Connecting a TV to a PC via a Wi-Fi router: all the methods and solutions

Wirelessly streaming your computer screen to your TV via a home router is a convenient way to turn a large screen into a monitor for games, movies, or presentations. However, many users encounter issues: the image lags, the sound drops out, or the devices simply don't recognize each other. In this article, we'll explore these issues. all working connection methods — from standard DLNA to advanced protocols like Miracast And Steam Link, and we will also explain how to correct common mistakes.

It's important to understand that streaming quality depends not only on Wi-Fi speed, but also on the capabilities of the TV itself. Modern models Samsung QLED, LG OLED or Sony Bravia with support Wi-Fi 6 Some routers handle Full HD without lag, while budget devices may require additional adapters. If your router is older than 5 years, there's a high risk of lag, especially when streaming games.

We tested all the described methods on routers. ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C6 And Keenetic Giga, as well as on TVs from different brands. The results are summarized in a comparison table at the end of the article. If your model doesn't support wireless protocols, don't despair: the last section contains alternative solutions using TV boxes And media players.

1. Preparing the equipment: what to check before connecting

Before setting up a connection, make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements. Here are the key points:

✅ Router must support the standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or newer. Older devices with 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) may not handle high-definition video streaming. The optimal frequency is 5 GHz, since the range 2.4 GHz often overloaded.

✅ TV Must have a built-in Wi-Fi module or a port for an external adapter. Check protocol support:

• 📺 DLNA — for transferring media files (photos, videos, music)
• 🖥️ Miracast — for mirroring a PC screen (without a router, but more stable with one)
• 🎮 Steam Link — for streaming games from a computer

✅ Computer must be running Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux with current drivers for the network card. For Miracast support needed Wi-Fi Direct (check in Device Manager).

⚠️ Note: If your TV was manufactured before 2015, there is a high chance that it does not support modern protocols. In this case, you will need an external adapter (e.g. Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick).

To check your Wi-Fi speed, use the service SpeedtestFor stable broadcasting 1080p at least is required 25 Mbps, For 4K — from 50 MbpsIf the speed is lower, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect devices to the router at a different frequency 5 GHz
• 📡 Move the router closer to the TV or use repeater
• 🔌 Disconnect other devices from the network (smartphones, tablets)

Check your router's Wi-Fi standard (it should be 802.11ac or newer)

Make sure your TV is connected to the same network as your PC.

Update the network card drivers on your computer.

Disable VPNs and firewalls (they may block the stream)

Close background programs that consume traffic (torrents, cloud services)-->

2. Method 1: Connecting via DLNA (for movies and music)

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the easiest way to stream media files from your PC to your TV. It's not suitable for screen mirroring or gaming, but it's ideal for watching movies, photos, and listening to music.

🔹 How to enable DLNA on your TV:

1. Open Settings → Network → DLNA (the path may differ depending on the model).
2. Activate the option Enable media sharing or Home Media Server.
3. Remember the device name - you will need it to connect from a PC.

🔹 Setting up DLNA on your computer (Windows 11):

1. Open Settings → Networks & Internet → Advanced network settings.
2. Select Media streaming options.
3. Click Enable media streaming and add the TV to the list of allowed devices.

🔹 How to transfer files:

• 🎬 For videos: open the movie folder, right-click → Transfer to device → select TV.
• 📷 For photos: use the app Photo in Windows or any media player with DLNA support (for example, VLC).

⚠️ Please note: Some TVs (eg. Xiaomi Mi TV) require the installation of additional applications for DLNA, such as BubbleUPnP or LocalCastCheck the instructions for your model.

If the TV does not detect the computer, check:

• 🔌 Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network!).
• 🛡️ Windows Firewall is not blocking streaming (add an exception for WMPNetworkSvc.exe).
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes the DHCP server doesn't assign IP addresses correctly.

3. Method 2: Screen mirroring via Miracast (no lag)

Miracast — wireless screen mirroring technology that works without a router (based on the principle Wi-Fi Direct), but it provides a more stable connection. This method is suitable for presentations, web browsing, or even light gaming.

🔹 Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows 10/11 and support Wi-Fi Direct (check in Device Manager → Network Adapters).
• 📺 TV with support Miracast (usually 2016 and newer models).
• 📶 Router with support WPA2-PSK (most modern devices).

🔹 Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on the TV Miracast (usually on the menu Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring).
2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

🔹 Troubleshooting Miracast:

⚠️ Note: On some TVs Samsung (series QLED 2020-2022) Miracast only works through the proprietary app Smart ViewInstall it on your PC from the official website.

Miracast via a router supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60Hz, but 4K requires a wired connection (HDMI) or specialized adapters like Netgear Nighthawk M1.

4. Method 3: Steam Link for gamers (minimal lag)

If you want to play on your TV with the power of your PC, Steam Link — the optimal solution. This method uses the protocol Moonlight (based on NVIDIA GameStream), which minimizes lags even over Wi-Fi.

🔹 Requirements:

• 🎮 Computer with a video card NVIDIA (series GTX 9xx and newer) or AMD (with drivers) Adrenalin 2020 and newer).
• 📺 TV with support Steam Link (or any with the application installed).
• 📶 Router with support Wi-Fi 5/6 and speed from 50 Mbps.

🔹 Setting up on PC:

1. Install Steam and log in to your account.
2. Go to Settings → Remote Play and turn it on Enable Remote Play.
3. IN Settings → Online activate GameStream (For NVIDIA).

🔹 Setting up on TV:

1. Install the application Steam Link from the store (Google Play Store For Android TV or App Store For Apple TV).
2. Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualShock) via Bluetooth.
3. Launch the application and select your PC from the list.

🔹 Optimization for games:

• 🎯 In the settings Steam Link select Performance Priority and limit the bitrate to 20 Mbps (this will reduce the load on the network).
• 🔌 Use a wired connection for your PC (via Ethernet), and leave your TV on Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Turn it on in your router QoS (Quality of Service) and set the priority for traffic Steam.

How to reduce lag in games?

For minimal input lag in shooters or fighting games:

1. In Steam Link select mode Beautiful (quality) only if your router supports it Wi-Fi 6.

2. Disable vertical synchronization (V-Sync) in the game settings.

3. Use a gamepad instead of a keyboard and mouse - the latency when transmitting signals via Bluetooth is lower than when emulating over the network.

5. Alternative methods: Chromecast, AirPlay, and TV boxes

If your TV doesn't support modern protocols, or you want a more stable connection, consider these options:

🔹 Google Chromecast (or built-in Cast):

• 📱 Connect Chromecast to the TV's HDMI port and set it up through the app Google Home.
• 🖥️ Install on PC Google Chrome and expansion Google Cast.
• 🎬 To broadcast your screen, open your browser, click ⋮ → Broadcast and select Broadcast tab or Broadcast your screen.

🔹 Apple AirPlay (for the Apple ecosystem):

• 🍎 Works with TVs only LG (2019 and newer) Samsung (2018 and newer) or through Apple TV.
• 🖥️ On Mac, turn on System Preferences → Displays → AirPlay Settings.
• 📺 On your TV, select the source AirPlay and confirm the connection.

🔹 TV boxes and media players:

• 📦 NVIDIA Shield TV - the best choice for gamers (supports Moonlight And GeForce Now).
• 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box S - budget option with support DLNA And Miracast.
• 📦 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — optimized for streaming, but requires third-party apps for screen mirroring.

💡 Comparison of methods:

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

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

🔴 The TV doesn't see the computer:

• 🔌 Check that both devices are connected to one network (not to the guest and not to different ranges 2.4/5 GHz).
• 🛡️ Disable your firewall and antivirus (e.g. Kaspersky or Avast may block the broadcast).
• 🔄 Restart your router and reset the network settings on your TV (Settings → Network → Reset).

🔴 The video is lagging or choppy:

• 📶 Switch to frequency 5 GHz in the router settings (less loaded than 2.4 GHz).
• 🎯 Reduce the broadcast resolution in the app settings (for example, in Steam Link select 720p@60 instead of 1080p).
• 🔌 Connect your PC to the router via cable (Ethernet), and leave the TV on Wi-Fi.

🔴 No sound:

• 🔊 In Control Panel → Sound Make sure your TV is selected as the default playback device.
• 🔄 Reinstall audio drivers on your PC (especially relevant for Realtek).
• 📺 On your TV, in the sound settings, select HDMI ARC or PCM instead of Dolby Digital.

🔴 The connection is lost after a few minutes:

• ⚡ Check the router's power supply - the power supply may not be providing enough current.
• 📡 Reduce the distance between the router and the TV or use Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco).
• 🔄 Disable it in your router settings Energy savings (the option may be called Green Mode or Power Saving).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) for stable operation Miracast You need to enable support manually WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) in the wireless network settings.

7. Optimizing your router for stable streaming

If you regularly stream video or play online games, configure your router for maximum performance:

🔹 Main parameters to change:

• 📶 Wi-Fi channel: Select the least busy channel in the range 5 GHz (use apps like WiFi Analyzer for analysis).
• 🔒 Channel width: Install 80 MHz (For Wi-Fi 5/6) or 40 MHz (For Wi-Fi 4).
• 🛡️ Safety: Use WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (avoid outdated WEP).
• 🔄 QoS: Turn on Traffic prioritization and add the MAC addresses of the PC and TV to the priority list.

🔹 Additional settings for gamers:

• 🎮 Turn on IGMP Snooping (improves multicast traffic, important for Steam Link).
• 🔌 Turn it off IPv6, if you don't use it (sometimes it causes conflicts with DLNA).
• 📡 Set static IP addresses for your PC and TV in DHCP settings.

🔹 Example setup for ASUS RT-AX88U:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Wireless Network → Professional.
3. Install:
- Wireless network mode: AX/Wi-Fi 6
- Channel: 36 (5 GHz)
- Channel width: 80 MHz
- Turn it on WMM And Explicit Beamforming
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

💡 If you have a dual-band router:

• 📡 Assign different SSIDs for 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz (For example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).
• 🖥️ Connect your PC and TV to 5 GHz-networks for maximum speed.
• 📱 Leave other devices (smartphones, smart bulbs) on 2.4 GHzto reduce the load.

8. Conclusion: Which method to choose?

The choice of connection method depends on your goals:

• 🎬 For movies and music: DLNA or Chromecast — the easiest to set up.
• 🖥️ To duplicate your screen: Miracast (if the TV supports it) or Steam Link (for games).
• 🎮 For gamers: Steam Link + wired connection of PC to the router.
• 🍎 For Apple owners: AirPlay — the most stable option.

If your TV is older than 2015 or does not support modern protocols, the best solution is to buy TV box (For example, NVIDIA Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box). This will cost less than buying a new TV and will give you more options.

Please remember that the quality of your broadcast depends on:

• 📶 Wi-Fi speed and stability (optimally - Wi-Fi 6 on 5 GHz).
• 🖥️ Computer power (for gaming you need a processor of the level Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 and the video card is not weaker GTX 1650).
• 📺 TV capabilities (support HEVC, HDR, 60 Hz).

For minimal lag in games, use a combination of a PC via Ethernet cable + a TV via Wi-Fi 6 + a router with QoS. In this case, input lag will not exceed 15-20 ms, which is comparable to a wired connection.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a TV to a PC via Wi-Fi

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

Yes, but only according to protocol Miracast (Wi-Fi Direct). To do this, turn on the mode on the TV. Screen mirroring, and on PC click Win + K and select a TV. However, this connection is less stable than via a router.

For DLNA or Steam Link A router is required because these protocols require a shared network.

❓ Why does the picture on my TV lag behind the sound?

This is a typical problem when streaming over Wi-Fi, caused by:

• 📶 Low network speed (less than 20 Mbps).
• 🖥️ Insufficient PC power (for example, a weak processor cannot encode video).
• 📺 Processing delays on the TV (especially on budget models).

Solutions:

• Reduce the broadcast resolution to 720p.
• Use a wired connection for your PC.
• Turn on the TV mode Game (Game Mode), if any.

❓ How do I mirror my PC screen to my TV if it doesn't support Miracast?

There are several options:

1. Buy Miracast adapter (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or