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

Streaming video from your laptop to a big-screen TV via Wi-Fi is a convenient way to enjoy movies, streams, or presentations without the hassle of wires. However, not everyone knows that the method you choose depends on your laptop's operating system, TV model, and even your Wi-Fi router version. In this article, we'll explore these options. 5 working methods Over-the-air image transmission methods, their pros and cons, and common errors that interfere with stable broadcasting.

If you've previously tried connecting but encountered lag, audio dropouts, or a "Device not supported" message, the problem most often lies in protocol incompatibility (For example, Miracast doesn't work on old ones Intel HD Graphics) or firewall settings. We'll cover in detail how to check hardware compatibility and configure your network for uninterrupted streaming—even if your TV was manufactured before 2018.

1. Miracast: Built-in wireless streaming for Windows and Android

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern laptops Windows 10/11 and televisions with Android TV, Samsung Tizen (2016+) or LG webOS (2014+). The main advantage of the method is No need to connect to the same Wi-Fi network: the laptop and TV create a direct connection, which reduces delays to 50–100 ms.

To start broadcasting:

• 🖥️ On a laptop: press Win + K (or open Settings → System → Project to this PC) and select your TV from the list.
• 📺 On the TV: activate the mode Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Miracast).
• 🔄 If the TV is not displayed, update the video adapter drivers on your laptop (especially for Intel UHD Graphics older than 2019).

Miracast supports resolution up to 4K@30Hz, but in practice it works more stably in 1080p@60HzIf the image is lagging, try:

• 📶 Switch Wi-Fi on your laptop to a different range 5 GHz (less interference).
• 🔌 Disconnect other devices from the network (especially smart bulbs or IP cameras).
• 🔄 In the manual Miracast settings on the TV, reduce the bitrate to 15 Mbps.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with AMD Radeon Miracast may not work until 2020 due to lack of support. WFD (Wi-Fi Direct)Check compatibility in Device Manager: open the adapter properties and find the line Wireless Display.

2. DLNA: Stream media files without screen mirroring

If you don't need to duplicate your entire desktop, but only stream movies or music, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the optimal choice. This protocol allows laptop to act as a server, and the TV - a client connecting to it via a local network. Supported by all Smart TV (including older models) and does not require additional equipment.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Turn on DLNA on your TV: the option is usually called Media server or Network devices.
2. On your laptop, open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options and activate Media sharing.
3. Add movie folders to the library Windows Media Player (or use Plex, Kodi).
4. On TV, select the laptop as a source in the DLNA menu.

For broadcast 4K HDR via DLNA it is recommended:

• 📡 Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (or connect TV via cable).
• 📁 Convert files to .mp4 with codec H.265 (for compatibility).
• 🔧 Enable it in your router settings QoS (Quality of Service) for prioritizing DLNA traffic.

3. Google Chromecast and similar devices: streaming via external devices

If your TV does not support Miracast or DLNA, external adapter - for example, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Xiaomi Mi TV Stick — will solve the problem. These devices connect to HDMI-TV port and receive content via Wi-Fi from a laptop. The main difference from Miracast: It's not the screen that is being broadcast, but a specific browser or application window (For example, YouTube, Netflix, VLC).

How to set up:

• 🔌 Connect Chromecast to your TV and set it up using the app Google Home on a smartphone.
• 🌐 Make sure your laptop and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🖥️ In the browser Chrome click ⋮ → Broadcast and select the device.
• 🎬 For local files use VLC with option Playback → Renderer.

⚠️ Attention: When casting via Chromecast 4K- the video may slow down if the router does not support it 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). Check your network speed with a test. speedtest.net — for stable 4K you need at least 25 Mbps.

Chromecast Alternatives:

• 🔥 Amazon Fire TV Stick: better for Prime Video And Twitch, but requires installation AirScreen for Miracast.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: cheaper, but limited in supported applications (no Disney+).
• 🍎 Apple TV: ideal for the Apple ecosystem (supports AirPlay 2).

4. AirPlay: Streaming to Apple devices

If you have a laptop MacBook or iMac, and the TV supports AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED 2019+ or Apple TV 4K), you can broadcast your screen without additional adapters. AirPlay provides minimal latency (about 30 ms) and supports 4K HDR with sound Dolby Atmos.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure that MacBook and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on the TV mode AirPlay (in network settings).
3. On your laptop, open Control Center → Screen Mirroring and select TV.
4. To broadcast only video (without desktop) use the button AirPlay in applications QuickTime Player or Safari.

AirPlay Features:

• 🔒 Works only in the Apple ecosystem (not supported on Windows without third-party utilities).
• 🎵 Allows you to stream audio separately from video (useful for music).
• 🔄 If you have connection problems, reset your network settings MacBook: System Preferences → Network → Manage Virtual Interfaces.

5. Steam Link: Game and Video Streaming for Gamers

If you use your laptop for gaming or want to stream videos with minimal lag, Steam Link — the optimal solution. This method was originally developed for game streaming, but is also suitable for movies (for example, via Steam or MPV). The main advantage is support 4K@60Hz with hardware decoding (if the TV is equipped with a chip Broadcom or Realtek).

How to set up:

1. Install Steam on a laptop and application Steam Link on TV (available for Android TV, Samsung, LG).
2. Connect a gamepad (optional) and select the laptop from the list of devices.
3. Activate it in Steam settings Hardware encoding (For NVIDIA/AMD).
4. For video use MPV with option --hwdec=auto.

Recommendations for stable broadcasting:

• 📡 Use Ethernet for laptop (or Wi-Fi 6).
• 🎮 In Steam Link settings, set Bitrate: 20–30 Mbps.
• 🔧 Disable background apps (eg. Discord or Skype), consuming the network.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with integrated graphics (Intel UHD) Steam Link may slow down in 4KIn this case, lower the resolution to 1440p or use an external video card (eGPU).

6. Troubleshooting: Why is the video lagging or not connecting?

Even with the correct settings, the broadcast may be interrupted. Here typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Additional tips:

• 🔄 Update your router firmware (especially if the model is older than 2019).
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable your firewall (Windows Defender or Kaspersky may block the broadcast).
• 📱 If you use your smartphone as an intermediary (for example, for Chromecast), turn off power saving mode.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

sudo apt install gnome-network-displays
systemctl --user restart gnome-network-displays