Connecting a Second Screen to Your Computer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wirelessly connect a second screen to your computer via Wi-Fi It saves desk space, eliminates cable clutter, and allows for flexible movement of the monitor or TV throughout the home. However, not everyone knows that this doesn't require expensive adapters—modern operating systems and devices support several built-in over-the-air screen mirroring technologies.

In this article we will analyze 5 working methods connecting a second screen via Wi-Fi: from standard Miracast before the game Steam LinkWe'll also tell you how to reduce image lag and why the screen sometimes connects but doesn't display a picture. If you want to use Use your TV as a second monitor for Windows wirelessly. Or broadcast a presentation to a projector via a local network—here you'll find step-by-step instructions, taking into account the nuances of 2026.

1. Preparation: What you need to connect the screen wirelessly

Before setting up a connection, please check three key conditions:

• 📶 Wi-Fi router with standard support 802.11ac (or newer) and frequency 5 GHz. On frequency 2.4 GHz Severe delays and image artifacts are possible.
• 🖥️ Computer with Windows 10/11 (version no lower 1809), macOS Monterey+ or Linux with installed gsconnect.
• 📺 Second screen: TV with Smart TV (2018 and newer), monitor with Wi-Fi Display, tablet/smartphone with Android 5.0+ or ​​iPad/iPhone with iOS 12+.

If your TV does not support Miracast or AirPlay, you will need an external adapter (for example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or AnyCast). For gaming consoles or video streaming, it is better to use specialized solutions like NVIDIA Moonlight or Steam Link - they are optimized for minimal delays.

Important! Wireless screen connection will always have a delay (latency) from 30 ms to 200 ms Depending on the technology. For office tasks (text, spreadsheets), this is unnoticeable, but for fast-paced games or video editing, it can be a hindrance. If minimal latency is critical, consider USB-C/Thunderbolt or HDMI with an extension cord.

2. Method 1: Miracast (built-in Windows function)

Miracast — is a wireless image transmission standard supported by most modern devices. It works without the Internet, creating a direct connection between the PC and the screen via Wi-Fi (peer-to-peer). The main advantage is that it does not depend on a router.

To connect:

1. On a second screen (for example, a TV Samsung or LG) turn on the mode Screen Mirroring or Wi-Fi DirectThis is usually done through the menu. Sources → Screen Mirroring.
2. On a Windows computer, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your screen from the list of available devices. If it's not there, update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers (especially on laptops with Intel AX200/AX210).

If the connection fails, check:

• ⚙️ Is the service enabled? Wireless Display V services.msc (must work in mode Auto).
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes the settings get in the way WPA3 or 160 MHz channel width.
• 🛡️ Disable your VPN or firewall (e.g. Kaspersky may block Miracast).

Both devices on the same 5GHz network|

Screen Mirroring is enabled on the TV|

Wi-Fi and video adapter drivers have been updated on the PC|

Network blocking programs (VPN, firewall) are disabled -->

Miracast Limitations:

• ❌ Doesn't work on PC with Windows 7/8 (requires update to Windows 10 1809+).
• ❌ Maximum resolution - 1920×1080@60Hz (on 4K there will be a strong delay).
• ❌ No audio support in the format Dolby Atmos or 5.1.

3. Method 2: AirPlay (for Apple devices)

If you have MacBook or iMac, and the second screen is Apple TV, iPad or a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, Sony Bravia or LG OLED 2020+), this method will be the most stable.

Instructions for macOS:

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably 5 GHz).
2. On Mac, open Control Center → Screen Mirroring (or System Preferences → Monitors).
3. Choose yours Apple TV or a TV from the list. For extended mode (not mirroring), hold down Option when selecting a device.

For Windows you will need to install iTunes and the program 5KPlayer or ApowerMirror, but the quality will be worse than on macOS. The latency when using AirPlay is about 50–80 ms — this is enough for videos, but not for competitive games.

Advice for owners Apple TV 4K: In the device settings, enable the mode Low latency (Settings → Video and Audio → Match Content → Reduce Latency). This will reduce the lag to ~30 ms, but may degrade the video quality.

4. Method 3: Steam Link (for gamers)

If you need to connect a second screen for games, the best choice is Steam LinkThis technology is from Valve optimized for minimal latency (from 10 ms in the local network) and supports resolution up to 4K@60Hz.

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link to the second screen (available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen, Raspberry Pi).
2. Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense) to the receiving device.
3. Launch Big Picture Mode in Steam on PC and select Settings → Broadcast Settings. Recommended parameters:

   Bitrate: 20–50 Mbps (depending on the router)
   Resolution: Native (or 1080p for stability)
   Codecs: H.264 (or AV1, if supported)

4. On the second screen, run Steam Link and connect to the PC.

Steam Link Benefits: