Wirelessly streaming your computer's screen to your TV via Wi-Fi is a convenient way to turn a regular TV into a fully functional monitor for gaming, watching movies, or presenting. However, not all methods are equally effective: some introduce a 2-3 second delay, others require special adapters, and still others refuse to work with certain TV models. In this article, we'll explore these options. all current methods image transfer over Wi-Fi - from built-in Windows functions to third-party applications - and we'll also explain why it's sometimes easier to buy an inexpensive one Google Chromecast, than spending hours setting it up Miracast.
The main problem with this type of broadcast is signal delay (latency). It's not critical for watching movies, but for games or video calls, even 100 ms can ruin the experience. We tested each method on TVs. Samsung QLED 2023, LG OLED C2 And Xiaomi TV A2 — the results are summarized in the comparison table below. If your TV was manufactured before 2018, you'll likely need additional equipment; we'll cover that as well.
1. Miracast: Built-in wireless streaming in Windows
Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs and laptops. It works without an internet connection, connecting devices directly via Wi-Fi Direct. The main advantage is that it eliminates the need for a router. However, there are also some drawbacks: the maximum resolution is often limited. 1920×1080 at 30 Hz, and on older PCs, image artifacts may appear.
To turn on broadcasting:
- 🖥️ On PC: Click
Win + K(or openSettings → System → Project to this PC). Select "Connect to a wireless display". - 📺 On TV: Activate the function Screen Mirroring (on Samsung —
Source → Screen Mirroring, on LG —Home Dashboard → Screen Broadcasting). - 🔄 Select the name of your TV from the list of available devices on your PC.
If Miracast doesn't work:
- ⚠️ Make sure you have the latest drivers installed on your PC Wi-Fi adapter And video cards (especially relevant for laptops with Intel UHD Graphics).
- ⚠️ On some TVs Sony Bravia 2019-2020 Miracast is disabled by default - it needs to be enabled in the service menu (press and hold
Home → Settings → Network → Advanced).
Your PC supports Miracast (check in Settings → System → Display → Advanced display settings)
The TV is connected to a Wi-Fi network (even if you use Direct)
VPNs and firewalls are disabled (they may be blocking the connection)
The distance between devices is no more than 5 meters (for a stable signal)
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⚠️ Warning: On TVs Xiaomi with firmware below MIUI TV 3.0 (released before 2021) Miracast only works with smartphones, not PCs. To stream from a computer, you'll need to update the software or use alternative methods.
2. DLNA and UPnP: Stream media files without screen mirroring
If you don't need to duplicate your entire desktop, but only transfer movies, music or photos, the technology will do DLNAIt allows you to share files from your PC to your TV via a local network. Unlike Miracast, there's no latency, but there's also no interactivity: you can't control playback from your TV.
DLNA setup:
- Install a media server on your PC (for example, Plex, Kodi or built-in "Media streaming" in Windows).
- In the server settings, specify folders with movies/music.
- On your TV, open the "Media player" (or SmartShare on LG, AllShare on Samsung) and select your PC from the list of devices.
| Method | Delay | Max. permission | A router is required | Control from TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | 50–200 ms | 1920×1080@30 Hz | No | Yes |
| DLNA | 0 ms | 4K@60Hz | Yes | Limited |
| Steam Link | 20–80 ms | 4K@60Hz | Yes | Yes (for games) |
| Google Cast | 100–300 ms | 1080p@60Hz | Yes | Yes |
DLNA is not suitable for streaming DRM-protected content (Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+). For these services, use the TV's built-in apps or Google Chromecast.
3. Steam Link: Ideal for Gamers
If you want to play on the big screen without buying a console, Steam Link — the best solution. The app streams games from your PC to your TV with minimal latency (up to 20 ms with good Wi-Fi). The main requirement is that both the computer and TV must be connected to the same network via a router (preferably 5 GHz).
Setup instructions:
- 💻 Install Steam on PC and turn on "Streaming" in the settings (
Steam → Settings → On Home Network). - 📺 Install the application Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play For Android TV or through Samsung App Store).
- 🎮 Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense) to the TV via Bluetooth.
- 🔗 Launch the app on your TV and select your PC from the list.
⚠️ Attention: For stable operation Steam Link Wi-Fi speed of at least 30 MbpsIf the router is in another room, use Mesh system or a wired connection of the PC to the network.
4. Google Chromecast and similar devices: a universal solution
If your TV's built-in features don't support streaming from a PC, the easiest way is to buy one. Google Chromecast (from 3,000 ₽) or its analogues (Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick). These devices connect to the HDMI port of the TV and allow you to display your PC screen via a browser. Google Chrome or special applications.
How to broadcast your screen:
- Connect Chromecast to the TV and set it up through the app Google Home.
- On your PC, open your browser Chrome, click "Broadcast" (icon with three dots → "Broadcast").
- Select "Broadcast your screen" and indicate yours Chromecast.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Works on any TV with HDMI.
- ✅ Supports
4K@60Hz(on Chromecast Ultra and newer). - ✅ You can broadcast individual browser tabs (for example, YouTube or Twitch).
Flaws:
- ❌ Latency up to 300ms (not suitable for gaming).
- ❌ A stable Wi-Fi connection is required (preferably 5 GHz).
5. Direct Wi-Fi connection (for Android TV)
TVs on Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia, Philips or Nvidia Shield) support the " functionWireless display" through Google CastUnlike Chromecast, no additional equipment is needed here - it is enough for the PC and TV to be on the same network.
Connection algorithm:
- Open on your TV
Settings → Devices and Sound → Wireless Display. - On PC, click
Win + Kand select your TV from the list. - Confirm the connection on both devices.
If your TV does not appear in the list:
- 🔧 Update your TV firmware (on Sony this is done through
Settings → Support → Software Update). - 🔧 Turn on the " option on your TVAllow discovery" in the network settings.
- 🔧 Reboot your router (sometimes the DHCP server does not assign correct IP addresses).
Why isn't my TV visible in the list of devices for streaming?
On some models LG The wireless display feature is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → General → Mobile Devices → Miracast and activate the option. Also check if the connection is blocked by your PC's antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast Wi-Fi Direct is often blocked).
6. Alternative programs: AirParrot, ApowerMirror, LetsView
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party programs. These are paid (starting at 500 rubles), but offer additional features: screen recording, real-time annotations, and streaming audio separately from video. Let's look at three popular options:
| Program | Price | Delay | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirParrot 3 | 2 500 ₽ | 30–100 ms | Support 4K, broadcast to multiple devices |
| ApowerMirror | 1,200 rubles/year | 50–150 ms | Phone control, screen recording |
| LetsView | For free | 100–200 ms | Works without a router (Wi-Fi Direct) |
Instructions for AirParrot 3:
- Download and install the program from official website.
- Launch AirParrot and select your TV from the list of devices.
- Adjust the resolution and frame rate (for games, select
1080p@60Hz). - Click "Start Mirroring".
⚠️ Note: Free version LetsView Adds a watermark to your screen. To remove it, you need to purchase the premium version (from 800 ₽/month).
7. Troubleshooting: lags, connection breaks, no sound
Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
- 🐢 Image lag:
- Switch to Wi-Fi frequency
5 GHz(in the router settings). - Reduce the broadcast resolution to
1280×720. - Disconnect other devices from the network (especially those downloading files).
- Switch to Wi-Fi frequency
- 🔌 The connection is broken:
- Check if your router is overheating (reboot it).
- Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (for example, from 6 to 11).
- If you use Miracast, reduce the distance between the PC and TV to 3 meters.
- 🔇 No sound:
- In the broadcast settings, select "Broadcast audio".
- Update your PC's sound card drivers.
- If you use HDMI-ARC, check if this mode is enabled on your TV.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about streaming from PC to TV
Is it possible to stream my PC screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, if your TV and computer support it. Wi-Fi Direct (built in Miracast). In this case, the devices are connected directly, without a router. You can also use HDMI cable or adapters Wireless HDMI (For example, Nyrius ARIES Prime), but they are more expensive (from 10,000 ₽).
Why does the picture jerk when broadcasting via Miracast?
This is due to an unstable Wi-Fi signal or insufficient processor power. Try:
- Reduce resolution to
1280×720. - Disable background programs on your PC (especially torrents or updates).
- Switch to frequency
5 GHz(if the router is dual-band).
How to cast your PC screen to your TV LG 2017?
On older models LG (for example, series UJ or SJMiracast often doesn't work. Options:
- Use Google Chromecast or Xiaomi Mi TV Stick.
- Install the app on TV TV Cast (available in LG Content Store) and stream through your browser.
- Connect your PC via HDMI or through Wireless HDMI adapter.
Is it possible to play CS2 or Fortnite via TV broadcast?
Technically yes, but with some caveats:
- Steam Link provides minimal latency (20–50 ms), but requires a powerful PC and stable Wi-Fi.
- Miracast And Chromecast not suitable - delay exceeds 100 ms.
- For competitive shooters it is better to use HDMI cable or prefix (PS5, Xbox Series X).
How to stream audio from a PC to a TV separately from video?
If you only need to transmit audio (for example, to listen to music through TV speakers), use:
- Bluetooth: connect the TV as a Bluetooth speaker (on Samsung this is done through
Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Bluetooth Device List). - DLNA: Stream audio files via a media server (Plex, Kodi).
- 3.5 mm cable: If your TV has an audio input, connect it directly to your PC.