How to Stream Video from Your Computer to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Streaming video from a computer to a big TV screen via Wi-Fi is a challenge faced by every second user. According to J'son & Partners Consulting68% of Smart TV owners have tried wireless content streaming at least once, but 37% experienced difficulties due to unstable connections or device incompatibility. The problem is compounded by the fact that manufacturers use different protocols: Miracast, DLNA, Google Cast or proprietary solutions like Apple AirPlay.

In this article, we'll explore all the current methods for streaming video over Wi-Fi—from built-in Windows features to third-party apps—and explain why the picture sometimes stutters or the sound is delayed. You'll learn how to choose the optimal method depending on your TV model, PC operating system, and even your router. Important: 4K video streaming requires dual-band Wi-Fi (5 GHz) with 802.11ac or later support, otherwise artifacts and stuttering will occur.

1. Network Preparation: Why Wi-Fi Cuts Video

Before setting up a broadcast, check whether your network can provide a stable stream. Common bottlenecks include:

• 📶 Wi-Fi range2.4 GHz networks are congested and susceptible to interference from neighboring routers. For Full HD and 4K, use 5 GHz.
• 🔄 Connection speed: 1080p@60fps requires at least 25 Mbps, 4K requires at least 50 Mbps. Check the speed between your PC and TV via ping.
• 🛠️ Router firmware: Older software may not support multicast broadcasts (used in DLNA).

How to check real bandwidth:

1. On your PC, open the command prompt and run:

   ping [TV IP address] -n 50

   If packet loss is >5% or latency is >30 ms, the network is not ready for broadcasting.

2. Use the utility iPerf3 For a speed test between a PC and TV. Minimum value for 4K: 60 Mbps.

⚠️ Note: If your router is older than 2018, it may not support the standard. 802.11ac Wave 2, which is necessary for stable 4K streaming. In this case, consider upgrading your hardware or using an adapter. Powerline (data transmission via electrical wiring).

2. Miracast: Built-in streaming in Windows

Miracast — a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs (since 2014) and Windows 8.1/10/11. The advantage of this method is minimal latency (up to 50 ms) and no internet dependency—devices connect directly via Wi-Fi Direct.

How to enable:

1. On TV: Activate the function Screen Mirroring (at Samsung — Smart View, at LG — Miracast). Usually found in Settings → Networks → Screen Mirroring.
2. On PC: Click Win + K (or Win + P → Connect to a wireless display) and select your TV from the list.

⚠️ Note: On laptops with hybrid graphics (Intel + NVIDIA/AMD), Miracast may not work due to a driver conflict. Solution: Device Manager Disable the discrete graphics card before connecting.

Wi-Fi on the TV and PC is enabled in the same band (preferably 5 GHz)

Screen Mirroring mode is activated on the TV.

The Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your PC are updated (check in Device Manager)

Disable VPN and firewalls (they may block Wi-Fi Direct)-->

3. Google Cast (Chromecast) and Android TV

If your TV is running on Android TV (or connected to it via Google Chromecast), the most reliable way is to use the protocol Google CastIt allows you to not only mirror your screen, but also stream individual browser tabs or media files with minimal impact on your PC.

Instructions for broadcasting via a browser Google Chrome:

1. Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Chrome, click on the three dots → Broadcast → select your TV.
3. Select mode:
   • 🖥️ Broadcast tab — to display web pages (for example, YouTube or Kinopoisk).
   • 📁 Stream file — for local videos (MKV, MP4).

To stream local files without a browser, use the app VLC Media Player:

1. Open the video in VLC.
2. Go to Playback → Playback Device → Chromecast.
3. Select your TV from the list.

4. DLNA: Media Streaming

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for sharing media files between devices on a local network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the screen, but streams specific files (video, music, photos) through built-in TV media players.

How to set up:

1. On PC:
   • 🖥️Windows: enable Streaming media V Control Panel → Network Settings → Advanced Sharing Settings.
   • 🐧 Linux: Install a server MiniDLNA or Rygel.

Problems and solutions:

• 🚫 The TV doesn't see the PC: Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x). Use static IP addresses.
• 🎬 MKV/FLAC files are not played.: Install the codec on your TV K-Lite Codec Pack (for Android TV) or convert files to MP4.
• 🔒 Access denied: In Windows sharing settings, add a user Everyone with read rights.

5. Specialized programs: Plex, Kodi, LocalCast

If built-in tools aren't enough, try third-party apps. They offer advanced features, such as on-the-fly transcoding, subtitle support, and media library management.

Step-by-step setup Plex:

1. Install Plex Media Server on your PC and add video folders to your library.
2. Install the application Plex on TV (available on Google Play for Android TV or the app store LG/Samsung).
3. Log in with the same account on both devices.
4. Enable it in the server settings LAN Networks and add your subnet (for example, 192.168.1.0/24).

6. AirPlay for Apple TV owners

If you have Apple TV or a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2018+ or LG OLED 2019+), you can stream video from Mac or iPhone/iPad without additional programs.

How to enable:

• 🍎 On Mac: Open the video in QuickTime Player or Safari, click the AirPlay icon in the control panel and select Apple TV.
• 📱 On iPhone: in the app Photo or YouTube tap on the icon Share → AirPlay.

Peculiarities:

• 🔒 AirPlay 2 supported augmented reality and multi-room audio (if you have multiple HomePod devices).
• 🎮 The latency when streaming games via AirPlay is ~100 ms (not suitable for shooters).
• 📶 4K HDR requires Apple TV 4K (2021) and a Wi-Fi 6-enabled router.

7. Troubleshooting: Why is the video lagging or there is no sound?

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

To diagnose the network, use the following commands:

ping [IP_TV] -t # Checking connection stability
netsh wlan show interfaces # View the current Wi-Fi speed on your PC

⚠️ Warning: If you use VPN or proxy, disable them before setting up the broadcast. These services often block local connections, which leads to errors like "The device is not responding" or "Unable to connect".

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

sudo apt install minidlna
sudo nano /etc/minidlna.conf # Specify folders with media files
sudo service minidlna restart