Modern technology has transformed the living room into a full-fledged cinema, with an LG TV serving as a massive screen and a personal computer serving as a powerful media server. Using a wireless Wi-Fi connection eliminates the need to run long HDMI cables across the room, preserving the aesthetics of the interior and providing freedom of movement. This data transfer method is especially useful when displaying a family photo album, running a presentation, or simply watching a movie downloaded to a laptop hard drive.
To successfully implement your plan, you'll need a stable local network in which both devices have equal access. The operating principle is based on multimedia exchange protocols, such as DLNA or Miracast, which are built into Windows operating systems and webOS firmware. It's important to understand that data transfer speed directly depends on the router's signal quality and its ability to handle heavy video streams without lag.
In this guide, we'll cover various connection methods in detail, from built-in operating system features to specialized software. You'll learn how to set up folder access, troubleshoot common connection issues, and achieve maximum image quality when viewing 4K content.
Network requirements and pre-requisites
Before you begin setup, make sure your router and the devices connected to it meet the minimum technical requirements. To transmit high-resolution video streams, especially in 4K or HDR format, the channel bandwidth must be sufficient. Ideally, using the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer Wi-Fi 6, which provide a stable data transfer rate.
Both devices—the computer and the LG TV—must be connected to the same subnet. This means they must be able to see each other through the router. If you have a dual-band router broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, it is highly recommended to connect both devices to the 5 GHz band to minimize interference and increase speed.
⚠️ Attention: If your router is configured in AP Isolation mode, devices will be unable to discover each other on the local network. Check the wireless security settings in the router's admin panel and ensure this feature is disabled.
It is also worth updating the TV software to the latest version, available in the menu Settings → Support → Software UpdateManufacturers regularly release patches that improve compatibility with new broadcast protocols and fix network module bugs.
Broadcasting via built-in Windows tools (Projection)
The fastest way to project your computer screen to an LG TV is to use Miracast technology, which is implemented in Windows 10 and 11 through the "Projection" feature. This method allows you to stream not only a single video but also the entire desktop, which is convenient for browser games or viewing content from websites that don't have native Smart TV support.
To activate the reception mode on your LG TV, you need to open the Smart Launcher menu and find the application Screen Share or Device ConnectorIn newer webOS models, this feature can be integrated directly into the system and activated through the external inputs or quick settings menu. Once activated, a waiting-for-connection message will appear on the TV screen.
On your computer, press the key combination Win + KThe "Connection" panel will open on the right, where your TV should appear within a few seconds. Click it, and the image from your PC monitor will be mirrored on the larger screen. It's important to note that this method may introduce some latency, so it may not be suitable for fast-paced games.
☑️ Check before connection
Image quality in projection mode depends on the wireless channel load. If you experience choppy video or audio desync, try lowering the output resolution in Windows display settings or moving your computer closer to the router.
Using DLNA technology to access media files
Protocol DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the de facto standard for transmitting media content over a local network. Unlike screen projection, the TV acts as a renderer, decoding the video stream coming from the server computer. This reduces the load on the PC and often provides better image quality.
In Windows, the sharing feature is built into the default media player. To set up the server, open "Streaming Media Settings" through the Control Panel or search. In the window that opens, you will see a list of available devices on the network. Find your LG TV (usually labeled as [LG] webOS TV or similar) and set the status to "Allowed".
After granting access, you need to select the folders whose contents you want to share. These can be directories containing movies, music, or photos. Adding folders is done through the "Media Library" menu in the same streaming settings window. The TV will automatically index the available files.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Data transfer method | DLNA / UPnP |
| Video codec | Stream compression format | H.264, H.265 (HEVC) |
| Audio track | Audio format | AC3, AAC, LPCM |
| Subtitles | Text track support | SRT, SSA (often require recoding) |
To play, open the "Photos & Videos" or "Media" app (the name may vary depending on the webOS version) on your LG TV. Select your computer from the list of sources. Navigate through folders using the Magic Remote. If the file doesn't play, your TV may not support the format out of the box and you'll need a third-party player.
What should I do if my computer is not visible in the DLNA list?
Make sure the network is marked as "Private" in Windows. On "Public" networks, device discovery is often blocked by security systems. Also, check your firewall to make sure it's not blocking incoming connections for the "Media Server" service.
Third-party media servers: Plex and Kodi
Windows' built-in tools are good for basic tasks, but they often prove insufficient for advanced users. They may display movie covers incorrectly, fail to load subtitles, or struggle with complex formats. The solution is to install specialized server software, such as Plex, Emby or Kodi.
Plex — is the most popular solution that turns your PC into a fully-fledged media library with a beautiful interface, posters, descriptions, and cast lists. The server component is installed on your computer, where you specify the paths to the files. The program automatically scans the media, downloads metadata from the internet, and organizes the library.
On your LG TV, you need to install the Plex app from the LG Content Store. After logging in to the same account on both devices, the TV will see your server. The main advantage is transcoding: if the TV can't read the video format, the server on your PC will transcode the stream on the fly into a compatible one, although this requires considerable processor power.
⚠️ Attention: Plex's real-time transcoding feature may require a Plex Pass subscription for some features and also places a significant load on your computer's CPU/GPU. Ensure your cooling system can handle prolonged operation under load.
The alternative is Kodi, which can be installed on a PC or (in some cases via the Homebrew Channel) on the TV itself, or used solely on a PC in UPnP server mode. Kodi is renowned for its flexible configuration and support for virtually all existing codecs without the need for transcoding, as long as the playback device supports them.
Comparison of connection methods and their features
Choosing the optimal method depends on your specific needs and technical equipment. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, which should be considered before setting up. Below is a comparison of the main characteristics.
| Method | Image quality | Latency | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast (Projection) | Good (depending on signal) | High (not for gaming) | Low |
| DLNA (Standard) | Excellent (Native) | Low | Average |
| Plex / Servers | Excellent + Metadata | Low | High |
| Browser (Cast) | Average/Good | Average | Low |
If you're simply sharing a presentation with colleagues or vacation photos, built-in Windows projection is the fastest solution. For regular high-quality movie viewing, especially collections with Streaming Media, it's best to invest time in setting up DLNA or Plex. This will ensure stability and a user-friendly interface.
It's also worth mentioning the browser casting feature. Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have a built-in "Cast" button, which allows you to send a tab or the entire screen to your TV if it supports Chromecast built-in (available in many new LG models) or via a Chromecast device. This is convenient for watching online videos from websites that don't have a TV app.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Users often encounter difficulties during setup. One of the most common issues is that the TV stops detecting the computer after a system or router update. First, check the network type in Windows: it should be "Private." On "Public" networks, Windows hides the PC from other devices for security reasons.
Another issue is audio and video desync. This often occurs when using Miracast or when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Try disconnecting other devices consuming data or switching to the 5 GHz band. If the issue is with DLNA, the file may have too high a bitrate for wireless transmission, and you should consider compression or using a cable.
Your TV may not be able to play certain file formats (for example, MKV files with rare audio codecs). In this case, the built-in LG player will return an "Unsupported format" error. There's only one solution: use a third-party player on the TV itself (for example, VLC for Android if you have an Android TV, or install it via Developer Mode) or set up transcoding on the Plex server.
⚠️ Attention: The webOS interface and menu names may vary depending on the TV's year of manufacture and operating system version. If you can't find the option you're looking for, consult the user manual for your specific model or check the "General" section in the settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to stream sound from a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi without a picture?
Yes, this is possible. When connecting via Miracast, the audio automatically switches to the TV. You can also select the TV as the audio output device in Windows settings (Settings → System → Sound), if the devices are connected via DLNA or Bluetooth, although for pure audio Wi-Fi is rarely used due to possible latency.
Why does video lag when watching from a PC on an LG TV?
The main causes are: a weak Wi-Fi signal, congestion from neighboring networks, insufficient router speed, or a video file with an excessively high bitrate. Try lowering the quality in the player settings or moving closer to the router.
Is internet required for DLNA to work?
No, DLNA doesn't require internet access. It's enough for your computer and TV to be connected to the same router (local network). Internet access is only required to download cover art and descriptions to servers like Plex, but the video stream itself is kept within the network.
Do all LG TVs support Wi-Fi Direct?
Most modern LG Smart TVs support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to connect devices directly without a router. However, for stable transfer of large files, it's still recommended to use a full-fledged network via a router.