How to stream images from your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi

Modern multimedia systems allow you to eliminate unnecessary cables and enjoy content on a large screen without complicated wiring. Streaming images from a personal computer to a TV via Wi-Fi has become the de facto standard for watching movies, presentations, and games. This process requires minimal preparation and an understanding of the basic principles of a home network.

There are several proven technologies, each with its own advantages and limitations. The choice of a specific method depends on your device's operating system, TV model, and required picture quality. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current wireless connection methods.

Before you begin setup, make sure both devices—your computer and TV—are connected to the same wireless network. This is a fundamental requirement for most broadcast protocols to work. If your router supports dual-band mode, it's recommended to use the same network. 5 GHz to ensure high throughput.

⚠️ Attention: If your router distributes two different networks (for example, "Home_2.4" and "Home_5G"), both devices must be connected to exactly one of them, otherwise they will not see each other on the local network.

Using built-in Windows and Smart TV features

Windows 10 and 11 operating systems are equipped with native tools for wireless screen projection. Technology Miracast Allows you to duplicate your desktop or extend it onto your TV screen without installing additional software. Most modern Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers support this standard out of the box.

To start the process on your computer, press the key combination Win + KThe system will automatically search for available wireless displays within range. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, check your TV settings: in the Input menu, you often need to explicitly select "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Display," or "Connect to Device."

Once paired, you can select the projector's operating mode. Options include screen mirroring, expanding your workspace, or using the TV as a second monitor. Transmission quality depends on the power of your Wi-Fi router and the distance to it.

• 📺 Duplication: a full copy of the image from a PC monitor on a TV.
• 🖥️ Expand: The TV becomes a second desktop where you can drag windows.
• 🔒 Second screen only: The image on the computer monitor goes out and remains only on the TV.

It's worth noting that a slight input lag may be experienced when using Miracast. This is normal for watching videos or photos, but can be disruptive during fast-paced games. To reduce lag, try placing the router as close as possible to both devices.

📊 Which connection method do you use most often?

Built-in Windows (Miracast)/DLNA server/Third-party apps/HDMI cable/I don't use

Setting up a DLNA server for multimedia

If your goal is not to duplicate your desktop, but to play video files, photos or music stored on your hard drive, the optimal solution is the technology DLNAIt allows the TV to view the computer as a network storage device and play content directly, without burdening the PC's processor with video stream encoding.

In Windows, this feature is implemented through the "Media Streaming" standard. To activate it, open "Media Streaming Settings" in Control Panel. Here, you need to allow access for your TV from the list of detected devices.

Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Media Streaming Settings

Once enabled, the "Videos," "Music," and "Pictures" folders become accessible over the network. You can add files you want to view to them. The TV will display the computer in the list of signal sources (often under "Media Servers" or "PC").

It's important to understand the difference: DLNA doesn't stream your desktop image; it only provides access to files. The navigation interface will depend on the Smart TV manufacturer's interface.

Broadcast via Google Chrome browser and Chromecast

Owners of TVs with the operating system Android TV or a built-in module Chromecast You can use the Google Chrome browser on your computer as a universal remote control. This method is especially convenient when you need to display the contents of a web page or broadcast a browser tab.

To get started, open the Chrome browser on your computer. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the menu and select "Cast." In the window that opens, select the source: you can cast a single tab, your entire desktop, or a specific file.

The system will prompt you to select an output device. Once connected, the image will appear on the TV screen. This method is convenient because it doesn't depend on your computer's operating system—it works equally well on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• 🌐 Tab: broadcasting only the contents of one open page.
• 💻 Desktop: transmission of everything that happens on the monitor screen.
• 📁 File: Playing a local video file through the browser interface.

Image quality when streaming through Chrome is usually high, but it depends heavily on the computer's processor load, since it is the one encoding the video stream in real time.

Third-party streaming software

Standard tools don't always work reliably, especially if the TV isn't Smart or has outdated firmware. In such cases, specialized apps installed on both the PC and the TV (if the platform supports them) come to the rescue.

One of the most popular solutions is a bundle DLNA server (for example, Universal Media Server) and a built-in TV player. However, for more complex tasks, such as streaming games or a desktop with minimal latency, it is better to use specialized software like Plex or Kodi.

The Plex app requires a server installation on your computer and a client on your TV. Once registered with a single account, your media library becomes accessible through a beautiful interface with posters and descriptions. This transforms a regular TV into a fully-fledged home theater.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party applications, ensure that Windows Firewall isn't blocking incoming connections. When you first start the server, the system will usually ask for network access permission—select "Private Networks."

For gamers who want to stream images from their PC to TV with minimal latency, this technology is ideal. Steam LinkIt allows you to run games on a powerful computer and display images and receive signals from a gamepad through a TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Why does the video lag during broadcasting?

A common cause is Wi-Fi congestion from neighboring routers or background downloads. Try switching to channel 1, 6, or 11 in your router settings, or using the 5 GHz frequency.

Troubleshooting connection and latency issues

Even with proper setup, users may experience image artifacts, audio desync, or a device's complete absence from the list. The first step should always be troubleshooting the network. Ensure there are no thick walls or strong sources of interference, such as microwave ovens, between the router and the TV.

If the computer sees the TV but can't connect, try restarting the Wi-Fi module on both devices. Sometimes, temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall to test whether ports are blocked can help.

If the audio lags behind the video (desync), the problem is often due to buffering. Increasing the buffer size in the player settings or reducing the bitrate of the stream may resolve the issue. Also, check that no heavy tasks are running on your computer that are consuming all your bandwidth.

Problem	Probable cause	Solution
The TV is not visible in the list	Different Wi-Fi networks	Check if both devices are connected to the same SSID.
Low image quality	Weak 2.4 GHz signal	Switch to a 5 GHz network or move the router closer
Audio delay (Lip-sync)	Stream Buffering	Reduce video quality or increase player buffer
Connection break	Wi-Fi module overheating	Let the equipment cool down, check the network adapter drivers

Keep in mind that TV software is updated periodically. If a previously working method no longer works, check for system updates in the TV settings menu. Manufacturers frequently change security protocols, which may require reauthorization of devices.

☑️ Connection diagnostics

Both devices are on the same network: Wi-Fi router supports 5 GHz: Firewall is not blocking the connection: Network card drivers are updated

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Comparison of wireless transmission technologies

The optimal method depends on your specific needs. For occasional presentations, Windows' built-in functionality is suitable. For regular movie viewing, DLNA or Plex are better. Gamers should consider specialized solutions with low ping.

Each technology has its own strengths. Miracast excels in versatility, DLNA excels in the quality of video decoding within the TV, and Chrome Cast excels in ease of use for web content. Understanding these differences will allow you to flexibly manage media in your home.

The standard is expected to evolve in the future. Wi-Fi 6E, which will bring even lower latency and connection stability in congested apartment buildings. This will make wireless 8K video transmission as stable as a wired connection.

Is internet required for Miracast to work?

No, Miracast doesn't require internet access. Devices connect directly via Wi-Fi Direct, creating a local network between them. However, if you want to stream online video from your browser, internet access is required.

Why is there no sound when screencasting?

Often, the audio is stored on the computer by default. Once connected, click the speaker icon in the Windows tray (or in the projection menu) and select the "Wireless Display" audio output device or the name of your TV.

Can you play games over Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with some caveats. For turn-based strategy or card games, the lag is unnoticeable. For shooters and racing games, a latency of 100-200 ms can be critical. In such cases, it's preferable to use an HDMI cable or Steam Link technology with a 5 GHz router.