Modern televisions have evolved into powerful multimedia centers capable of playing content from a variety of sources. However, the simplest and most popular scenario remains the user's desire to display images from a personal computer on a large screen without the need for unnecessary cables. Wireless connection Frees you from the clutter of wires and lets you enjoy photos, videos, or presentations from anywhere in the room. Technology has advanced greatly, and now, to establish such a connection, all you need is for both devices to be on the same network.
There are several proven methods for accomplishing this task, each with its own advantages. The choice of a specific method depends on your computer's operating system, TV model, and the required data transmission quality. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at How to stream images from a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi, using built-in Windows and Smart TV features, as well as third-party applications.
Before you begin setting up, make sure your router is working stably, as transmitting a video stream requires high channel bandwidth. To stream 4K video without lag, we recommend using a dual-band router that supports the 5 GHz standard. If you're just planning on displaying static photos, the standard 2.4 GHz band will do, but for dynamic content, speed is critical.
Preparing equipment and network
The first and most important step is to ensure the correct network environment. The computer and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router broadcasting networks named "Home_2.4" and "Home_5G," make sure both devices are connected to one of them, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
Check if your TV supports the technology DLNA or MiracastMost models released after 2015 have built-in support for these standards. On Samsung TVs, this feature is called Smart View, on LG TVs it's Screen Share, and on Sony TVs it's Mirroring. This option must also be enabled in your router settings. WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia), which prioritizes multimedia traffic.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network or a corporate network with AP Isolation, devices won't see each other. To broadcast, you'll need to connect to your main home network.
It's also worth updating your Smart TV's firmware to the latest version. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve wireless connection stability and add support for new codecs. This is usually done through the menu. Settings → Support → Software Update.
Mirror your screen using Miracast in Windows 10 and 11
The most versatile method, which doesn't require installing additional software, is using Miracast technology. It's built into Windows 10 and 11 operating systems and allows you to mirror your screen or extend it onto a TV. To get started, press the key combination Win + K on the keyboard.
The "Connection" panel will appear on the right. If your TV is turned on and waiting for a connection (on some models, you'll need to launch the Screen Share app or similar), it will appear in the list of available devices. Click your TV's name, and the system will attempt to establish a connection.
Once paired successfully, you can select the projector's operating mode. Click Win + Pto open the projection menu. You'll have the following options:
- 🖥️ Computer screen only — image only on the PC monitor.
- 📺 Recurring — the same picture on PC and TV (cloning).
- 📐 Expand — the TV becomes a second monitor, you can drag windows.
- 📺 Second screen only — the PC monitor goes dark, the image is only on the TV.
It's worth noting that when using Miracast, there may be a slight delay in the mouse cursor, which is normal for wireless technologies. If the image quality is poor, check your Wi-Fi signal strength. You can also check this in the Windows settings section. System → Display → Graphics You can try changing the power priority for the wireless display driver.
☑️ Check before connecting Miracast
Using built-in Smart TV (DLNA) features
If your goal isn't to mirror your desktop, but to view photos or videos stored on your computer's hard drive, DLNA technology is ideal. It allows your TV to view your PC's folders as network storage. In Windows 10/11, this feature is called "Media Streaming."
To activate, open the control panel or system settings and find the section Streaming mediaClick "Enable media streaming." In the list of devices that appears, find your TV and make sure the "Allowed" box is checked next to it.
After that, on the TV in the signal sources menu (button Input or Source) A new source will appear, often named "PC," "DLNA," or your computer's name. When you open it, you'll see the standard folder structure: Videos, Music, Pictures.
This method is advantageous because it doesn't burden the computer's processor with encoding the video stream in real time; it simply transfers the file. The TV decodes the data itself. However, the file format must be supported by the TV. If the video doesn't play, it's possible that the required codec isn't installed on the computer, or the container format isn't supported by the TV.
| Parameter | Miracast | DLNA | Third-party software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring | File transfer | Hybrid / Duplication |
| Delay | Medium/High | Absent | Depends on the software |
| Quality | Compressed | Original | High |
| Sound | It is transmitted | Only in video | It is transmitted |
Connection specifics for different brands
Different TV manufacturers use their own implementations of wireless protocols, which can introduce minor adjustments to the connection process. Understanding these nuances will help you quickly find the right button in the menu.
At the TVs Samsung the function is called Smart ViewOn newer models, pressing the source selection button in the menu often immediately prompts you to connect from a PC. You can also use the SmartThings app on your PC if the standard methods don't work.
Televisions LG use technology Screen ShareIn older webOS models, you need to manually launch the Screen Share app from the app list to make the TV visible in Windows search. In newer OS versions, this happens automatically.
Devices Sony And PhilipsAndroid TVs have built-in Chromecast. This allows you to cast a Chrome browser tab or the entire screen directly from your computer's browser, without using Windows system settings. Simply click the three dots in the browser and select "Cast."
⚠️ Attention: Smart TV interfaces are regularly updated by manufacturers. Menu item locations and function names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always look for keywords: Share, Cast, Mirror, Connect.
What if the TV is not on the list?
Make sure AP Isolation is disabled on your router. Check if Windows Firewall is blocking your private network. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus. Restart your router, as multicast packets used to find devices may have been lost.
Third-party broadcasting programs
If built-in Windows tools are unstable or don't support the features you need, third-party solutions can help. They often offer more flexible quality settings and lower latency.
One of the popular programs is LetsViewThis is a free app that can be installed on a PC and (in some cases) a TV, or runs via a web interface. It allows you to mirror your screen, take screenshots, and even control your computer with your TV remote.
Another powerful tool is AirServer or ReflectorThese programs turn your PC into an AirPlay (for Apple devices) or Miracast receiver. While they are most often used to receive a signal on a PC, some versions also allow you to re-stream content. For Android TV, the app AirScreen, installed from the Google Play store on the TV itself.
Using specialized software can resolve codec compatibility issues. For example, if the standard Windows protocol doesn't transmit audio, a third-party utility can capture the audio stream and send it separately, synchronizing it with the video.
Problem solving and optimization
Even with proper setup, glitches may still occur. The problem may include audio and video desynchronization or a choppy image. This almost always indicates insufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth.
Try lowering the streaming image resolution in Windows projection settings. Instead of 4K, select 1080p. Closing background applications on your PC that actively use the network (torrents, Steam downloads, cloud syncing) also helps.
If the connection keeps dropping, check if your Wi-Fi channel is overloaded by neighboring devices. Use Wi-Fi analyzer apps on your smartphone to find a free channel and switch the router to it through the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
In some cases, resetting Windows network settings can help. Open a command prompt as administrator and run the following commands:
netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns
After running the commands, be sure to restart your computer. This will flush the DNS cache and reset the TCP/IP stack, which often resolves network device discovery issues.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to transmit a picture if there is no router at all?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct technology. Many modern TVs and NVIDIA (GameStream) or Intel (WiDi) graphics cards support direct connections. In Windows 10/11, when searching for displays (Win+K) Sometimes you can see your TV even without a router if it supports Direct connection. However, the speed may be lower in this mode.
Why does the mouse cursor lag when broadcasting a screen?
This is a feature of Miracast technology, which compresses the video stream in real time. While this is fine for office work, it's not suitable for fast-paced gaming. For gaming, it's better to use an HDMI cable or specialized game streaming services (such as Steam Link), which are better optimized.
Is sound transmitted to the TV when mirroring the screen?
By default, audio should come through your TV speakers. If the audio remains on your computer, click the speaker icon in the Windows system tray (near the clock), select the playback device, and click your TV in the list.
Does this work via a Wi-Fi extender (repeater)?
Technically yes, but the quality will be poor. Repeaters cut the bandwidth in half and increase ping. For stable high-definition video streaming, using a repeater is not recommended; it's better to use a mesh system or extend a cable to the access point.
How do I turn off the broadcast?
The easiest way is to press a combination Win + K and select "Disconnect." You can also simply close the laptop lid (if configured to do so) or turn off the TV to disconnect.