Modern technologies make it possible to create complex multimedia systems, where the television becomes the central screen for all digital content in the home. Instead of watching movies on a small laptop or tablet monitor, users prefer to display images on a larger screen. Smart TVThis is especially relevant for watching high-definition movies, giving presentations, or sharing photos with family and friends. A wireless connection in this context is the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution, eliminating the need to run long cables across the room.
Company LG Electronics For many years, Samsung has been integrating cutting-edge wireless data transmission technologies into its devices. Owners of this brand's TVs have several ways to connect to a computer, whether it's running Windows, macOS, or even Linux. The basic principle is to use a local network. Wi-Fi, to which both devices must be connected. This allows for the transmission of video, audio, and static images with minimal latency, ensuring high image quality.
However, despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process sometimes raises questions among users. Issues can arise due to different software versions, firewall settings, or router specifics. In this article, we'll cover all available methods in detail, from built-in Windows features to specialized apps. LG Smart ShareYou'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and achieve a stable connection for comfortable multimedia use.
Preparing equipment and network
The first and most important step is to ensure your network infrastructure is working properly. To stream content from your computer to your TV, both devices must be on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router. If your computer is connected to the internet via LAN cable, and the TV via Wi-Fi, this is acceptable, but only if both devices are on the same subnet and have access to each other.
The quality of the wireless connection directly impacts the stability of the video stream. To transmit images at a resolution Full HD or 4K High channel bandwidth is required. Older Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11g or even 802.11n in the 2.4 GHz band, may not be able to handle high-quality video streaming, causing stuttering or artifacts on the screen. The ideal option is to use the band 5 GHz, which provides higher data transfer rates.
⚠️ Note: If your router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under different names (SSIDs), make sure both your PC and TV are connected to the 5 GHz network for best performance.
It's also worth checking whether device discovery is enabled in your router settings. Some providers or router models have a feature called "Client Isolation" (or AP Isolation), which prevents devices within the network from seeing each other. This feature is often enabled by default on guest networks or in public areas. For a home media system, it's essential. turn off in the router settings, otherwise the computer simply won't see the TV in the list of available devices.
Using the Projection feature in Windows 10 and 11
The easiest and fastest way to connect a laptop or desktop PC to an LG TV is to use a built-in feature of the Windows operating system known as MiracastThis technology allows you to broadcast your screen image in real time without the need for additional software. In Windows 10 and 11, this functionality is fully integrated and can be activated through the Action Center or system settings.
To get started, make sure your LG TV's wireless signal reception is enabled. Newer models often have a dedicated button on their remotes. Input or My Apps, where you need to select the application Screen Share or Device ConnectorOn older models, this app may simply be called "Miracast." After launching the app, a message will appear on the TV screen indicating that the device is ready to connect and is awaiting a signal from an external source.
☑️ Check before connection
Now let's move on to the computer settings. Press the key combination Win + K on the keyboard. The "Connect" panel will open on the right, where the system will begin searching for available wireless displays. Your LG TV should appear in the list, along with its model name. After selecting the device, a connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen—you'll need to confirm it using the remote control. The image from your computer monitor will instantly appear on the big screen.
It's important to note that Miracast technology creates a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection between devices, which can put some strain on the wireless adapter. If you plan to play fast-paced games or work with text, you may experience a slight input lag. For watching movies or presentations, this method is optimal, as it requires no complex setup and works out of the box. You can select the display mode: mirroring, extending, or using the TV only as a second monitor via the menu. Project.
Streaming media files via DLNA and Windows Explorer
If your goal is not to duplicate the entire screen, but simply to play a movie, music, or show photos stored on your hard drive, it is better to use the technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). This protocol allows for the transmission of media files in their native quality, using the TV as a decoder, reducing the load on the computer's processor. Windows has a built-in DLNA server, which can be activated through the standard File Explorer.
To set this up, open Windows Settings, go to Network & Internet, and select Status. Find Sharing Options or Set Up Media Streaming. In the window that opens, click Turn on Media Streaming. The system will scan the network and find compatible devices, including your TV. LG Smart TVMake sure the "Allowed" box is checked next to the TV's name.
Once enabled, you can open any video file or photo folder on your computer, right-click, and select "Cast to Device." Select your TV from the list. Playback will begin automatically, and controls (pause, rewind, and volume) will be available via a pop-up window on your PC or TV remote. This is a great way to watch large files. 4K HDR without loss of quality, since the file is not compressed during transmission.
⚠️ Important: When transferring large files via DLNA, make sure your computer doesn't go into sleep mode, otherwise the transfer will be interrupted. Set your power plan to "High Performance."
The advantage of DLNA is the ability to control playback with your TV remote. You can pause a movie, go to the kitchen for a cup of tea, and then return and continue watching using only the remote. This method also supports the transfer of subtitles if they are embedded in the video file container or located in the same folder with the appropriate name. However, complex font formatting in external subtitle files may sometimes display incorrectly.
LG TV Plus app for advanced control
For users who want to gain deeper control over their TV and the ability to broadcast the contents of a smartphone or tablet screen, LG has developed an official app. LG TV PlusAlthough it was originally created for mobile devices, there are desktop equivalents that allow content synchronization. However, for computers, the web version or third-party programs that emulate the app are more commonly used.
The key feature of the LG ecosystem is the ability to use your smartphone as a remote control and simultaneously stream photos to your TV. You can download the app to your phone, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network, and use the "Screen Share" feature within the app to mirror the image to your TV. Your computer can act as a source for files you've previously transferred to your phone, or you can use cloud storage.
Why might the app not see the TV?
If the LG TV Plus app doesn't find your TV, check whether your antivirus software on your computer or phone is blocking local connections. Also, make sure that AP Isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other on the same network, is disabled on your router.
It's worth mentioning that to fully utilize Smart TV features, such as installing apps or controlling voice search from a computer keyboard, it's more convenient to use the TV's built-in browser or dedicated browser extensions on your PC. For example, some Chrome extensions allow you to send browser tabs directly to your LG TV using the Cast protocol, similar to Google Chromecast. This opens up access to a vast number of online services not directly installed on the TV.
The DLNA protocol remains the most stable method for local files, while Miracast is better suited for web content. If you frequently use certain services, it's worth checking the LG Content Store for their native apps, as they often perform more reliably than streaming through a browser.
Alternative Methods: Plex and Third-Party Software
For advanced users with large media libraries, Windows' built-in tools may not be enough. This is where media servers, such as Plex, Kodi or EmbyThese programs transform your computer into a powerful media center that doesn't just transfer files, but catalogs them, adding cover art, descriptions, cast information, and trailers. LG TVs access this server through the Plex app, available in the LG Content Store.
Installing Plex Server on your computer takes just a few minutes. After installation, the program will prompt you to add folders with movies and music. The server will automatically download metadata from the internet and create a beautiful library. On your LG TV, install the Plex app from the app store, launch it, and sign in to your account. All your files will be available in high quality and with a user-friendly interface.
| Method | Image quality | Latency | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast (Projection) | Good (compression) | Average (noticeable in games) | Low |
| DLNA (Windows Explorer) | Original (no loss) | Low (for control) | Low |
| Plex Media Server | Original (with transcoding) | Low | Average |
| HDMI cable | Ideal | Absent | Low |
The advantage of using specialized software is its support for a wide range of formats. A TV's built-in player may not support some audio codecs (such as DTS-HD or TrueHD) or video formats. A Plex server on a powerful PC can transcode the stream on the fly (transcoding) into a format the TV can understand, ensuring smooth playback. This is especially important for owners of older LG models whose hardware can't handle modern codecs.
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Despite the advancement of technology, users often encounter connection issues. The most common is that the computer doesn't see the TV in the list of available devices. In 90% of cases, this is due to network settings. Make sure the network profile in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public." In a public profile, the system blocks detection of other devices for security reasons.
To change the network profile, click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, select "Properties" for your connection, and change the network type to "Private." After that, restart the "Device Discovery" service in the Windows Control Panel. It's also worth checking whether your antivirus or the built-in Windows Defender firewall is blocking connections using these protocols. UDP And TCP, used to search for devices on a local network.
Another common issue is audio and video desync when using Miracast. This can be caused by insufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth. Try moving closer to the router or, if possible, connecting the TV to the router via a LAN cable while leaving the computer connected to Wi-Fi. A wired connection to the receiver (TV) often stabilizes the data flow.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and function names may vary depending on the version of the webOS operating system installed on your LG TV. Up-to-date instructions are always available in the support section of the manufacturer's official website.
If all else fails, try rebooting your router. Devices often get stuck in the router's network tables, and a simple restart resolves the visibility issue. It's also a good idea to update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your computer and the TV's software via the settings menu.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the wireless display list?
Most often, the problem is that the TV isn't in standby mode. On older LG models, you need to manually launch the app. Screen Share or Miracast from the app list. On newer models with WebOS 4.0 and higher, simply turn on the TV and ensure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, check if client isolation is enabled on your router.
Is it possible to connect a computer to an LG TV without a router?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct technology, which is the foundation of Miracast. In this mode, the TV creates its own wireless network, which the computer connects to directly, without a router. However, the speed and stability of this connection may be lower than with a full-fledged router supporting the 802.11ac standard.
How to improve picture quality over a wireless connection?
For maximum quality, use the 5 GHz band and ensure there are no thick walls or metal barriers between your computer's adapter and the router. If you're using a laptop, connect it to a power source, as the Wi-Fi module may operate less efficiently in power-saving mode. This isn't critical for static content (photos, documents), but it's important for video.
Do all LG TVs support wireless connection to a PC?
Almost all modern LG Smart TVs (starting with 2012-2013 models and newer) support Miracast technology or have a built-in Wi-Fi module for DLNA. However, older, non-smart models require external adapters (such as Google Chromecast or Miracast dongles) that plug into the HDMI port and receive the signal.