How to connect a computer and TV to a home network via Wi-Fi: 5 proven methods

A modern television has long since ceased to be simply a screen for watching broadcast channels. Today, it is a fully-fledged multimedia center, capable of streaming content from a computer, smartphone, or cloud services. But how connect a PC and TV into a single network via Wi-FiTo stream movies, games, or presentations wirelessly? This task seems simple only at first glance, but in practice, users encounter synchronization issues, video lag, and protocol incompatibility.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods connections - from standard DLNA to advanced solutions like Steam Link or MiracastYou'll learn how to configure your router for stable data transfer, which parameters affect streaming quality, and what to do if the image is lagging or the sound is slow. And also— comparison table of methods by speed, delays and supported formats.

Important: If your TV was released before 2015, some features (e.g. Miracast) may be missing. Check the model specifications on the manufacturer's website.

1. Network Preparation: Why a Router is Just as Important as a TV and PC

Before setting up a connection between your computer and TV, make sure your Wi-Fi network is ready to stream media. Basic requirements:

• 📶 Speed ​​not less than 300 Mbps (for Full HD) or 1 Gbps (for 4K). Standard 802.11ac or newer (Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔄 Dual-band router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). For video, it is better to use 5 GHz - less interference.
• 🔗 Absence of bottlenecks: If the PC is connected via cable and the TV is connected via Wi-Fi, the speed will be limited by the wireless channel.

Check your current router settings:

1. Go to the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. In the section Wireless (Wireless network) select range 5 GHz and set the channel width 80 MHz (or 160 MHz, if supported).
3. Activate WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) - This prioritizes traffic for video and audio.

⚠️ Note: If you have multiple Wi-Fi networks in your home (for example, from neighbors), use channels 36, 40, 44 or 48 in the 5 GHz range - they are less susceptible to interference.

2. Method 1: DLNA – simple file sharing without unnecessary programs

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices on the same network to exchange media files. Most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia) and Windows PCs support it out of the box.

How to set up:

1. Turn on your computer media sharing:

   Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings

   Select "Turn on media streaming".

2. On your TV, open the app Media player, SmartShare (at LG) or AllShare (at Samsung).
3. Your PC will appear in the list of devices - select it and find the file you need.

Advantages of the method: does not require installation of additional software, works with all popular formats (.mp4, .mkv, .jpg). Cons: There is no real-time subtitle support and there may be delays when rewinding..

⚠️ Note: If files are not displayed on TV, please check that network discovery is enabled on your PC (System Properties → Advanced Settings → Network Discovery).

3. Method 2: Miracast - Wireless Screen Mirroring

Miracast - a technology that allows Mirror your PC screen to your TV Wirelessly. Unlike DLNA, it doesn't stream a file, but the entire desktop in real time. Supported by Windows 8.1/10/11 and most TVs since 2016.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Project to this PC).
2. Select Connect to a wireless display.
3. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (LG), Smart View (Samsung) or Miracast (Sony).
4. Your TV will appear in the list of available devices on your PC – connect to it.

Miracast is ideal for presentations, streaming, or gaming with a controller, but it has limitations:

• 🎮 Input lag (~30-50 ms) makes it unsuitable for competitive games.
• 📶 Requires 5 GHz — at 2.4 GHz it will slow down a lot.
• 🔊 Sound is transmitted only via HDMI (if TV does not support eARC).

What to do if Miracast doesn't find the TV?

1. Update the drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter on your PC (via device Manager).

2. Check if your TV supports Miracast (look for a mention in the instructions) Wi-Fi Direct or Screen Mirroring).

3. Disable your VPN and firewall - they may be blocking the connection.

4. Reboot the router and both devices.

4. Method 3: Steam Link – for gamers and others

If you want to broadcast Play PC games on TV, the best solution is Steam LinkThis app from Valve allows you to stream content from your computer to your TV with minimal latency (up to 10 ms on a good network). It supports games from more than just Steam, but also any others (by adding to the library).

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 for Samsung/LG).
2. Connect the gamepad to the TV (via Bluetooth or USB).
3. On PC in Steam go to Settings → Remote Play and activate the option.
4. Launch Steam Link on TV, select your PC and start broadcasting.

For optimal performance:

• 🖥️ The PC must be powerful — broadcasting requires CPU/GPU resources.
• 🌐 Wired connection of a PC to a router (Wi-Fi for TV only).
• 🎚️ In the settings Steam Link select "Superior" quality and enable hardware encoding (NVENC For NVIDIA or AMF For AMD).

Use an Ethernet cable for your PC

Select 1080p resolution (if the TV is 4K, but the network is weak)

Disable background programs on your PC

Enable "Game" mode in Windows settings.

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5. Method 4: Plex – a personal cloud for movies and music

Plex — is server software that turns your PC into an analogue NetflixYou download movies, TV series or music to your computer, and Plex Organizes them into a convenient library with covers, descriptions, and even trailers. The TV connects to the server via the app.

Advantages over DLNA:

• 📁 Automatic sorting content by genre, actors, years.
• 🌍 Access from anywhere in the world (if you set up remote access).
• 📱 Synchronization between devices (You can start a movie on TV and continue it on your smartphone).

How to expand:

1. Download Plex Media Server from the official website and install on your PC.
2. Add movie/music folders to the library via the web interface (http://localhost:32400/web).
3. Install the application Plex on TV (available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS).
4. Log in and select your server.

⚠️ Note: For video transcoding (on-the-fly format conversion) Plex heavily utilizes the CPU. If you have a weak processor, choose formats that are directly supported by the TV (for example, H.264 instead of H.265).

6. Method 5: HDMI Cable + Wi-Fi Adapter – Hybrid Solution

If your TV does not support Miracast or DLNA, and the router is weak for streaming, you can use wireless HDMI transmitterThis device connects to the PC via HDMI, and the signal is transmitted to the TV via Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz or 60 GHz range (for some models).

Popular adapters:

• 📦 Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter — simple and reliable, but only for Windows.
• 📦 ScreenBeam Mini2 — supports 4K and low latency (~10 ms).
• 📦 IOGEAR GWAVRKIT — for professional use (conferences, presentations).

How to connect:

1. Insert the transmitter into HDMI port PC, and the receiver is in TV.
2. Connect both devices to power (usually via USB).
3. Set up the connection via the manufacturer's application (if required).

This solution is more expensive than software methods, but it guarantees stability and low latency. Ideal for conferences, professional presentations or games, where reaction is important.

7. Troubleshooting: Why is the video lagging or choppy?

Even with proper settings, you may encounter video artifacts, freezing, or audio desync. Common causes and solutions:

If problems persist:

1. Check it out network load — perhaps someone is downloading files or watching an online stream.
2. Update router firmware (especially if the model is older than 2018).
3. Try it alternative software:
   • 🖥️ Kodi — for DLNA with advanced codecs.
   • 🎮 Moonlight - analogue Steam Link for non-gaming applications.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi

Is it possible to connect an old TV (2012) to a PC via Wi-Fi?

If your TV doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, you'll need external adapter (For example, Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick). Connect it to HDMI port TV and set up via the app on your PC. Alternatively, DLNA through LAN port (if there is one).

Which method is best for watching 4K movies?

For 4K HDR optimal:

• Plex - if you need a library with sorting.
• DLNA - if the TV supports it HEVC (H.265).
• Wireless HDMI adapter — for minimal delays.

Avoid Miracast - it rarely copes with 4K/60fps.

Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

Problematic for TV without support HDMI ARC/eARCSolutions:

1. Connect external speakers or a soundbar to the TV via optical output.
2. In Windows settings, select Stereo instead of 5.1 in the sound parameters.
3. Use Bluetooth adapter to transmit sound to the speakers directly.

Is it possible to play Cyberpunk 2077 via Steam Link?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🖥️ PC must have a video card no weaker NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5700.
• 🌐 Network speed not less than 50 Mbps (better 100+).
• 🎮 Use a gamepad — the keyboard and mouse will lag via Bluetooth.

For Cyberpunk 2077 better wired connection or Steam Link By 5 GHz with the bitrate set to "Quality".

How to reduce input lag when screen mirroring?

The following will help minimize lag:

• 🔌 Wired connection of a PC to a router (even if TV is via Wi-Fi).
• 📶 Transition to 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6.
• 🖥️ Disabling post-processing in games (V-Sync, antialiasing).
• 🔧 Usage NVIDIA GameStream (for video cards NVIDIA) instead of Miracast.

Average latency:

• Miracast: 30-50 ms.
• Steam Link: 10-20 ms.
• Wireless HDMI: 5-15 ms.