How to Watch Videos from Your Computer on Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Modern Smart TVs and powerful home Wi-Fi networks offer unlimited possibilities for viewing content on the big screen. But how do you transfer video from your computer to your TV without unnecessary wires, without losing quality or encountering lag? This problem is familiar to many: you've downloaded a high-definition movie, want to share vacation photos with friends, or launch a streaming service on the big screen—but you're unsure which method to choose.

In this article we will look at All current methods for streaming video from a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi, from standard protocols like DLNA And Miracast to specialized programs and cloud services. You will learn which method is suitable for your equipment, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, Audio delays when streaming via Chromecast older than the 2nd generation) and what router settings will help stabilize the connection. We'll pay special attention to the nuances of working with different operating systems—from Windows 11 to macOS Sonoma.

Important: If your TV was released before 2018, some methods may not be supported out of the box. In this case, you will need additional devices such as Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV StickWe will note such cases separately.

1. Network Preparation: Why Video Is Laggy and How to Fix It

Before setting up a broadcast, make sure your Wi-Fi network is ready to transmit video, especially in the following resolution: 4K or HDRThe main problems are usually related to:

• 📶 Insufficient router bandwidth (standard 802.11n won't handle 4K without artifacts).
• 🔄 Congested channel (neighbors use the same 2.4 GHz channel).
• 📡 Weak signal between the PC and the TV (walls, furniture, distance more than 10 meters).
• 🖥️ Hardware limitations (old Wi-Fi adapter in a computer or TV).

To check the current connection speed between your PC and TV, use the utility iPerf3 (free for Windows/macOS/Linux). Run it on both devices in server/client mode and measure the speed. For comfortable viewing, you need:

If your router does not support 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6, consider upgrading. For example, models ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000 handle 4K streams without any problems. The alternative is to use Powerline adapters (signal transmission over electrical wiring) for a stable connection.

⚠️ Attention: If your TV is connected to the router via 2.4 GHz, and the computer - through 5 GHz, the streaming may be unstable. Force both devices to connect to the same frequency band in the Wi-Fi settings.

2. Method 1: DLNA - a simple but limited method

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices on the same network to exchange media files. Almost all modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia) support DLNA out of the box, but for PC you will need special software.

How does this work:

1. It is installed on the computer DLNA server (For example, Plex, Kodi or built in Windows Media Player).
2. The server scans video folders and makes them available to TV.
3. On your TV, select the “Network” or “DLNA” source and connect to the server.

Advantages of DLNA:

• 🎬 Support for most formats (.mp4, .mkv, .avi).
• 📁 Access the entire media library without pre-downloading.
• 🔄 Ability to pause and rewind from TV.

Flaws:

• ❌ No support 4K HDR on many TVs (transcoding required).
• ❌ Delay when rewinding (buffering).
• ❌ No subtitles for some formats.

To set up a DLNA server on Windows 11:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
2. Turn on media sharing and select the folders with the videos.
3. On your TV, select your PC's name from the source menu.

The DLNA server is installed and running|Video folders have been added to the library|TV and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network|The TV is in "Network" or "Media Server" mode.

⚠️ Attention: Some TVs LG (2019-2020 models) block playback of files with resolutions higher than 1080p via DLNA. In this case, use alternative methods.

3. Method 2: Miracast - Wireless HDMI (but not for everyone)

Miracast — is a technology that allows you to mirror your computer screen to your TV via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router). It's built into Windows 8.1/10/11 and many modern TVs (Samsung QLED, Sony X90J and newer). The main advantage is minimal delay (ideal for gaming and real-time video).

How to connect:

1. Turn on the TV mode Screen Mirroring (on the menu Settings → Network → Miracast).
2. On PC, click Win + K and select the name of your TV.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Miracast Limitations:

• 🚫 Doesn't work on Mac (requires third party software like AirParrot).
• 🔌 Needs support Wi-Fi Direct on both devices.
• 🎮 There is still a delay (about 30–50 ms), which is noticeable in shooters.

If Miracast doesn't find your TV:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📡 Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your PC (even if you're connected via Ethernet).
• 🔧 Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers (especially on laptops) Lenovo And HP).

Why does Miracast disconnect after 5 minutes?

On some TVs Samsung (TU, AU series) There is a Miracast session time limit to save power. To disable it, go to Settings → General → Screen Timeout and set it to "Never".

For macOS An alternative to Miracast is AirPlay, but it only works with TVs Apple TV or models with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED C2). To turn on the broadcast, click on the icon AirPlay in the menu bar and select TV.

4. Method 3: Google Chromecast and similar devices are a universal solution

If your TV does not support modern protocols, Google Chromecast (or its analogues like Xiaomi Mi TV Stick) will be the ideal solution. How it works:

1. Connect the device to the TV HDMI port.
2. You set it up through the app. Google Home (available for Android/iOS/Windows).
3. From your computer, you “send” video to Chromecast via a browser or special programs.

Advantages:

• 🌐 Works with any TV (even those released in 2010).
• 🎵 Support 4K HDR And Dolby Atmos (on models Chromecast Ultra and newer).
• 📱 Convenient control from your phone or PC.

How to stream video from PC:

1. Open the video in your browser Chrome or Edge.
2. Right click on the video and select Transmit... (or the Chromecast icon).
3. Select your device from the list.

For local files, use programs like VLC (menu Playback → Playback Device → Chromecast) or Plex.

⚠️ Attention: When streaming video through a first-generation Chromecast, 4K will be automatically downgraded to 1080pCheck your device model in the settings.

5. Method 4: Streaming software - VLC, Plex, Kodi

Dedicated media players offer more options than standard methods. Let's look at three of the most popular solutions:

For example, to stream video through VLC:

1. Open the video in the player.
2. Go to Playback → Playback Device.
3. Select Chromecast or DLNA (depending on TV).
4. Adjust the bitrate in Tools → Preferences → Show all settings → Stream output.

For Plex you will need:

1. Install Plex Media Server on PC.
2. Add video folders to the library.
3. Install the app Plex on TV (available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS).
4. Log in and select your server.

6. Method 5: Cloud services - YouTube, Google Drive, Telegram

If you need to show a video occasionally (for example, vacation videos to friends), the easiest way is to upload it to the cloud and play it on your TV. Suitable services:

• 📁 Google Drive — up to 15 GB free, supports playback 1080p via TV browser.
• 🎥 YouTube - Upload the video as "Unlisted" and open it through the app YouTube on TV.
• 📤 Telegram - Send the video to "Saved Messages" and open it via Telegram on TV (if supported).
• 🌥️ Dropbox — convenient viewer, but limited to 2 GB per file.

How it works with an example Google Drive:

1. Upload video to Google Drive from PC.
2. On your TV, open a browser or app Drive (if any).
3. Find the file and click Play.

Restrictions:

• ❌Quality is limited 1080p (even if the original is in 4K).
• ❌ Delay in playback (buffering).
• ❌ Not all TVs support cloud playback (for example, older models) Philips).

⚠️ Attention: When uploading a video to YouTube In high resolution, the service may compress the file, which will result in a loss of quality. To preserve the original resolution, use Google Drive or Mega.nz.

7. Troubleshooting: Video is lagging, there is no sound, the TV doesn't recognize the PC

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🔄 Restart your router (sometimes changing the Wi-Fi channel helps).
• 📡 Check if your Wi-Fi is overloaded (turn off other devices).
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware (in the menu Settings → Support → Software Update).

To diagnose network problems on a PC, use the following commands:

ping 192.168.1.1 (your router's IP)
tracert 8.8.8.8

If packet loss is more than 5%, the problem is in the network.

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of broadcast method depends on your goals:

• 🎮 For gaming or real-time video → Miracast or Chromecast (minimal delay).
• 🎬 For 4K HDR movies → Plex or Kodi (with transcoding).
• 📁 For random videos → Google Drive or YouTube.
• 🖥️ For old TV → Chromecast or DLNA (if supported).

If you need universal solution, combine methods:

• For local files - Plex.
• For streaming services - Chromecast.
• For on-screen duplication - Miracast.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung With Tizen (2020-2022 models) may not be supported VP9 — the codec used YouTube for 4K. In this case, the video will be played in 1080p.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream video from a PC to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are several alternatives:

• 🔌 HDMI cable — the most stable solution for 4K/120Hz.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct (if TV and PC support it).
• 📡 Powerline adapters — signal transmission through electrical wiring.

For a temporary solution you can use USB cable (if TV supports MHL or SlimPort).

Why is there no sound on the TV when streaming via DLNA?

This is an audio codec incompatibility issue. Solutions:

1. On your PC, convert the video to a format with a codec AAC or MP3 (for example, through HandBrake).
2. In the DLNA server settings (Plex, Kodi) select the "Transcode Audio" option.
3. On the TV, in the sound menu, turn on the mode PCM (turn off Dolby Digital or DTS).

If the problem persists, try playing the video through Chromecast - It automatically converts the sound.

How to stream video from Mac to TV?

On macOS The following methods are available:

• 🍎 AirPlay - for TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED or Samsung QLED 2020+).
• 🖥️ Miracast - through third-party programs like AirParrot 3 or Reflector.
• 🌐 Chromecast — via browser Chrome or Safari (with extension Google Cast).
• 📁 DLNA - through Plex or VLC.

For AirPlay:

1. Make sure your TV and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac, open the video in QuickTime Player.
3. Click on the icon AirPlay in the menu bar and select TV.

What equipment is needed for 4K streaming without lag?

Minimum requirements for stable 4K:

• 📶 Router — Wi-Fi 6 (For example, ASUS RT-AX86U or Netgear Nighthawk RAX50).
• 🖥️ Computer — the processor is not weaker 10th generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 3000 (for transcoding).
• 📺 TV - with support HEVC (H.265) And VP9 (most 2019 and newer models).
• 🔌 Net - If Wi-Fi can't handle it, use Powerline (For example, TP-Link AV1000) or Ethernet.

For 8K will be required Wi-Fi 6E or wired connection 2.5 Gbps.

Is it possible to stream Netflix/Disney+ from PC to TV?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🎬 Via Chromecast - Open the service in your PC browser and click the icon Cast.
• 🖥️ Via Miracast - duplicate your PC screen on TV (but it may be blocked) DRM).
• 📱 Via the TV app - Log in and watch directly (best option).

Important: Some services (for example, Netflix) block playback through DLNA or Miracast due to protection from piracy (Widevine DRM). In this case, use the official TV app.