How to Stream Movies from Your Computer to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Want to watch movies, TV shows, or home videos from your computer on a big-screen TV, but don't know how to do it without unnecessary wires? Modern technologies allow you to stream content over Wi-Fi with minimal latency and high quality—the key is choosing the right method. In this article, we'll explore all the current wireless streaming methods, their pros, cons, and setup details.

From the classic DLNA to advanced Miracast and universal Google Chromecast - each method has its own characteristics. For example, for 4K content It's not just Wi-Fi speed that's important, but also your TV's codec support. If you have an older TV without Smart features, you'll need additional equipment. We'll help you choose the optimal solution for your needs and technical capabilities.

By the end of this article you will be able to:

• 🔌 Set up streaming without additional devices (if your TV supports Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast)
• 📶 Optimize your network for lag-free video streaming
• 🎬 Choose the best method for your content (movies, games, presentations)
• 🛠️ Troubleshoot common connection and quality issues

1. Preparation: Checking device compatibility

Before setting up streaming, make sure your TV and computer support the chosen method. Basic requirements:

To check support Miracast on Windows:

1. Click Win + R, enter dxdiag and press Enter.
2. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, go to the tab Save all data.
3. Find the line Miracast: Available (if it is not there, your PC does not support the technology).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops With discrete graphics (NVIDIA/AMD), Miracast may be unstable due to driver conflicts. In this case, use alternative methods.

For DLNA Check if the function is available in the TV menu (usually in the section Network → DLNA or Multimedia). On Samsung this is called AllShare, on LG — SmartShare.

2. Method 1: DLNA – simple streaming without installing programs

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard for sharing multimedia over a local network. Its main advantage is that it works without additional devices if the TV and PC are connected to the same router.

How to set up:

1. On your TV, enable the DLNA function in the menu (see instructions above).
2. On Windows PC:
   • 📁 Open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
   • 🔄 Turn on Media sharing and select the folders with movies.
   • 🖥️ In File Explorer, right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Share.

For macOS use the built-in Media server or utility Plex (free version supports DLNA).

⚠️ Note: DLNA does not support subtitles in separate files (.srt) and may slow down playback MKV with a high bitrate. For such files, it is better to use Plex or Kodi.

Are the TV and PC connected to the same router? | Are ports 1900 (UPnP) and 8200 (DLNA) open on the router? | Are the files in a supported format (MP4, AVI, not MKV with DTS)? | Is VPN disabled on the PC (it may block local traffic)? -->

3. Method 2: Miracast – Screen mirroring without delays

Miracast Allows you to mirror your computer screen on a TV with minimal latency (ideal for games and presentations). The technology operates using the protocol Wi-Fi Direct, so it does not require connection to a router.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Turn on TV Screen Mirroring (Screen mirroring). On Samsung This Smart View, on LG — Screen Share.
2. On PC, click Win + K (or Win + P → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the connection on your TV (a PIN may be required).

For macOS Miracast is not supported natively - use AirParrot (paid software) or 5KPlayer (for free).

Miracast doesn't support 5.1/7.1 audio—it will only transmit stereo (2.0). For multichannel audio, use HDMI or Chromecast Ultra.

4. Method 3: Google Chromecast - a universal solution for any TV

Chromecast (and its analogues, for example, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick) is a compact device that connects to a TV's HDMI port. It allows you to stream content from a PC, smartphone, or tablet via Wi-Fi.

Chromecast advantages:

• 🎮 Support 4K HDR And Dolby Vision (in the Ultra model).
• 🎵 Lossless transmission of multi-channel audio (5.1, 7.1).
• 🌐 Works with any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) via extension Google Cast.
• 🎮 Ability to stream games from PC via Steam Link or Moonlight.

How to stream from PC:

1. Connect Chromecast to your TV and set it up using the mobile app Google Home.
2. Install the extension Google Cast for the browser.
3. Open the movie in your browser (for example, on YouTube or KinoPoisk).
4. Tap the Cast icon (📺) and select your Chromecast.

For local files use VLC with the Cast plugin or Plex Media Server.

⚠️ Note: When streaming via a browser, there may be a delay of up to 2 seconds in audio. Use the settings to synchronize. Audio delay in the player (for example, in VLC).

5. Method 4: AirPlay for the Apple ecosystem

If you have MacBook, iMac or iPhone, and the TV supports AirPlay 2 (or connected Apple TV), you can use the built-in mirroring function.

How to set up:

1. Make sure your TV and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac:
   • 🖥️ Open System Preferences → Monitors.
   • 🔄 Click Duplicate screen and select your TV from the list AirPlay.

File → New Video → Broadcast button (📺)

Benefits of AirPlay:

• 🎥 Support 4K Dolby Vision And HDR10.
• 🔊 Sound transmission Dolby Atmos (on supported devices).
• 🔒 Encrypted data transmission (without the risk of traffic interception).

For Windows use 5KPlayer or AirParrot (paid software).

6. Method 5: Steam Link – for gamers and powerful PCs

If you need to stream not only movies but also games from your PC to TV, Steam Link — the ideal solution. The technology uses GPU-level video compression, minimizing latency.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ NVIDIA (GTX 9xx+ series) or AMD (Radeon RX 4xx+) graphics card.
• 📶 Router with support 5 GHz Wi-Fi (or wired connection).
• 🎮 Gamepad or keyboard/mouse for TV (via Bluetooth).

Instructions:

1. Install Steam on PC and app Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play for Android TV or as a standalone device Steam Link).
2. On PC, in Steam, go to Settings → On home network and turn it on Streaming.
3. Launch it on TV Steam Link, select your PC and connect the gamepad.
4. Launch the game or movie through Steam (for local files, add them to the library as a "non-game shortcut").

For maximum quality, select the following in your Steam Link settings:

• 🎮 Optimize for speed (if you play).
• 🎬 Optimize for quality (for films).
• 🔊 Transfer audio to the device (for surround sound).

⚠️ Please note: When using Wi-Fi, latency in games can reach 30-50 ms. For competitive shooters (CS2, Valorant), a wired connection (Powerline or Ethernet) is recommended.

7. Method 6: Plex Media Server – for movie collectors

Plex — is not just a media server, but a full-fledged ecosystem for organizing and streaming content. It automatically downloads covers, descriptions, and even trailers for your films.

How to set up:

1. Download Plex Media Server from the official website and install on your PC.
2. Add movie folders to the library (supported MKV, MP4, AVI and others).
3. Install the application Plex on TV (available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS).
4. Log in to the same account on your PC and TV—the content will be available for streaming.

Benefits of Plex:

• 📽️ Automatically sort films by genre, actor, and year.
• 🌍 Access content from any device (including smartphone).
• 🔒 Possibility to set up remote access (watching movies outside the home).
• 🎧 Support for subtitles and multi-channel audio.

For transcoding 4K HDR you will need a powerful processor (from 8th generation Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 2000).

8. Optimize Wi-Fi for lag-free streaming

Streaming quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your Wi-Fi. Here's how to improve your connection:

• 📶 Use range 5 GHz (less congested, higher speed).
• 🔄 Switch your router to the mode 802.11ac (or Wi-Fi 6, if supported).
• 📡 Place the router closer to the TV (or use Mesh system for a big house).
• 🔌 Connect your TV or set-top box (Chromecast) via an Ethernet cable (via a Powerline adapter if the router is far away).
• 🚫 Disable it on your router WMM (QoS), if you experience video jerkiness.

Minimum speed requirements:

To check the actual speed between your PC and TV, use the utility iPerf3:

iperf3 -s # on PC (server)
iperf3 -c [IP_address_of_PC] -t 30 # on TV (client, via Termux for Android TV)

⚠️ Attention: If the router supports MU-MIMO, enable this feature - it allows you to simultaneously stream data to multiple devices without losing speed.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions