How to Watch Movies on Your TV Using Wi-Fi on Your Computer: A Complete Guide

Stream movies from your computer to your big TV screen via Wi-Fi — a convenient way to enjoy your favorite content without the hassle of wires. But many people encounter problems: video stutters, audio lags, and sometimes the connection fails altogether. In this article, we'll explore all the current wireless transmission methods—from standard protocols to specialized software.

The choice of method depends on the model of your TV And PC, versions Windows or macOS, as well as the type of content. For example, for 4K HDR-the video will need to be stable 5 GHz-channel, and for older TVs without Smart TV — additional devices. We tested each method on different combinations of equipment and compiled step-by-step instructions, taking into account common mistakes.

If you're setting up this connection for the first time, start by checking the compatibility of your devices. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network. Wi-Fi networks (preferably with support) 802.11ac or newer). For maximum stability, disable energy saving mode on your router and set a fixed channel in the settings. 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz - this will reduce delays during broadcasting.

1. DLNA: a standard protocol for media files

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the most universal way to transfer movies, music, and photos over a local network. It works on most Smart TV (since 2012) and does not require installation of additional software on Windows 10/11The main advantage is support for almost all video formats (.mp4, .mkv, .avi) without prior conversion.

To activate DLNA server on PC:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change advanced sharing options.
3. Turn on Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing for the current profile.
4. IN Conductor Right-click on the movie folder → Properties → Access → Share.

On your TV, launch a media player app (e.g. Samsung AllShare, LG SmartShare or standard Media player). Your computer will appear in the list of devices—select it and find the file you need. Please note: DLNA does not support subtitles in separate files (.srt) - they must be embedded into the video..

Are your PC and TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network?

Is SMB 1.0 network protocol enabled in Windows (for older TVs)?

Are ports 1900 (UDP) and 2869 (TCP) open on your router?

Is your TV software updated to the latest version?

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⚠️ Attention: On Windows 11 the protocol is disabled by default SMB 1.0, which is required for some older TVs. To enable it, go to Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off and tick the box Support for SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing.

2. Miracast: Wireless Screen Mirroring

Miracast — a technology that allows you to completely mirror your computer screen onto your TV wirelessly. Unlike DLNA, here not only the video is transmitted, but also the entire desktop, which is convenient for watching movies in a browser or specialized players (for example, Kodi or VLC). The downside is the high network load and possible lags during playback. 4K.

To connect:

• 🖥️ On Windows: click Win + K → select your TV from the list (must support Miracast).
• 📺 On TV: activate the mode Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Screen Share).
• 🔄 If the connection is not established, update your drivers Wi-Fi adapter on a PC (especially relevant for laptops with Intel Wireless).

Miracast operates on a frequency 5 GHz, so make sure your router supports this range. For stable broadcasting, it is recommended to use channels with minimal interference (e.g. 36, 40, 44 or 48). You can check the channel load using the utility Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/macOS).

Why might Miracast not work?

If your TV does not support Miracast (for example, models before 2015), use an adapter based on Google Cast (For example, Chromecast) or Amazon Fire TV Stick. The problem may also be in the drivers - for Windows 10/11 Download the latest version from the laptop manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update

3. Google Cast (Chromecast) and analogues

If your TV does not support Miracast or DLNA, the most reliable solution would be Google Chromecast or a built-in function Google Cast (available at Android TV and many Smart TV (after 2017). This method allows you to stream video directly from your browser. Chrome or applications (YouTube, Netflix, KinoPoisk).

Instructions for Chrome:

1. Install the extension Google Cast (if not installed automatically).
2. Open the movie in your browser (for example, on Kinopoisk or OKKO).
3. Click on the icon Cast (in the upper right corner) → select your TV.
4. Select mode: Transmit tab (transfer tab) or Transmit file (video only).

For local files use VLC Player with support Chromecast:

• 🎬 Open the file in VLC → Playback → Playback Device → Chromecast.
• 🔊 If the sound comes only through the PC, check the audio output settings in VLC (Tools → Settings → Audio).

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via Google Cast There may be a delay of up to 2 seconds when opening browser tabs. This isn't critical for movies, but it's not suitable for games or video calls. For minimal lag, use Plex or Kodi with direct flow.

4. Steam Link: For gamers and high-quality enthusiasts

Steam Link — decision from Valve, originally designed for game streaming, but also great for watching movies in maximum quality. The main advantage is support 4K@60Hz with minimal delays (up to 30 ms), which is critical for dynamic content. The app is accessible to most Smart TV (through Google Play Store) And Windows/macOS/Linux.

Setting:

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link on TV.
2. Connect both devices to the same network 5 GHz.
3. Launch Steam on PC → Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play.
4. On your TV, select your computer from the list and connect.

To play local movies:

• 📁 Add the movie folder to Steam as a "non-game shortcut" (Add a game → Add a non-Steam game).
• 🎥 Run the file via Steam Link - it will open in the standard player Windows (For example, Films & TV or VLC).
• 🔧 For better quality, use the settings Steam Link select Optimize for video and turn it off Bitrate limitation.

5. Plex and Kodi: Media Servers for Advanced Users

If you have a large collection of movies, series and music, the best solution would be to organize your own media servers by using Plex or KodiThese programs not only stream content, but also automatically download covers, descriptions, subtitles, and support Dolby Vision And DTS-HD.

Plex beginner-friendly:

• 🖥️ Install Plex Media Server on your PC and specify the folders with the movies.
• 📱 Install Plex on TV (via App Store or Google Play).
• 🔗 Connect to your server (it must be on the same network).
• 🎭 For access from outside the network, configure Remote Access in the web interface Plex.

Kodi offers more flexibility:

1. Install Kodi on PC and TV.
2. Activate on PC UPnP/DLNA in the settings (Services → UPnP/DLNA).
3. On TV in Kodi add a source UPnP Devices and select your computer.
4. To improve the quality in advancedsettings.xml write:

   <advancedsettings>
   <video>
   <latency>
   <delay>0</delay>
   <refresh>
   <min>23</min> <max>24</max>
   </refresh>
   </latency>
   </video>
   </advancedsettings>

⚠️ Attention: When using Kodi with network folders (SMB or NFS) There may be a problem with encoding in file names (for example, Cyrillic is displayed as gibberish). Solution: rename the files to UTF-8 or use English names.

6. Alternative methods: from HDMI adapters to cloud services

If wireless methods are not suitable (for example, due to weak Wi-Fi-signal), consider alternatives:

1. Adapters Wi-Fi → HDMI:

• 🔌 Devices like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or ScreenBeam connect to HDMI-TV port and create their own access point for Miracast.
• ⚡ Support 1080p@60Hz, but require power from USB (use the port USB 3.0 on TV for stability).

2. Cloud players:

• ☁️ Download the movie on Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Mega, then open it through the app on your TV.
• 📶 Disadvantage - dependence on Internet speed (for Full HD no less is needed 15 Mbps).

3. Local network via cable:

• 🔌 If the router supports LAN ports, connect your PC and TV to it with a cable - this will provide minimal delays.
• 🛠️ Set up Jumbo Frames (packages up to 9000 bytes) in the router settings to increase throughput.

How to check local network speed?

Use the utility iPerf3:

1. Install iPerf3 on PC (choco install iperf3 For Windows).
2. Start the server: iperf3 -s.
3. On another device (for example, a smartphone on the same network), launch the client: iperf3 -c [IP_address_of_PC].
4. If the speed is lower 50 Mbps, check the settings QoS on the router.

7. Troubleshooting: slow performance, no sound, connection errors

Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

1. The video slows down or stops:

• 📶 Check your speed Wi-Fi by using Speedtest (must be no less than 25 Mbps For 1080p).
• 🔄 Switch to the channel 5 GHz with width 80 MHz (in the router settings).
• 🖥️ On your PC, disable background programs that consume network bandwidth (Torrent, Steam, OneDrive).

2. No sound:

• 🔊 In Windows check your default playback device (Right-click on the speaker → Open sound settings).
• 🎧 For HDMI audio select format PCM or Dolby Digital in the TV settings.
• 🔌 If you use Chromecast, update the device firmware via Google Home.

3. The TV does not find the computer:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and both devices.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable Windows Firewall or add an exception for the application (eg. plexmediaserver.exe).
• 📡 Check that the router is turned on Multicast (in settings LAN → IGMP Snooping).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) the protocol is disabled by default Bonjour, required for device detection Apple (included in Advanced Settings → Network Services).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream movies from a PC to a TV without a Smart TV?

Yes, you will need an external device for this:

• Google Chromecast (~3,000 ₽) — connects to HDMI and works through Wi-Fi.
• Amazon Fire TV Stick (~4,000 ₽) — supports Miracast And DLNA.
• Android set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S) - a full replacement Smart TV.

For the oldest TVs (without HDMI) will be required AV receiver or adapter HDMI → AV (RCA).

Why does 4K video lag while Full HD works fine?

Network bandwidth issue:

• 4K HDR requires ~50 Mbps, whereas 1080p — total ~8 Mbps.
• Solutions:
  • Switch to 5 GHz (or use a cable LAN).
  • Reduce the video bitrate in the player settings (for example, in VLC: Tools → Effects & Filters → Video Effects → Bitrate).
  • Use a codec HEVC (H.265) instead of H.264 - It compresses video more strongly without losing quality.

How to stream a movie with subtitles?

Methods depending on the method:

• DLNA: Subtitles must be embedded into the video (use MKVToolNix for unification).
• Miracast/Steam Link: Subtitles will be displayed if they are enabled in the player on your PC.
• Plex/Kodi: Upload file .srt in the same folder as the video, with the same name (for example, film.mkv And film.srt).
• Google Cast: IN VLC or MX Player Select subtitles before broadcasting.

Do I have to pay to stream movies over Wi-Fi?

All methods described in the article (DLNA, Miracast, Steam Link, Plex) are free, except:

• Paid versions Plex Pass (additional features like DVR or Offline Access).
• Purchase of external devices (Chromecast, Fire TV Stick etc.).
• Subscriptions to cloud services (eg. Google One to expand the space on Google Drive).

The broadcast itself over a local network does not consume Internet traffic (except for cloud players).

Is it possible to control playback from a phone?

Yes, for this use:

• TV Manufacturer App (For example, Samsung SmartThings or LG TV Plus).
• Yatse (For Kodi) - supports voice control and widgets.
• Plex or Jellyfin — have mobile applications with full control.
• Unified Remote - universal remote control for PC (includes control VLC, PotPlayer and others).

For Steam Link can be used Steam Mobile App - It supports touchpad and virtual keyboard.