How to stream images from a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi: all the methods in 2026

Wireless connection of TV to laptop via Wi-Fi It eliminates the clutter of cables and opens up new possibilities: watching movies on a big screen, streaming games, or presenting without adapters. However, not everyone knows that there is at least 5 different technologies - from the built-in Miracast to specialized applications like Steam LinkEach of them has its own compatibility nuances, signal delays, and equipment requirements.

In this article, we will look at all the current synchronization methods, including hidden settings modern televisions Samsung QLED 2026+, LG OLED C3 and budget models Xiaomi TV A ProYou will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, "Device not supported" in Windows 11), which Wireless transmission protocols provide minimal latency for gaming, and why it's sometimes easier to use router as an intermediary, not a live broadcast. Let's start with the most universal method—technology Miracast, which works on 90% of devices without additional software.

1. Connecting via Miracast (Wireless Display) is a universal method

Miracast — is a wireless image transmission standard built into Windows 8.1/10/11, Android 4.2+ and most modern TVs. It doesn't require the internet and works on a point-to-point basis, creating a direct connection between the laptop and the TV. The main advantage is minimal delay (up to 30 ms), which is critical for games or high-resolution videos.

To activate Miracast On your TV, follow these steps (the interface may vary depending on the model):

• 📺 On the remote control Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring (or Smart View in older models).
• 📺 On LG: Settings → Connection → Screen Mirroring (Miracast).
• 📺 On Sony Bravia: Settings → Network → Home network settings → Mirroring.
• 📺 On Xiaomi TV: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wireless Display.

On a laptop with Windows:

1. Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
2. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV.
3. Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with processors Intel up to 7th generation (Kaby Lake, 2017) and some models AMD function Miracast may be missing. Check support via the team dxdiag V Execute (chapter Miracast should be displayed as Available).

2. Using DLNA to transfer media files (photos, videos, music)

If you don't need to duplicate the screen, but simply broadcast movies or photos from your laptop to your TV, the technology is suitable DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). Unlike Miracast, it does not transmit a “live” screen, but it works more stably and supports formats 4K HDR No lag. DLNA is built into most Smart TV and does not require additional programs on a laptop Windows.

Configuration algorithm:

1. Activate the DLNA server on your TV:
   • 📺 Samsung: Settings → General → External Devices → DLNA Devices.
   • 📺 LG: Settings → Network → DLNA (or Media server).

On your laptop, open Conductor, find the folder with the files, right-click and select Transfer to device → the name of your TV.

On your TV, open the app Media player (or similar) and select the laptop as the source.

⚠️ Attention: Some televisions (eg. Sony X80J and older) block playback of protected files DRM (for example, downloaded from Netflix or Apple TV+) via DLNA. In this case, use Miracast or HDMI.

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

The DLNA server is enabled on the TV.

Files have supported format (MP4, MKV, JPG)

VPN is disabled on the laptop (may block the local network) -->

3. Steam Link for Gamers: Stream Games from PC to TV

If you want to play on the big screen without buying a console, Steam Link — the perfect solution. This app from Valve Streams games from your laptop to your TV via a local network with minimal latency (from 10 ms at a stable Wi-Fi 6). The main condition is availability Steam on a laptop and support Hardware Encoding your video card (NVIDIA NVENC or AMD AMF).

Setup instructions:

1. Install Steam Link to TV via Google Play Store (For Android TV) or App Store (For Apple TV).
2. On your laptop, open Steam, go to Settings → Remote Play and turn it on Enable Remote Play.
3. Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense) to the TV Bluetooth.
4. Launch Steam Link on TV, select your laptop from the list and start broadcasting.

For optimal performance:

• 🎮 Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (or connect your laptop via cable Ethernet).
• 🎮 In the settings Steam Link select Preset “Quality” For 4K@60fps or "Speed" to reduce latency.
• 🎮 Close background programs on your laptop (especially torrents or updates).

4. AirPlay for Apple owners (MacBook + Apple TV or Smart TV)

If you have MacBook and a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG CX, Samsung QN90C or Apple TV 4K), you can broadcast your screen without third-party programs. AirPlay supports resolution up to 4K HDR and sound Dolby Atmos, but requires stable Wi-Fi 5/6 (delay ~50–100 ms).

How to connect:

1. Make sure that MacBook and the TV are connected to the same network Wi-Fi.
2. Activate on TV AirPlay:
   • 📺 Samsung: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay.
   • 📺 LG: Settings → Network → AirPlay.

On MacBook open Control Center → Screen mirroring and select your TV.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2018–2019 years of release (Q60R, Q70R) AirPlay may work unstable due to outdated firmware. Update the software via Settings → Support → Software Update.

What should I do if AirPlay can't find my TV?

1. Restart your router and devices.

2. Disable the firewall on your MacBook (System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall).

3. Check that the TV is in the "On" mode. Network sharing (on some models it is hidden in Settings → Accessibility).

4. If you use VPN, disable it - it may block local connections.

5. Alternative programs: ApowerMirror, TeamViewer, AnyDesk

If the built-in methods do not work (for example, on older TVs without Miracast), you can use third-party applications. They are suitable for remote control Using a laptop, watch a TV, or stream your screen over the internet (useful for presentations). Let's look at the top 3 solutions:

Instructions for ApowerMirror (the simplest option for a local network):

1. Download and install ApowerMirror on a laptop and TV (Google Play For Android TV).
2. On your laptop, run the program, select Phone Mirroring → Computer (yes, even for TV!).
3. Open the app on your TV and enter the PIN code from your laptop screen.
4. Done! Now you can control your laptop with your TV remote (if you connect a mouse via Bluetooth).

TeamViewer And AnyDesk They're more suitable for remote access over the internet, for example, if you want to share your laptop screen on a TV in another city. However, due to high latency, they're not suitable for gaming or video.

6. Direct connection via a router: when nothing works

If the TV does not support Miracast, A DLNA "doesn't see" the laptop, you can use it router as an intermediary. This method works even on older TV models (for example, Samsung D-series 2012) and doesn't require any special software. The idea is to "trick" the TV into thinking that the laptop is DLNA server.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your laptop and TV to the same router Wi-Fi (or laptop via cable, TV via Wi-Fi).
2. Install the program on your laptop Plex Media Server or Kodi (free).
3. Add folders with movies/photos to the program library.
4. On your TV, open the app Plex or Kodi (install from the app store) and connect to the server on your laptop.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Works on any device, even without Smart TV (if connected Android set-top box).
• 🔄 Supports 4K HDR and sound 5.1.
• 🔄 You can stream IPTV or online streams (for example, Twitch).

⚠️ Attention: If the router is older than 2018 (without support 802.11ac), video in 4K will slow down. In this case, reduce the bitrate in the settings. Plex to 8 Mbps.

7. Troubleshooting: Why the TV doesn't see the laptop

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Here top 5 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔌 Laptop and TV on different networks: Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi (not to the guest network!). On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) the guest network is isolated.
• 🔌 Outdated TV firmware: Update software via Settings → Support → Software UpdateOn . Samsung 2016–2018 Miracast may not work without an update.
• 🔌 Firewall blocking: On Windows temporarily disable Windows Defender or add an exception for the broadcast program.
• 🔌 Incompatible codecs: If the video is through DLNA doesn't play, convert it to MP4 (H.264) by using HandBrake.
• 🔌 Weak Wi-Fi signal: If the router is far away, use Wi-Fi repeater or connect your laptop via cable.

To diagnose the network on a laptop:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command:

   ping [TV IP address]

   (You can find out IP TV in the network settings on the TV itself).

3. If packets are lost (>10%), the problem is with the router or interference.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection

Is it possible to connect a TV to a laptop without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three options:

1. HDMI cable — the most stable connection for 4K@120Hz.
2. USB-C → HDMI (if the laptop has a port Thunderbolt 3/4).
3. Wi-Fi Direct (analogue Miracast, but without a router). On Samsung turns on through Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct.

Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

The problem is typical for laptops with Realtek audio drivers. Solutions:

• Update your sound driver via device Manager.
• IN Control Panel → Sound select output device NVIDIA High Definition Audio (if there is a discrete video card).
• Restart the service Windows Audio through services.msc.

How to reduce latency when streaming games?

For minimal latency (<30ms):

• Use Steam Link with settings Speed ​​→ 60 fps → 10 Mbps.
• Connect your laptop to the router via cable Ethernet, and the TV is on Wi-Fi 6.
• IN NVIDIA Control Panel turn on Performance preset for games.

If the delay is >100 ms, you won’t be able to play comfortably – it’s better to use HDMI.

Is it possible to stream Netflix/YouTube from a laptop to a TV without lag?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• Miracast/DLNA: Netflix will block playback due to DRM. Use HDMI or smart app on TV.
• Steam Link: YouTube will work, but with a delay of ~50 ms.
• AirPlay: Supports streaming Apple TV+ And Disney+ no lags (on Samsung QLED 2023+).

Which TVs support Miracast?

The technology is available to everyone Smart TV no older than 2015. Exceptions:

• Samsung series J (2015) and older - only with firmware update.
• LG models without webOS (until 2014).
• Budget TVs TCL And Hisense without Google TV.

Check the support via the TV menu: if there is an item Screen Mirroring or Wireless Display, That Miracast works.