How to Connect a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Comparison of Methods

Wirelessly streaming your computer's screen to your TV via Wi-Fi has become the standard for modern multimedia systems. However, not all methods are equally effective: some can experience 200+ ms of latency, while others may struggle with 4K support. In this article, we'll explore these options. 5 working methods connecting a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi, let's compare them transmission speeds, picture quality And compatibility with different brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi).

We will pay special attention to Hidden Windows 11/10 settings that speed up Miracast by 30-40%, and we'll explain why even with Wi-Fi 6E, some TVs are lagging when streaming games. If you tried connecting via "Projection" and saw an error 0x80070005 — you will find the solution here.

Spoiler: 4K HDR is best for movies DLNA, and for games - Steam Link with manual bitrate selection. But first things first.

1. Preparation: Checking PC and TV compatibility

Before attempting to connect devices, make sure they are technically capable for a wireless connection. Here are the key requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer: Windows 10/11 (version 20H2+) or macOS 12+, Wi-Fi adapter with support Miracast (for Direct connection) or Wi-Fi 5/6 (for streaming) Check in Device Manager → Network Adapters - if there is a word Wireless Display, then Miracast is supported.
• 📺 TV: Smart TV on Android TV, webOS (LG), Tizen (Samsung) or Google TV with function Screen Mirroring/Smart View. Budget models (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV A2) may not support Miracast, but work via DLNA.
• 🌐 Net: Both devices must be connected to one Wi-Fi network (for DLNA/Steam Link) or support Wi-Fi Direct (for Miracast). If your router is dual-band, use 5 GHz - on 2.4 GHz there will be lags.

🔍 How to check Miracast support on your PC:

1. Click Win + R, enter dxdiag and run the utility.
2. In the section System find the line Miracast. If it is written Available with HDCP support - Everything is fine.

⚠️ Attention: Laptops with processors Intel 7th generation and older (for example, Core i3-7100U) may not support Miracast in 4K. For them, the maximum resolution is 1920×1080.

2. Method 1: Miracast (Wireless Display) - Direct connection without a router

Miracast is a standard live screen broadcast Over Wi-Fi, without a router. It's built into Windows and most Smart TVs, but has limitations:

• ✅ Pros: minimal latency (~50-80 ms), works without internet.
• ❌ Cons: maximum resolution - 1920×1080@60Hz (on some TVs), no HDR support, possible motion artifacts.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on the TV mode Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Miracast). This is usually done through Settings → Connections → Display.
2. On PC, click Win + K (or Win + P → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list. If it's not there, update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers.
4. Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

🔧 If Miracast doesn't work:

• 🔄 Restart both devices and the router (if used).
• 🛠️ Update your Wi-Fi driver on your PC via device Manager or from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Intel AX200 Download the latest version from intel.com).
• 📶 Switch to the channel 5 GHz in the router settings (if you are connecting via the network).

Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver

Enable 5 GHz on your router

Disable VPN on PC

Restart the TV

Check Miracast support in dxdiag-->

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony Bravia 2020-2022 Miracast may be disabled after a firmware update. To restore the feature, reset the network settings in the menu. Settings → Network → Reset network settings.

3. Method 2: DLNA – stream movies and photos without screen mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for streaming media files (videos, music, photos) from a PC to a TV. Unlike Miracast, this doesn't mirror the entire screen; it only sends the content. This reduces network load, but isn't suitable for gaming or desktop use.

How to set up DLNA:

1. On your PC, turn on Streaming media:

   Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings → Stream media

   Select Enable streaming and allow access to your TV.

2. On your TV, open the app Media player (or Photo/Video on LG). Select your PC in the sources.
3. Select a file to play. Supported formats: MP4, MKV, JPG, MP3.

📊 Comparison of DLNA and Miracast:

💡 Advice: For DLNA, use player apps on your TV that support it. DTS And Dolby Digital (For example, VLC for Android TV). Built-in players often cut the sound.

4. Method 3: Steam Link – Stream games from PC to TV

If you want to play on your TV with the power of your PC, Steam Link — the best choice. This method uses Valve's own protocol to minimize delays (up to 30-40 ms under ideal conditions).

Requirements:

• 💻 PC with installed Steam and a video card NVIDIA GTX 10xx/AMD RX 5xx or newer.
• 📺 TV with Android TV or prefix (NVIDIA Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box).
• 🌐 Wi-Fi speed not less than 50 Mbps (recommended) 5 GHz or wired TV connection).

Setting up Steam Link:

1. Install the application Steam Link on TV from Google Play Store (For Android TV) or App Store (For Apple TV).
2. Launch Steam on your PC and log in to your account.
3. In Steam settings, enable Remote Play (Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play).
4. Open on TV Steam Link, select your PC and connect the gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense).

⚙️ Optimization to reduce lags:

• 🎮 In the settings Steam Link select Preset "Balanced" or Quality (if the network is stable).
• 📶 Connect your PC to the router via cable and your TV via Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
• 🔧 In Steam Disable it on your PC In-game overlay (Settings → In-Game).

What should I do if Steam Link is slow?

1. Check your network load - if someone is downloading files on another device, pause the download.

2. Reduce the resolution in Steam Link settings to 1280×720.

3. Enable the "Traffic Priority" mode on the router for the TV device (Qos).

4. If you are using Wi-Fi 6, try disabling it 160 MHz in the router settings - sometimes this reduces ping.

5. Method 4: AirPlay (for Apple TV and some Smart TVs)

If you have Apple TV or a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED C2, Samsung QLED 2021+), you can broadcast your screen from Mac or iPhone without additional programs.

How to connect:

1. Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac: open Control Center → Screen Mirror and select your TV.
3. On Windows: install iTunes And Bonjour, then use programs like 5KPlayer or AirParrot.

⚠️ AirPlay limitations:

• 🍎 Works with devices only Apple or certified TV.
• 🎥 Maximum resolution — 4K@30Hz (on Apple TV 4K 2nd generation — 60Hz).
• 🔒 Streaming from Windows requires third-party software (may cause lag).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung AirPlay support may be disabled after a factory reset. To restore the feature, go to Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and turn it on again.

6. Method 5: Applications from manufacturers (Smart View, LG TV Plus)

Major brands offer their own wireless connection solutions. These are often more stable than universal methods, but they only work with proprietary devices.

Popular applications:

• 📱 Samsung Smart View — for TV Samsung (supports screen sharing and control from phone).
• 🎯 LG TV Plus - For LG webOS (allows you to use your TV as a second monitor).
• 📺 Google Home - For Android TV/Google TV (Chromecast integration).

Example of connection via Samsung Smart View:

1. Install SmartThings on PC (official website).
2. Launch the application, select your TV from the list of devices.
3. Click Screen mirroring and confirm the connection on TV.

📌 Important: Applications from manufacturers often require account registration (for example, Samsung Account). Without it, some functions will be blocked.

7. Troubleshooting: Connection Errors and Lags

If your connection is interrupted or the image is lagging, check these points:

🔴 Error 0x80070005 (Miracast):

• 🛡️ Disable your antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast) - it can block the connection.
• 🔧 Update your graphics card driver (especially if you have AMD Radeon).
• 📡 Switch to the channel 5 GHz with width 80 MHz in the router settings.

🟡 Lags in games (Steam Link):

• 🎮 Reduce the resolution to 1280×720 and set the bitrate 20 Mbps.
• 🔌 Connect your PC to the router via cable and your TV via Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
• ⚡ Turn on the mode Game on the router (if there is one, for example, on ASUS RT-AX88U).

🟢 No sound (DLNA/Miracast):

• 🔊 On PC in Control Panel → Sound Select TV as the output device.
• 🔄 Restart the service Windows Audio through services.msc.
• 📻 Check if your TV supports the audio format (e.g. Dolby Digital may not be reproduced on budget models).

⚠️ Attention: On routers with firmware OpenWRT or DD-WRT There may be issues with multicast traffic (required for DLNA). Enable this option. IGMP Snooping in the network settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to connect a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct (for Miracast) or Wi-Fi P2PFor example, a laptop with Intel Wi-Fi 6 and TV Samsung QLED can connect directly without a router. However, for DLNA or Steam Link, a router is required.

❓ Why does the picture flicker when connecting via Miracast?

This is related to Wi-Fi channel congestionSolutions:

• Switch to 5 GHz with channel width 80 MHz.
• Reduce the resolution to 1280×720.
• Disconnect other devices from the network.

If the problem persists, use Steam Link (for games) or DLNA (for video).

❓ How do I stream my PC screen to my TV in 4K?

Only the following are suitable for 4K:

• DLNA (but without screen duplication, only files).
• Steam Link (if the PC and TV are connected via cable or Wi-Fi 6E).
• HDMI cable (for stable 4K@60Hz without lags).

Miracast and AirPlay in 4K are not supported on most devices.

❓ Why can't my TV see my PC via DLNA?

Check:

• Is the service enabled? WDNSS (Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service).
• Is media access allowed in Control Panel → Network → Media Streaming.
• Is a firewall or antivirus blocking access?

If you use Kodi on TV, update it to the latest version.

❓ Is it possible to play via Miracast without lag?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• There will be a delay 80-150 ms (only acceptable for strategy or turn-based games).
• For shooters or racing games it is better to use Steam Link (delay ~30-50 ms).
• On NVIDIA Shield TV With GeForce NOW Lag is minimal thanks to cloud processing.