Modern technology allows you to transform your living room into a true multimedia center, eliminating unnecessary wires and complex equipment. Connecting your personal computer to your LG Smart TV via Wi-Fi gives you access to a vast library of movies, photos, and games on the big screen without the need for HDMI cables. This solution is ideal for viewing content from a hard drive or sharing presentations wirelessly.
You don't need to be a network expert to set up such a connection. Both the Windows operating system and the proprietary webOS platform installed on LG TVs have built-in tools for synchronizing devices. Wireless connection Provides sufficient bandwidth for transmitting high-resolution video, including 4K, provided the router is working stably.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available methods for streaming video and audio. You'll learn the intricacies of the DLNA and Miracast protocols, as well as how to use built-in Windows features for screen projection. We'll also cover network optimization to minimize latency, which is especially important for gamers and movie lovers.
Network requirements and equipment preparation
Before you begin software setup, you need to ensure that your local network is properly configured physically. Both devices—the computer and the TV—must be on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router. To ensure maximum data transfer speed, it's critical that both devices operate within range. 5 GHz.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is often overloaded with signals from neighboring networks and household appliances, which can cause video stuttering or audio desynchronization. Modern routers often combine both frequencies under a single network name (Band Steering technology), but for stable multimedia performance, it's better to explicitly separate them or force your devices to connect to the 5 GHz network.
It's also worth checking that your software is up-to-date. On your LG TV, go to the settings menu and check for webOS updates. On your computer, make sure you have the latest drivers for your wireless adapter and network card. Outdated software may not support new encryption standards or codecs.
⚠️ Important: If your router is configured with AP Isolation, devices will not be able to see each other on the network. This feature is often enabled on guest networks in hotels or hostels, but at home, it should be disabled in the router settings.
- 📶 Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same SSID (Wi-Fi network name).
- ⚡ Use the 5 GHz band to transmit 4K HDR video.
- 🔄 Update your TV firmware via the "Support" menu.
- 💻 Make sure network discovery is enabled on your PC.
Using the built-in Connect to a Wireless Display feature in Windows
The fastest way to mirror your computer's display to your LG TV is to use the native Windows feature, which uses Miracast technology. This method allows you to completely duplicate your desktop or extend it, turning your TV into a second monitor. To get started, press the [Miracles] button on your LG remote control. Home (Home) and find the "Screen Share" or "Connect to a wireless display" app.
After launching the app on your TV, go to your computer and press the following key combination: Win + KThe "Connection" panel will open on the right, where the system will search for available devices. Your LG TV should appear in the list. Click it, and within a few seconds, the image from your PC monitor will appear on the big screen.
This method is convenient because it doesn't require any additional software and works out of the box. However, it's important to keep in mind that Miracast creates a direct connection, which can be susceptible to interference. If you plan to use the mouse cursor for gaming or work, you may experience a slight input lag, which is normal for this technology.
It is important to set up the projection mode correctly. Once connected, click Win + P and select the desired option: "Duplicate" (a copy of the screen), "Extend" (a second desktop), or "Second Screen Only" (the PC monitor goes dark, and the image appears only on the TV). For watching movies, "Second Screen Only" is the optimal option, as it reduces the load on the graphics card.
Stream media via DLNA and built-in media player
If your goal isn't to control your computer from the couch, but rather to watch movies, listen to music, or view photos stored on your PC's hard drive, DLNA technology is ideal. Unlike Miracast, it streams the file itself, not a video stream from your desktop, ensuring better picture quality and a smoother interface.
In Windows 10 and 11, the sharing feature is built into the default File Explorer. Select a folder containing media files, go to the "Share" tab in the top menu, and enable the "Media Stream" option. The system will ask for permission to share the media with other devices on the network—confirm.
After enabling sharing, go to your LG TV. Find the Photo & Video or Sound app in the Smart TV menu. Your computer should appear in the list of sources (Input). Once you access it, you'll see the PC folder structure and be able to play content directly.
☑️ Check DLNA settings
For more advanced control, you can use third-party servers, such as Plex or Kodi, installed on your PC. These provide a beautiful interface with movie posters, descriptions, and trailers, which will be displayed on your TV via the corresponding client app from the LG Content Store.
| Characteristic | Miracast (Wireless Display) | DLNA (Media Streaming) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Broadcasting the screen image | Transferring media files |
| Control | Full control from your PC | Control via TV remote control |
| PC load | High (video encoding) | Low (data transfer only) |
| Quality | Depends on Wi-Fi signal | Lossless original |
AirPlay 2 support on LG TVs
Apple Mac owners or users who prefer the Apple ecosystem can take advantage of built-in AirPlay 2 support. Modern LG TV models (since 2019) have this protocol built-in, allowing you to stream content without installing additional receivers.
To connect, make sure your Mac and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your computer, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and select "Screen Mirroring." Select your LG TV from the list of available devices. When you first connect, a code may appear on your TV screen that you must enter on your computer.
AirPlay 2 functionality not only allows you to mirror your screen but also output audio to your TV's speakers or use your TV as a separate audio zone in a Multi-Room system. Streaming quality is stable, and latency is minimal thanks to protocol optimization.
What should I do if AirPlay can't find my TV?
Make sure IPv6 is enabled on your router (it's often required for AirPlay to work). Also, check that your Mac's firewall isn't blocking incoming connections to AirPlay. Try rebooting your router, as Apple's discovery protocols are sensitive to temporary DHCP outages.
If you're on Windows but want to take advantage of AirPlay (for example, for streaming from iTunes), there are third-party emulator utilities available, but their stability is highly dependent on your OS version and security updates.
Third-party apps for streaming and remote access
When standard tools aren't enough, specialized applications come to the rescue. One of the most popular solutions is the program LetsView or ApowerMirrorThey can be installed on both your PC and your TV (via the LG app store), ensuring a stable connection even in challenging network conditions.
Another option is to use Chromecast technology, which is built into many browsers, such as Google Chrome. Open the browser on your PC, click the three dots in the corner, select "Cast," and find your TV. This allows you to cast the contents of a browser tab or your entire desktop.
For gamers who want to stream PC gameplay to their TV with minimal latency, Steam Link is ideal. Install the Steam Link app from the LG Content Store, launch Steam on your computer, and sign in with the same account. This will allow you to play PC games on the couch using a controller connected to your TV or PC.
- 🎮 Steam Link is the best choice for cloud gaming and games from the Steam library.
- 🌐 Google Chrome Cast — convenient for quickly sharing browser tabs.
- 📱 Mobile Connect (LG) is the official app for managing and transferring photos/videos from a PC.
- 🎬 Plex — create a beautiful media server with a movie library.
When using third-party software, it's important to consider system resources. Translator programs can consume significant amounts of RAM and CPU time, especially when encoding video in real time.
Optimizing your Wi-Fi network for stable 4K streaming
High-definition video streaming (4K, HDR, Dolby Vision) requires high bandwidth. If you observe compression artifacts, image squareness, or buffering, the problem lies in the radio channel. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) are the minimum requirement for comfortable viewing.
It's recommended to configure your router so that Wi-Fi channels don't overlap with those of your neighbors. Use Wi-Fi analyzer apps on your smartphone to find the least crowded channel in the 5 GHz band and save it in your router settings. Automatic channel selection doesn't always work correctly.
⚠️ Note: Router and TV interfaces are subject to update. The location of channel or encryption protocol settings may differ depending on your device's firmware version. Consult the router manufacturer's official documentation when changing critical network settings.
It's also worth paying attention to the router's location. A clear line of sight between the router and TV significantly improves the signal. If the router is located far away, consider using a mesh system or PowerLine adapters, which transmit the internet through the electrical wiring, providing a stable LAN port for the TV.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One common issue is that the TV isn't visible in the list of available devices. In 90% of cases, this is due to Windows Firewall settings. Check that your network profile is set to "Private" and not "Public." Windows blocks device discovery in the public profile.
Another cause is a mismatch in security protocol versions. If the router is configured to use only WPA3, and the PC's network card or TV's Wi-Fi module is older, they may not connect. Try setting the router to mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode.
If there is sound but no picture, or vice versa, check the screen resolution settings on your PC. The TV may not support the refresh rate set on the computer (e.g., 144 Hz). Reduce the refresh rate to 60 Hz and make sure you use RGB or YCbCr 4:4:4 color format for best compatibility.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the wireless display list?
Check that the "Screen Share" or "Connect to a Wireless Display" app is running on the TV itself. Unlike Chromecast, Miracast on LG often requires manually activating standby mode on the TV. Also, make sure Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on your PC.
How to reduce lag when gaming over Wi-Fi?
Play in 1080p instead of 4K to reduce the stream's bitrate. Disable background downloads on all devices connected to the network. Ideally, use a wired connection for your PC, leaving Wi-Fi only for your TV, or vice versa, to minimize airtime competition.
Is it possible to connect a PC to a TV without a router?
Yes, some LG models support Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows for a direct connection between devices without a router. However, the speed and stability of this connection are typically lower than those of a full-fledged local network.
The TV sees folders but does not open video files?
Most likely, your TV lacks a codec to play a specific file format (for example, MKV with a specific DTS sound). Try streaming through a DLNA server (Plex, Kodi), which can transcode audio on the fly, or use Miracast, which lets your PC's graphics card handle the encoding.