How to Display Your Computer on a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Wirelessly streaming images from your computer to your TV is a convenient way to turn a large screen into a monitor for presentations, movies, or games without the hassle of cables. However, not all users know that broadcast quality depends directly on the chosen method, TV model, and even router settings. In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods—from built-in features Windows 11 And macOS to specialized applications, and we'll also tell you how to avoid common problems like video lag or connection drops.

It's important to understand that not every TV supports wireless streaming out of the box. For example, older models LG or Samsung (released before 2017) may require additional adapters or software. But modern Smart TV on Android TV, webOS or Tizen are usually equipped with everything you need. Before setting up, check if your TV has these features. Miracast, AirPlay or Google Cast - this will save time.

If you've never set up a connection like this before, start with the easiest method—using the operating system's built-in tools. They don't require any third-party software and are more stable than most applications. For experienced users, we've prepared advanced setup instructions. DLNA servers and network optimization for minimal latency.

1. Built-in screen sharing in Windows (Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct)

Modern versions Windows 10/11 support technology Miracast, which allows you to mirror your computer screen to your TV wirelessly. The main requirement is that both devices must be connected to the same network. Wi-Fi networks (or TV must support Wi-Fi Direct). This method works on most Smart TV from Samsung, LG, Sony and other brands released after 2018.

To start broadcasting:

• 🖥️ On your computer: click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
• 📺 On the TV: activate the mode Screen Mirroring (on the menu Net or Connections). The names may differ:
  • Samsung: Smart View or Screen mirroring;
  • LG: Screen Share;
  • Sony: Miracast or Wireless Display.
• 🔄 Select your TV's name from the list of available devices on your PC. Confirm the connection on both devices.

If your TV does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔌 Are both devices connected to the same network (not a guest network!).
• 🔄 Are the drivers for the video card and Wi-Fi adapter on your PC updated (especially relevant for laptops with Intel Wireless).
• 📶 Router settings: disable Isolation of clients (Client Isolation) in the admin panel, if enabled.

Update your Wi-Fi and graphics card drivers on your PC

Make sure your TV and computer are on the same network.

Disable VPN on PC

Reboot your router if the devices don't see each other.

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⚠️ Note: On some laptops with AMD Ryzen and integrated graphics Radeon Miracast may be unstable due to a driver conflict. In this case, try connecting via Steam Link or Google Cast (see next sections).

2. Using Google Cast (Chromecast built-in or external)

Technology Google Cast (known for devices Chromecast) allows you to broadcast not only your screen, but also individual browser tabs or media files. This method is universal: it works on both Android TV, as well as on TVs with support Google Cast (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV, Philips With Android TV). The main advantage is minimal delays when watching videos.

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

1. Install a browser Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (latest versions).
2. Connect your TV and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open a browser tab with the content you want to stream (for example, YouTube or local video file).
4. Click on the icon Cast (📡) in the upper right corner of the browser and select your TV.

For broadcast entire screen (not just browser):

1. In the same menu Cast select Sources → Broadcast Desktop.
2. Confirm the start of the broadcast. The image delay will be approximately 1-2 seconds (depending on the router).

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via Google Cast The sound goes to the TV by default. If it doesn't play, check the sound settings in Control Panel → Sound (Windows) or System Preferences → Sound (macOS) - Select an output device Chromecast.

3. AirPlay for macOS and Apple TV

If you have MacBook or iMac, and the TV supports AirPlay (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED with webOS 5.0+ or Apple TV), this method will provide the highest quality broadcast with minimal latency. AirPlay 2 supports resolution up to 4K HDR and multichannel sound.

How to connect:

• 🍎 On Mac: open Control Center → Screen Mirroring (or click Control + Click (on the volume/Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar).
• 📺 On the TV: turn on the mode AirPlay in the network settings. On Samsung this can be called Apple AirPlay Settings.
• 🔗 Select your TV from the list and confirm the connection.

For optimal performance:

• 📶 Use a router with support 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or later. On 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) some slowdowns are possible.
• 🔌 Connect Mac to the network via cable (Ethernet), if the TV is located far from the router.
• 🎮 For gaming: turn on the mode Low latency in the settings Apple TV (if used).

4. Broadcasting apps: Steam Link, ApowerMirror, TeamViewer

If the built-in methods do not work (for example, on older TVs without Miracast), third-party applications will come to the rescue. They are suitable for games, streaming or remote control. Let's look at the top 3 solutions:

Steam Link (for gamers)

Application from Valve Optimized for streaming games from PC to TV with minimal latency (up to 30–50 ms with good Wi-Fi). Supports resolution up to 4K/60fps and controllers.

• 🎮 Install Steam Link on TV (Android TV, Samsung Tizen or LG webOS).
• 💻 Launch it on your PC Steam, go to Settings → Remote Play and turn it on Host.
• 🔗 Connect both devices to the same network and follow the instructions in the app.

ApowerMirror (universal solution)

This app works on Windows/macOS and supports broadcasting on Android TV, Samsung, LG and even RokuThere is a free version with watermarks.

• 📱 Download ApowerMirror on PC and TV (from Google Play or a branded TV store).
• 🔑 Register (free) and connect your devices to the same network.
• 🖥️ On PC, select the mode Phone to TV (despite the name, it also works with computers).

TeamViewer (for remote control)

If you need not only screen broadcasting, but also full control over the PC with the TV remote control, TeamViewer — one of the few options. However, the latency here is higher (~2–3 seconds), so it's not suitable for gaming or video.

⚠️ Caution: When using ApowerMirror or similar applications, disable Saving battery life on a laptop - otherwise the broadcast may be interrupted due to performance limitations.

5. Setting up a DLNA server to view media files

If you don't need to duplicate full screen, but only to watch movies, photos or music from the computer, the best option is to organize DLNA serverThis protocol is supported by almost everyone. Smart TV and allows you to stream content without delays.

Instructions for Windows 11/10:

1. Enable DLNA:
   • Open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
   • Turn on Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing.
   • Go to Media streaming options and allow access for your TV.

On your TV, open the app Media player, Photo/Video or DLNA (names vary).

Select your computer from the list of devices and play the desired file.

For macOS third-party software will be required, for example Plex Media Server or KodiThey allow you not only to stream files but also to organize them into libraries with covers and descriptions.

How to speed up file downloads via DLNA?

If the video is lagging when playing on a PC, try:

1. Connect the computer to the router via cable (Ethernet).

2. In the DLNA server settings (for example, in Plex) reduce the transcoding bitrate to 10 Mbps.

3. Enable traffic prioritization (QoS) for the TV device on the router.

6. Optimize your Wi-Fi network for stable streaming

Even the most perfect method of transmission will be useless if Wi-Fi network can't handle the load. To transmit video in resolution 1080p a speed of at least is required 15–20 Mbps, and for 4K — from 50 MbpsHere's how to improve your connection:

• 📶 Switch your router to a different range 5 GHz (less busy than 2.4 GHz). On some TV models (for example, Samsung TU7000) may require manual connection to 5 GHz in the network settings.
• 📡 Place the router closer to the TV or use Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest Wi-Fi) to eliminate "dead zones".
• 🔧 In the router settings:
  • Turn on WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) to prioritize multimedia traffic.
  • Turn it off 802.11b/g in the wireless network settings (leave only 802.11n/ac/ax).
  • Set a fixed channel (eg. 36 or 149 in the range 5 GHz) instead of Auto.

A critical mistake many users make is using a guest Wi-Fi network for streaming. Guest mode often limits speed and blocks communication between devices (for example, with Miracast or DLNA). Always connect your TV and PC to the main network.

7. Solving typical problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the image on the TV is displayed with artifacts (stripes, squares), try:

• 🔧 Reduce the broadcast resolution in the settings (for example, from 4K to 1080p).
• 📶 Switch the Wi-Fi channel on your router (avoid congested channels like 1 or 6 in the range 2.4 GHz).
• 🔌 Disable other devices that consume traffic (torrents, online games on other gadgets).

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung With Tizen when connecting via Miracast The sound may disappear in some applications (for example, in VLC). In this case, use external speakers or an HDMI cable.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream a PC screen to a TV without a router?

Yes, if the TV supports it Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastIn this case, the devices are connected directly, without an intermediary. For example, on Windows select from the projection menu (Win + K) option Connect to a wireless display and wait until the TV creates its network. Samsung this is called Direct Wi-Fi.

Why does the video lag behind the audio when streaming via Miracast?

This is a common issue with a weak Wi-Fi signal or a congested network. Try:

• Switch to range 5 GHz.
• Reduce the broadcast resolution in the graphics settings (1280×720 instead of 1920×1080).
• Disable background programs that consume internet (for example, Zoom or Discord).

If nothing helps, use Steam Link — the synchronization of sound and video is better configured there.

How to mirror your macOS screen to a TV without an Apple TV?

If you have a TV with Android TV or Samsung (with support AirPlay), connect via the built-in function Screen mirroringFor other models, install the app on your TV. AirScreen or ApowerMirror and follow the instructions for AirPlay.

Alternative: Use Google Chrome with extension Cast (see section about Google Cast).

What is the best app for streaming games from PC to TV?

The following are optimal for gaming:

• Steam Link — minimal latency (~30 ms), gamepad support.
• Moonlight (For NVIDIA GPU) - uses technology GameStream with hardware encoding.
• Parsec — cloud service with a latency of ~10 ms, but requires a good internet connection.

Avoid TeamViewer or AnyDesk — the latency there is too high for dynamic games.

Is it possible to screencast from Linux to TV?

Yes, but the setup is more complicated than on Windows/macOSOptions:

• scrcpy — for broadcast on Android TV (requires ADB).
• GNOME Screen Cast — a built-in function in distributions with GNOME (For example, Ubuntu 22.04+).
• MKChromeCast - analogue Google Cast for Linux.

For Miracast Manual installation of packages may be required wfd and setup iwd.