplifies interaction with smartphones and computers. Although originally designed for mobile devices, there are desktop versions and web interfaces for content management. You can download the official app from the Microsoft Store if your TV model supports this feature.
However, if standard Windows tools are unstable, third-party media server programs come to the rescue. The leader in this field is PlexInstalling the Plex server on your computer and the Plex client on your LG TV (via the LG Content Store) creates the perfect connection. Plex automatically collects information about your movies, adding posters, descriptions, and cast members, turning your file list into a beautiful video library.
Another popular option is the program Universal Media Server or Home Media ServerThese utilities are more flexible in configuring the codecs and formats supported by your TV. If your LG TV refuses to play a file of a certain format, the media server can transcode it on the fly to a compatible format.
⚠️ Please note: The LG Content Store interface may vary depending on your TV's year of manufacture and webOS version. If you can't find the app you need, check the "My Apps" section or use the search function.
Using third-party software requires installing additional software on your PC, but in return, you get stability and expanded functionality. For example, Plex lets you watch movies from your computer not only at home but also remotely over the internet, provided the server is configured correctly.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of setup, users often encounter a situation where the computer can't see the TV or the video lags. The most common cause is different subnets. Make sure both devices are receiving IP addresses from the same router. If you have a complex network with multiple routers or a mesh system, check that the devices aren't on different VLANs.
The second common problem is antivirus software. Third-party security solutions (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewall that blocks incoming DLNA connections. Find the "Network" or "Trusted Zones" section in your antivirus settings and add your home network to the list of trusted ones.
What to do if there is sound but no picture?
This is a classic sign of codec issues. The TV can't decode the video format, but plays the audio stream. Solution: Use a media server (like Plex) for transcoding or install the K-Lite Codec Pack on your PC if you use the built-in Windows player.
It's also worth paying attention to the screen refresh rate and resolution. If you're streaming your desktop (Miracast) in 4K and your router is running on 2.4 GHz, the bandwidth may not be sufficient. Switch your router to 5 GHz mode for streaming heavy content.
In some cases, resetting network settings helps. On an LG TV, this can be done via Settings → All settings → General → Factory reset (Be careful, this will delete your accounts.) On a PC, you can try resetting the TCP/IP stack using the following command in the command line: netsh int ip reset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to watch movies with the computer monitor turned off?
Yes, you can. When using DLNA (media file sharing), the image on your computer monitor isn't broadcast; only the file itself is transferred. You can minimize all windows or even lock the screen, but don't turn off your computer completely or put it into sleep mode.
Why doesn't my LG TV see movie folders on my computer?
Most likely, these specific folders aren't set up for sharing. Right-click the folder, select "Properties" → "Sharing" tab → "Advanced" and check "Share." Also, check the "Read" permissions for the "Everyone" group.
Does my old LG TV support Wi-Fi Direct?
Wi-Fi Direct technology is supported by most LG Smart TVs released after 2013 (starting with the webOS platform and older NetCast 4.0). For exact information, please refer to your model's specifications on the official website or in the user manual.
What video format is best for streaming over Wi-Fi?
The optimal format is MP4 with the H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC) codec and AAC audio. These formats are natively supported by LG TVs and require no re-encoding, reducing the load on the network and computer processor.