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

Transfer video from your computer to a large TV screen via Wi-Fi — a convenient way to enjoy movies, streams, or presentations without the hassle of wires. However, not everyone knows that there are several technologies available, each with its own nuances. Depending on your TV model, computer operating system, and even your router, the connection process can vary dramatically.

In this article we will look at all current methods wireless broadcasting - from built-in functions Miracast And DLNA before using external devices like Google Chromecast or Apple TVYou'll learn how to avoid image lag, why video may appear choppy, and which router settings affect streaming quality. And for those facing compatibility issues, we've prepared a table of supported formats and resolutions for popular TV brands.

1. Preparing the equipment: what you need to transmit video over Wi-Fi

Before you begin setup, make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements. The main system components are:

• 📺 TV with support Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast or DLNA (most models after 2018). Older TVs may require an external adapter (e.g. Amazon Fire Stick).
• 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux with Wi-Fi module (support required) 802.11ac for stable 4K transmission).
• 📶 Router with frequency 5 GHz (recommended for Full HD/4K). At a frequency of 2.4 GHz Delays and artifacts are possible.
• 🔌 Power supply: The laptop must be connected to the network to avoid connection interruptions due to power saving.

The critical moment is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) reduces transmission latency by 30% compared to Wi-Fi 5, but requires compatibility with all devices on the network. If your router is older than 2020, check its specifications in the documentation.

⚠️ Note: Some TVs Samsung And LG Blocks streaming from a PC via Miracast if "Guest Network" or "AP Isolation" mode is enabled in the network settings. Disable these options in the router control panel.

*For 4K @ 60Hz on LG A router with support is required Wi-Fi 6 and channel 160 MHz.

2. Method 1: Miracast – direct screening without a router

Miracast — a wireless image transmission standard built into Windows 10/11 and most modern TVs. Its key advantage is its operation without connecting to a router (direct connection is used Wi-Fi Direct). However, the technology has limitations:

• 🎮 Input lag (~50–100 ms), which is critical for gaming.
• 📶 Maximum resolution — 1920×1080 @ 60 Hz (4K is supported on select models only. Sony And Samsung (2026+).
• 🔒 Not all video formats are broadcast correctly (problems with .mkv And 10-bit HDR).

To enable Miracast on Windows:

1. Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
2. From the list of available devices, select your TV (the model name will be displayed after turning on) Screen Mirroring on TV).
3. Confirm the connection on your TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

Activate the reception mode on your TV:

• For Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring.
• For LG: Settings → Networks → Miracast.
• For Android TV: Settings → Devices → Screen Sharing.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with hybrid graphics (Intel + NVIDIA/AMD) Miracast may not work if the built-in Wi-Fi adapter is disabled in the BIOS settings. Check the setting Wireless LAN Support.

Disable VPN on your PC | Make sure your TV and PC are on the same network (if using a router) | Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers | Turn off Bluetooth on both devices -->

3. Method 2: DLNA – file streaming without screen mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows broadcasting specific video files from your computer to your TV without duplicating the entire screen. This is convenient for watching movies, but not suitable for games or working with applications. The main advantage is minimal latency and support for most formats (.mp4, .avi, .mkv).

To set up DLNA:

1. Turn on your computer media sharing:
   • Windows: Control Panel → Network Settings → Media Streaming.
   • macOS: Use VLC or Plex Media Server.

DLNA limitations:

• 🎬 No support DRM-protected video (Netflix, Disney+).
• 📂 The folder structure on your PC should be simple (deep nesting may not be displayed).
• 🔄 During playback 4K HDR slowdowns are possible on routers without Wi-Fi 6.

4. Method 3: Google Chromecast – a universal streaming solution

If your TV does not support Miracast or DLNA, the external device Google Chromecast (or built-in Chromecast built-in V Android TV) will be the ideal solution. The technology allows:

• 🎥 Cast browser tabs (Chrome, Edge) with a resolution of up to 1080p.
• 📱 Use your smartphone as a remote control (via the app) Google Home).
• 🎮 Launch games from cloud services (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming).

Setup instructions:

1. Connect Chromecast to the TV's HDMI port and set it up through the app Google Home.
2. Install the extension on your computer Google Cast for the browser or use the built-in function in YouTube/Netflix.
3. Click the icon Cast (📺) in the player or browser and select your Chromecast.

To stream local files:

• Open the file in VLC or Plex and select the option Cast to Device.
• Use LocalCast (Android) for streaming from your phone.

⚠️ Note: When casting browser tabs via Chromecast, audio may be delayed by up to 2 seconds. To synchronize, use the option Sync sound in the device settings.

5. Method 4: AirPlay for Apple and compatible TV owners

AirPlay — proprietary technology Apple, allowing you to stream video from Mac or iPhone on TVs with support AirPlay 2 (most models Samsung, LG And Sony after 2019). Benefits:

• 🎵 Synchronize sound between multiple devices (multiroom).
• 🔒 Support DRM (Apple TV+, iTunes).
• 📱 Screen sharing option iPhone/iPad without a computer.

How to connect:

1. Make sure your TV and Mac/iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac: open Control Center → Screen Sharing and select TV.
3. On iPhone: swipe down to Control center → Screen mirroring.

Restrictions:

• 🖥️ On Windows, AirPlay only works through third-party programs (5KPlayer, TuneBlade).
• 🎞️ Formats .mkv And .avi may not play (conversion required).

6. Method 5: Advanced Solutions – Steam Link and Parsec for Gamers

If you need to play games from your computer to your TV, rather than just watch videos, standard methods like Miracast won't work due to high latency. In this case, specialized services can help:

• 🎮 Steam Link — streams games from the library Steam with a resolution of up to 4K @ 60 Hz (requires a PC with a video card NVIDIA GTX 10xx+ or AMD RX 5xx+).
• 🖥️ Parsec - remote desktop access with delay <20 ms (ideal for shooters).
• 🕹️ Moonlight - open alternative NVIDIA GameStream (works only with video cards) NVIDIA).

Instructions for Steam Link:

1. Install Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play For Android TV or as a separate application for Samsung/LG).
2. On your PC, turn on Steam Settings → Remote Gameplay.
3. Connect the gamepad to the TV (via Bluetooth or USB).

Network requirements:

• 📶 Speed >50 Mbps (for 1080p @ 60Hz).
• 🔌 The PC must be connected to the router via cable (Ethernet).
• 🛡️ Disable it in your router SIP ALG (may block the flow).

7. Troubleshooting: Why is video lagging or not streaming?

Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔄 Restart your router and disconnect other devices from the network.
• 📡 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (use network analyzer, For example Wi-Fi Analyzer).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → General → Network Reset.

⚠️ Note: On some routers MikroTik And Ubiquiti the protocol is disabled by default Bonjour, which is necessary for discovering AirPlay devices. Enable it in Settings. Services.

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose

The choice of technology depends on your goals. Here's a brief comparison:

• 🎬 For movies and TV series: DLNA or Chromecast (minimal latency, subtitle support).
• 🖥️ To duplicate the screen: Miracast (Windows) or AirPlay (Mac).
• 🎮 For games: Steam Link or Parsec (only with a powerful PC).
• 📱 For streaming from your phone: Google Cast (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone).

If your TV is older than 2018 and does not support modern protocols, the best option is to purchase an external adapter:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (~3,000 ₽) — for streaming and gaming.
• NVIDIA Shield TV (~15,000 ₽) — for 4K HDR and emulators.
• Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (~2,500 ₽) — a budget solution for DLNA/Chromecast.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

sudo apt install gnome-network-displays
systemctl --user start gnome-network-displays.service