How to connect a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi on Windows 10: 4 working methods

Wirelessly broadcast your computer screen to your TV via Wi-Fi Windows 10 Eliminates cable clutter and allows you to comfortably use a large screen for gaming, watching movies, or presenting. However, not everyone knows that this doesn't require purchasing additional adapters—modern TVs and laptops/PCs already support the necessary technologies. The key is to choose the right connection method depending on your TV model, Windows version, and your intended use (streaming video, screen mirroring, or gaming).

In this article we will look at 4 proven methods connecting a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi: from the built-in Miracast to specialized applications like Steam LinkYou'll learn how to set up lag-free streaming, which Windows 10 settings affect picture quality, and what to do if your TV isn't detecting your computer. And for those who encounter problems, we've prepared a section with solutions to the most common errors—from no sound to disconnected connections.

1. Connect via Miracast: Windows 10's built-in technology

Miracast - is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia) and Windows 10/11. Its main advantage is that there is no need for additional software: it is enough for both devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or support Wi-Fi Direct).

Before you start setting up, please check compatibility:

• 📺 TV: must support Miracast (usually listed in the specifications as "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Display," or "Wi-Fi Direct"). Models older than 2015 may require a firmware update.
• 💻 Computer: Windows 10 version 1803 or newer. Laptops usually support Miracast out of the box, but desktop PCs may require Wi-Fi adapter with standard support 802.11ac (For example, TP-Link Archer T4U).

To connect:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (name may differ):
   • 🔹 Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring
   • 🔹 LG: Settings → Network → Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct
   • 🔹 Sony: Settings → Network Services → Mirroring

On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).

Select your TV from the list of available devices. If it's not there, update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers.

Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

The TV and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Screen Mirroring mode is enabled on the TV.

Wi-Fi and video card drivers have been updated on the PC.

VPNs and firewalls are disabled (they may be blocking the connection)

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Important: Miracast transmits video with a 30–100 ms delay, which is critical for games, but unnoticeable when watching movies. If the image is lagging, try reducing the screen resolution in Windows settings or use alternative methods (see section 3).

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Xiaomi And TCL Miracast only works when connected to a network. 5 GHzIf your router is broadcasting simultaneously on 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz under one name, try separating the networks in the router settings.

2. Using DLNA to transfer media files

If you don't need to duplicate your screen, but simply stream movies, music, or photos from your PC to your TV, the technology is suitable DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). Unlike Miracast, it doesn't transmit the entire screen, but only selected files, which reduces network load and latency.

Almost everyone supports DLNA Smart TV (including budget models Philips, Hisense) and Windows 10. To configure:

1. On your TV, turn on the DLNA server (usually in the section Network → DLNA or Media player).
2. On your PC, open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options and turn on:
   • 🔹 Network discovery
   • 🔹 File and Printer Sharing
   • 🔹 Media Streaming (DLNA)

Add folders containing media files to Windows Libraries (This PC → Music/Videos/Pictures → Manage → Add Folder).

On your TV, in the media player, select your PC from the list of DLNA devices.

For convenience, you can use third-party DLNA servers, for example, Plex or KodiThey automatically sort your media library, add movie covers, and support more formats. Install the server part on your PC, and the client application on your TV (available in Google Play For Android TV or built-in store Samsung/LG).

Miracast (screen mirroring)

DLNA (streaming video)

Steam Link (for games)

Another option-->

3. Steam Link: Ideal for Gamers

If you plan to play on a big screen, standard methods like Miracast won't work due to high input lag (input lag). The solution is an application Steam Link from Valve, which is optimized for streaming games over a local network. It supports resolutions up to 4K@60fps and has minimal delay (from 10 ms with good Wi-Fi).

To set up Steam Link:

1. Install Steam on your PC and create an account (if you don’t have one).
2. Install the app on your TV Steam Link:
   • 🔹 For Android TV (including Xiaomi Mi TV, Nvidia Shield) - from Google Play.
   • 🔹 For Samsung or LG - through the built-in app store.
   • 🔹 If your TV does not support apps, use Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV as an intermediary.

Launch Steam Link on TV and follow the instructions to connect to your PC (you will need to enter a PIN code).

In Steam settings on PC, enable Enable streaming (Settings → Online).

Connect the gamepad to the TV (via Bluetooth or USB).

For minimal delays:

• 🎮 Use a wired connection from your PC to the router (even if the TV is connected via Wi-Fi).
• 📶 Select for Steam Link strip 5 GHz in the router settings.
• ⚙️ In Steam settings, select the priority Speed instead of Quality.

⚠️ Attention: Steam Link requires a powerful processor on the PC - not less Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. On weak laptops (for example, with Intel Celeron) the broadcast will lag even in the menu.

4. Alternative methods: Chromecast, AirPlay, and third-party programs

If the built-in methods don't work or aren't of satisfactory quality, you can use external devices and software:

🔹 Google Chromecast

Device Chromecast (or built-in support Google Cast V Android TV) allows you to broadcast your PC screen through a browser Google Chrome:

1. Connect Chromecast to the TV's HDMI port and set it up through the app Google Home.
2. On your PC, open Chrome, click ⋮ → Broadcast and select Broadcast tab or Broadcast your screen.
3. For games and videos, select Stream file and specify the path to the media.

Minus: delay until 200 ms, which is unacceptable for dynamic games.

🔹 Apple AirPlay (for iPhone/Mac users)

If you have Apple TV or a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2019+), you can broadcast your screen from Mac or iPhone:

• On Mac: Control Panel → Display → AirPlay Display.
• On iPhone: swipe down to Control Center → Screen Mirroring.

For Windows 10 you will need a program 5KPlayer or ApowerMirror (paid).

🔹 Third-party programs

For specific tasks (for example, broadcasting from a PC to several TVs simultaneously), the following are suitable:

• 🖥️ ApowerMirror - screen duplication with video recording.
• 🎮 Moonlight - analogue Steam Link for games without Steam.
• 📺 LocalCast — transfer of media files with subtitle support.

How to stream audio separately from video?

If there is no sound transmitted when connecting via Miracast or DLNA, check:

1. On PC in Control Panel → Sound Select TV as the default playback device.

2. In the TV settings, turn on HDMI ARC or Optical Audio (if you use external speakers).

3. For DLNA, some formats (eg. AC3) may not be supported - convert the audio to AAC through HandBrake or VLC.

5. Troubleshooting: Why the TV doesn't see the PC

If the connection fails, please check the following:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔌 Are the PC and TV connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to the guest!).
• 🔒 Turn it off VPN And antivirus - They can block the broadcast.
• 🔄 Reboot the router and both devices.
• 📡 Check if the network is overloaded (for example, due to torrents or updates).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link with firmware Old GUI) function AP Isolation (Client Isolation) blocks communication between devices on the local network. Disable it in your router settings (Wireless Mode → Advanced Settings).

6. Optimizing broadcast quality: Windows 10 settings

To improve image quality and reduce lag, change the following settings in Windows 10:

🔧 Graphics settings

1. Open Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings.
2. For the app you are streaming (eg. Steam or VLC), select High performance.
3. Turn it off Saving battery life for Wi-Fi adapter (Control Panel → Power Options → Change Plan Settings → Advanced Settings).

📡 Wi-Fi Settings

• Use range 5 GHz - it is less congested and provides greater speed.
• Enable it in your router settings. WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) to prioritize multimedia traffic.
• If the router supports MU-MIMO, activate this function.

🎮 Game settings

To minimize input lag V Steam Link or Moonlight:

• Disable it in the game settings. V-Sync and limit the FPS to a value 60.
• On PC in NVIDIA/AMD Control Panel install Performance instead of Quality.
• Use a gamepad with a cable connection (not Bluetooth) to reduce input lag.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose

The method you choose depends on your needs and equipment. Below is a comparison table:

For most users, the best choice is:

• 🎬 Movies/TV series: DLNA (if you only need a video) or Miracast (if you need to duplicate the entire screen).
• 🎮 Games: Steam Link (for Steam games) or Moonlight (for the rest).
• 💼 Presentations/work: Miracast or wired connection via HDMI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if both devices support Wi-Fi DirectOn your TV, enable this mode (usually in the network settings), and on your PC, connect to the access point created by the TV via Win + K (Miracast). Please note: in this mode, internet access on your PC will not work.

Why does the picture lag when connecting via Miracast, but the sound is fine?

This is a typical issue with low Wi-Fi bandwidth. Try:

1. Reduce screen resolution on PC to 1280×720.
2. Switch to range 5 GHz (if the router is dual-band).
3. Disable background programs that consume traffic (torrents, updates).
4. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC to the router (if possible).

If nothing helps, try alternative methods like Steam Link or Chromecast.

How do I mirror my PC's screen to my TV if it doesn't have a Smart TV?

There are several options:

• 🔌 Buy prefix with Miracast/DLNA support (e.g. Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xiaomi Mi Box or Apple TV).
• 📶 Use Google Chromecast (connects to HDMI port and works via Wi-Fi).
• 🖥️ Connect to TV Android box or mini-PC (for example, Raspberry Pi With LibreELEC).
• 🔌 If your TV supports it HDMI-CEC, you can control it via a PC using the remote control from the set-top box.

The most budget-friendly option is Chromecast (from 3,000 ₽), but it does not support desktop duplication (only broadcasting browser tabs or media files).

Can I play online games (like CS:GO or Fortnite) through Steam Link?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🎮 Local games (single-player or local network) will work without problems.
• 🌍 Online games may slow down due to double latency: first the signal goes to the game server, then returns to the PC, and only then is it broadcast on TV. This adds 20–50 ms to the usual ping.
• 📡 For comfortable gaming, the Wi-Fi speed should be at least 50 Mbps, or better yet, connect your PC to the router with a cable.

For eSports competitions, it is better to use a direct connection via HDMI.

How do I turn on sound on my TV when connected via Miracast?

If the sound is not transmitted:

1. On PC, click Win + R, enter mmsys.cpl and select TV as the default playback device.
2. Make sure the correct audio source is selected in your TV settings (HDMI, TV Speakers or External Audio).
3. If you are using an external sound system (eg. soundbar), connect it to the TV via HDMI ARC or Optical.
4. Update your sound card drivers on your PC (especially if you are using Realtek Audio).

If the sound still doesn't appear, try transmitting it separately - for example, through Bluetooth headphones, connected to the TV.