How to stream images from a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Do you want to display a movie, presentation, or game from your laptop on a big TV screen, but don't want to get tangled up in wires? Wireless image transmission via Wi-Fi — the ideal solution. Modern TVs and laptops support several technologies for this connection, but not all are equally convenient. In some cases, built-in functions are sufficient. Windows or macOS, and sometimes you have to install additional software.

The main problem is that not all users know which method to choose. For example, Miracast works on almost all devices, but may lag at high resolutions, and DLNA It's only suitable for media files, not for screen mirroring. In this article, we'll cover All current methods of image transmission via Wi-Fi in 2026, including their pros, cons, and step-by-step instructions. You'll learn how to set up a connection on TVs. Samsung, LG, Sony and other brands, as well as what programs will help if the built-in tools don't work.

1. Miracast: A universal method for Windows and Android TV

Miracast - is a wireless screen sharing standard that is supported by almost all modern laptops Windows 10/11 and TVs with Android TV or Google TVThe main advantage is that you don't need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network: the devices connect directly (peer-to-peer). This means you can screen share even without a router.

However, the technology has limitations:

• 🖥️ Delay ~50–100 ms – noticeable when gaming or scrolling quickly.
• 📶 Permission often limited 1920×1080 (4K is rarely supported).
• 🔋 Battery consumption laptop increases by 20-30%.

To connect via Miracast:

1. On TV: Open Settings → Network → Miracast (or Screen Mirroring). On Samsung this can be called Smart View, on LG — Screen Share.
2. On a laptop: press Win + K (or Win + P → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.

Your laptop and TV support Miracast (check the specifications)

Miracast standby mode (sometimes called "Quick Connect") is enabled on the TV.

VPNs and firewalls that may be blocking the connection are disabled

The laptop and TV are no more than 5 meters away-->

⚠️ Note: On some laptops Lenovo And HP Miracast is disabled by default in the BIOS. To enable it, go to BIOS → Advanced → Wireless Display and turn on the option WiDi or Miracast Support.

2. DLNA: Transfer media files without screen mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transmitting photos, videos and music over a local network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror your laptop's screen, but only streams selected files. It's perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or sharing photos on a larger screen.

Advantages of DLNA:

• 🎬 Supports 4K HDR And Dolby Atmos (if TV is compatible).
• 📂 You can transfer entire folders of files.
• 🔄 Works even on old TVs (2015–2018).

Flaws:

• 🚫 Cannot broadcast web pages, games or applications.
• 🔌 It is required that the laptop and TV are connected to one Wi-Fi network.

How to set up DLNA:

1. On your TV: Turn on the function DLNA or Media server (usually in the section Net).
2. On the laptop:
   • For Windows: open Settings → System → Transfer to device and enable the option.
   • For macOS: use QuickTime Player or third-party programs like Plex.

Select a file (for example, a movie in the format .mp4 or .mkv) → right click → Transfer to device → select your TV.

3. AirPlay: The Best Choice for Apple Owners

If you have a laptop MacBook and TV Apple TV (or compatible with AirPlay 2, For example, Samsung QLED 2020+ or LG OLED 2021+), That AirPlay — the most stable and fastest way to transmit images. The technology supports 4K HDR and minimal latency (~20 ms), allowing you to comfortably play games or watch videos.

How to connect:

• 🍎 Make sure your laptop and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 📺 Turn on the TV mode AirPlay (on Samsung: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay).
• 💻 On MacBook: open Control Center → Screen Sharing and select your TV.

AirPlay Features:

• ✅ Supports screen mirroring And streaming individual files.
• ❌ On Windows installation of third-party programs is required (for example, 5KPlayer or ApowerMirror).
• 🔒 Uses encryption for protection, which reduces the risk of data interception.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung And LG AirPlay support may be disabled after a firmware update. If the feature is missing, check the settings in the System → Software Update and, if necessary, roll back to the previous version.

4. Steam Link: For gamers and game streaming

If you want to play Steam- games on the big screen without wires, Steam Link — the perfect solution. The program streams images from your laptop to your TV with minimal latency (~10–30 ms), supports gamepads, and even lets you play 4K with good Wi-Fi.

Requirements:

• 🎮 Laptop with installed Steam.
• 📺 TV with Android TV or prefix (NVIDIA Shield, Fire TV Stick).
• 🌐 Wi-Fi speed not less than 50 Mbps (For 1080p60).

Setup instructions:

1. Install the application Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play or Amazon Appstore).
2. On a laptop: open Steam → Settings → Login and turn it on Steam Guard (for safety).
3. Launch Steam Link on TV, select your laptop from the list and enter the PIN code.
4. Adjust the resolution in Settings → Streaming (recommended) 1920×1080 at 60 Hz).

How to reduce latency in Steam Link?

Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or connect your laptop via Ethernet.

In Steam Link settings, select Preset: Fast (sacrifices quality for speed).

Disable background programs on your laptop, especially torrents or cloud syncs.

If the game supports it, enable it. VSYNC in its settings.

5. Third-party programs: when built-in tools don't work

If none of the above methods work (for example, you have an old TV without Android TV or AirPlay), you can use third-party programs. They work on the principle server-client: a server program is installed on the laptop, and a client program is installed on the TV (or vice versa).

Top 3 Wi-Fi Screen Sharing Apps:

How to set up ApowerMirror (for example):

1. Download and install the program on your laptop and TV (with Google Play or APK).
2. On a laptop: run ApowerMirror, select Phone Screen (yes, even for PC).
3. On your TV: Open the app, select Computer and enter the PIN code from the laptop screen.
4. Turn it on in the settings Full Screen And No Delay Mode (for games).

⚠️ Caution: When using TeamViewer When you broadcast your screen to a TV, your laptop becomes vulnerable to remote attacks. Always enable Two-factor authentication in your account settings and disable access after use.

6. Problems and solutions: why the image is not transmitted

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

• 🔴 The TV is not in the list of devices
  • Check if the TV mode is enabled Screen Mirroring or Miracast.
  • Reboot your router - sometimes DHCP doesn't assign the correct IP addresses.
  • On your laptop, update the wireless adapter drivers (via device Manager).
• 🟡 The image is slow or choppy.
  • Reduce the broadcast resolution to 1280×720.
  • Connect your laptop to the router via cable Ethernet (if TV supports Wi-Fi Direct).
  • Close background programs that consume traffic (torrents, clouds).
• 🔊 No sound
  • In the broadcast settings, select Transfer audio to [TV name].
  • Check if the sound on the TV itself is muted (Settings → Sound → HDMI ARC).
  • For Steam Link turn on Transmit audio over the network in the settings.

If nothing helps, try alternative method. For example, if it doesn't work Miracast, try it DLNA for movies or Steam Link for games. Also check if it's blocking the transmission antivirus or Windows Firewall.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose

To make your decision easier, we've compiled a comparison table of all the Wi-Fi image transfer methods:

Recommendations for selection:

• 🎮 For games: Steam Link or Miracast (if the delay is not critical).
• 🎬 For movies: DLNA or AirPlay (if any) Apple TV).
• 💻 For work/presentations: Miracast or ApowerMirror.
• 👨‍💻 For old TVs: third-party programs (TeamViewer, LetsView).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transmitting images to TV

Is it possible to mirror a laptop's screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three ways:

1. HDMI cable — the most stable connection without delays.
2. USB-C → HDMI (for laptops with Type-C).
3. Wi-Fi Direct (similar to Miracast, but without a router).

Why does video lag when streaming via Miracast?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move your laptop closer to the router or use 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz.
• 🖥️ Weak processor/graphics card: reduce the resolution to 1280×720.
• 🔌 Background programs: Close torrents, cloud syncs and other heavy tasks.

How to transmit sound along with the image?

Methods depending on the method:

• Miracast/AirPlay: the sound is transmitted automatically.
• DLNA: only for media files (movies, music).
• Steam Link: turn on Transmit audio over the network in the settings.
• Third-party programs: V ApowerMirror or LetsView there is an option Turn on sound.

If there is no sound, check the settings HDMI ARC on TV.

Is it possible to stream Netflix or YouTube from a laptop to a TV?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• Miracast/AirPlay: You can duplicate the entire screen, including the browser with Netflix.
• DLNA: not suitable - only local files are streamed.
• Steam Link: it is possible, but it is better to use the built-in application Netflix on TV.

⚠️ Please note: Some services (for example, Disney+) block screen mirroring due to anti-piracy protection (DRM). In this case, use the built-in apps on your TV.

What kind of router do I need for stable streaming?

Minimum requirements:

• 📶 Standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer (Wi-Fi 6 (preferably).
• 🔄 Dual-band mode (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).
• 📦 Bandwidth not less than 300 Mbps (For 1080p60).

Recommended models: TP-Link Archer AX6000, ASUS RT-AX88U, Keenetic Ultra.