Modern LG TVs running on the platform webOS, are powerful multimedia centers, but their capabilities are significantly expanded when synchronized with a personal computer. Users often need to display a movie stored on a hard drive on a large screen or stream browser content for the whole family to view photos. A wireless Wi-Fi connection eliminates unnecessary cables and allows content to be controlled directly from the keyboard and mouse, which is much more convenient than using a remote control to navigate the file system.
There are several proven methods for establishing a connection between a PC and a TV, each with its own characteristics and application scenarios. Technology DLNA ideal for playing your media library while Miracast or AirPlay are necessary for full desktop mirroring. The specific method you choose depends on your computer's operating system, your TV's software version, and the required video stream quality.
In this article, we'll cover all setup steps in detail, including potential issues and solutions. You'll learn how to properly configure a shared network, which apps to use to expand functionality, and how to minimize latency during wireless signal transmission. Proper setup will transform your TV into a fully-featured monitor or media player without compromising image quality.
⚠️ Important: Before starting setup, make sure your router supports 802.11n or 802.11ac. Older routers with a 2.4 GHz frequency may cause instability in high-definition video streaming.
Network requirements and preparation steps
The foundation for a successful connection is a properly configured local network. Both devices—the computer and the TV—must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, it's critical that both devices are in the same frequency range, preferably 5 GHz, as it provides the high bandwidth required to transmit 4K video.
Check that the software on your LG TV is up to date. Go to the Settings menu and select General and find the item About TVThe update check function is available here. Outdated version webOS may not support new data transfer protocols or have security vulnerabilities that block external connections.
On your computer, you also need to ensure that the network profile is set to "Private" or "Home," not "Public." By default, Windows blocks other devices on the network from being discovered when using a public profile, preventing media server programs from finding the TV.
- 📡 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 💾 Check and update your TV firmware through the settings menu.
- 🔒 Set your Windows network profile to "Private network" mode.
- 📶 For 4K video streaming, a router with 5 GHz support is recommended.
DLNA Method: Stream Your Media Library Wirelessly
Technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the de facto standard for transmitting multimedia content between devices within the same network. This method doesn't broadcast the entire screen, but rather allows the LG TV to act as a renderer, playing files stored on the computer's hard drive. To implement this scenario, a media server must be running on the PC.
Windows 10 and 11 already have a necessary feature called "Media Streaming" built into the operating system. You don't need to install third-party software for basic use. Simply open "Media Streaming Settings" from the Control Panel or search bar, enable this option, and select your LG TV from the list of available devices. Your video, music, and photo folders will then be available in the "Connected Devices" menu on your TV.
For more advanced users who want to set up transcoding on the fly (for example, if the TV does not read a certain audio codec), it is recommended to use specialized software like Plex or KodiThese programs create a beautiful interface with movie covers and descriptions, transforming a simple file list into a fully-fledged movie theater. However, for quickly transferring a single file, standard Windows tools are sufficient.
⚠️ Please note: Operating system and TV interfaces are subject to update. The location of the "Streaming Media" or "Connected Devices" menu items may vary depending on your Windows version and the year of your LG model. Please check your system's help for the latest paths.
☑️ DLNA setup
Screen casting via Miracast and WiDi
If your goal is to show a presentation, run a game, or demonstrate a program, you'll need screen mirroring technology. In Windows, this is implemented through the protocol Miracast, which is often labeled as a "Wireless Monitor" or WiDi (Intel Wireless Display). LG TVs support this feature natively, simplifying the process to just a few clicks.
To start the broadcast, press the key combination Win + K on your computer keyboard. The "Connection" panel will appear on the right, where the system will begin searching for available wireless displays. Select your LG TV from the list. You may see a connection confirmation prompt on the TV screen, which you'll need to accept with the remote. After this, your desktop image will appear on the big screen.
It's important to understand that using Miracast places a strain on the Wi-Fi channel and the device's processor. This can lead to cursor delays or image artifacts in fast-paced scenes. While this isn't a problem for office work or viewing static pages, it may not be suitable for fast-paced shooters due to the increased bandwidth. lags.
What to do if the computer doesn’t see the TV?
Make sure your Wi-Fi adapter drivers are up to date. In some cases, restarting the "Projecting to this PC" service in Settings -> System -> Projecting to this PC helps. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking the connection.
Using AirPlay for macOS and iOS users
Apple device owners will appreciate the built-in protocol support AirPlay 2 On modern LG TV models, this technology not only allows you to mirror your MacBook or iPhone screen, but also output audio to the TV's audio system and use the TV as a second speaker when paired with HomePod. The integration works natively and doesn't require installing additional apps on the TV.
To connect to a MacBook, click the "Screen Mirroring" icon in the control menu or menu bar. Select your LG TV. If prompted, enter the code displayed on the TV screen into the corresponding field on your computer. For iPhone and iPad users, the process is similar and can be accessed through the Control Center.
The advantage of AirPlay is its highly stable connection and support for high-quality audio transmission. Furthermore, the system allows for easy switching between audio sources. However, it's important to keep in mind that actively streaming high-definition video increases the load on the wireless network, which may impact internet speeds on other devices.
- 🍏 AirPlay 2 only supports LG TVs with webOS 4.0 and later.
- 🔐 When you first connect, you are always asked for a confirmation code.
- 🔊 The protocol allows you to transmit only sound to the TV, leaving the image on the device.
- 📺 The Picture-in-Picture feature on iPhone allows you to continue using your phone while watching.
Third-party applications and functionality extensions
Built-in tools aren't always sufficient for specific tasks, such as transmitting audio from a PC to a TV to use it as an external speaker system or controlling the mouse cursor with a remote control. In such cases, third-party solutions available in app stores come to the rescue. LGE Content Store or on the developers' website.
One of the popular solutions is the application TV Remote or similar devices that establish two-way communication. They allow not only playback control but also direct file transfer via FTP or SMB, bypassing standard media servers. This is especially useful if the TV's built-in player can't handle complex subtitle formats or video containers.
It is also worth mentioning software packages such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, if they are available for installation on a TV (usually through Android emulators, if the model supports them). While this isn't a direct connection via Wi-Fi Display, it allows for full control of the PC from the TV screen, which is convenient for demonstrating specific software.
| Method | Latency | Image quality | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLNA | Low (buffering) | Maximum (original) | Watching movies and photos |
| Miracast | Average (noticeable) | Good (compression) | Presentations, browser |
| AirPlay | Low/Medium | Excellent | Apple ecosystem |
| HDMI (cable) | Absent | No losses | Games, 4K HDR content |
Diagnosing problems and optimizing connections
Even with proper setup, users may experience connection drops or poor picture quality. Most often, the problem stems from radio channel congestion. If your router operates at 2.4 GHz, neighboring networks may be causing significant interference. In this case, switch to channel 1, 6 or 11 in the router settings can dramatically improve the situation.
Another common cause of problems is the power-saving Wi-Fi adapter on your laptop. Windows may turn off the device to save power, which causes the connection to the TV to drop. Open Device Manager, find your wireless adapter, go to Properties, and in the Power Management tab, uncheck the box next to Allow the device to turn off.
If the image is choppy or appears blocky, try lowering the output signal resolution or frame rate. Also, make sure there are no thick concrete walls or metal structures between the router and TV that could block the signal. For stable 4K streaming, the Wi-Fi connection speed should consistently exceed 25-30 Mbps.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the list of available devices?
This is most often due to the devices being on different subnets (e.g., a guest Wi-Fi network) or the antivirus software blocking detection. Check that network discovery is enabled in Windows settings and that the media server app is allowed in your firewall.
Is it possible to stream audio from a PC to an LG TV via Bluetooth?
Yes, if your TV and PC are equipped with Bluetooth. However, the sound quality will be lower than over Wi-Fi (SBC or AAC protocols versus Lossless), and audio and video may become out of sync. Wi-Fi is better for watching movies.
How to improve picture quality during wireless broadcasting?
Make sure your router supports the AC or AX (Wi-Fi 6) standard. Move your computer and router closer together. If you experience out-of-sync issues, try disabling vertical sync for your desktop in your NVIDIA or AMD graphics settings.