Modern LG Smart TVs running the webOS platform have transformed the living room into a fully-fledged multimedia center, but there's often a need to display content stored on a personal computer on the big screen. Using HDMI cables, while providing the highest signal quality, is not always convenient due to limited cable length or awkward placement of the equipment. Wireless image streaming via Wi-Fi has become the de facto standard, allowing you to instantly share presentations, watch movies from a browser, or play heavy games on a large screen without the hassle of cables.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, as there are several data transfer protocols, each with its own characteristics. Miracast technology allows you to mirror your computer screen to your TV in real time, creating a virtual HDMI cable, while DLNA is focused on streaming media content. Understanding the differences between these methods will help you choose the best option for specific tasks, whether viewing photos or working with documents.
Before setting up, make sure your router supports the 802.11n standard or higher, as high-definition video transmission requires a stable connection. If the router is old or the signal is weak, even a perfectly configured stream may be interrupted or subject to lag. In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods in detail, from built-in Windows tools to specialized LG software.
Checking equipment compatibility and preparing the network
The foundation of successful wireless streaming is a properly organized local network. Both devices—the computer and the LG TV—must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, it's advisable for both devices to operate at the 5 GHz frequency, which will ensure higher throughput for artifact-free video streaming.
In LG TVs the signal reception function is often called Screen Share Or it may be built into the signal source selection menu. On the computer side, if you're using Windows 10 or 11, wireless display support is built in by default, but the Wi-Fi adapter drivers must be updated to the latest version. Older network cards may not support Wi-Fi Direct technology, which is required for a direct connection.
⚠️ Important: If your router is configured with AP Isolation, your computer and TV won't be able to see each other, even if they're on the same network. This feature must be disabled in your router settings.
It's also worth checking whether DLNA mode is enabled in the LG TV's settings. It's usually enabled by default, but on some models with newer versions of webOS, this option must be manually enabled in the connection settings. Without this, the computer will only see the TV as an image output device and won't be able to access media files.
Broadcasting via built-in Windows tools (Miracast)
The fastest way to mirror your screen without installing additional software is to use the "Connect" feature in the Windows operating system. This method is based on the Miracast standard and allows you to broadcast your desktop, browser window, or running application in real time. To get started, make sure the app is running on your LG TV. Screen Share (In newer models it may be called "Connect to a mobile device").
On your computer, press the key combination Win + K or go to Settings → System → Project to this PCYour LG TV should appear in the list of available devices that opens. After selecting the device, a connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen. Accept this prompt with the remote control. At this point, the image from your monitor will begin to be broadcast to the big screen.
☑️ Check before connecting Miracast
It's important to note that using Miracast puts a strain on the Wi-Fi adapter and processor, so you may experience input lag in fast-paced games. While this isn't a problem for watching videos or presentations, a wired connection is better for shooters or fast-paced racing games. Image quality can be adjusted in the projection menu, selecting "Second Screen Only" mode to conserve PC resources.
What to do if the connection is interrupted?
If the image frequently disappears, try lowering the screen resolution on your computer or disabling background downloads on other devices. Changing your router's Wi-Fi channel to one with less congestion may also help.
Using the LG TV Plus and Smart View app
LG has developed its own software that expands the interaction between a PC and TV. While the LG TV Plus mobile app is more popular, there are utilities for computers that allow not only screen mirroring but also content management. An alternative is the app Smart View (for older models) or using the "Play To" function in Windows media players.
For users who prefer third-party software, an excellent solution is the program DWService or similar remote access tools that allow desktop sharing via a browser. However, for native operation, it's best to use built-in Windows capabilities in conjunction with LG protocols. In some cases, installing Intel WiDi (Wireless Display) drivers can improve connection stability on older systems.
| Method | Delay | Quality | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast (Win+K) | Average | High | Low |
| DLNA (Media Player) | Absent | Maximum | Low |
| Third-party software | Depends on the software | Average | High |
| HDMI cable | No | Maximum | Low |
When choosing a method, keep in mind that some older LG TV models may not support the new video compression codecs used by default in Windows 11. In this case, you may need to manually configure the codec settings or use a streaming video converter. Always check the supported formats in the manual for your specific TV model.
Setting up DLNA for media library playback
If your goal isn't to mirror your desktop, but to view movies, photos, or listen to music stored on your computer's hard drive, then DLNA technology is ideal. It allows your LG TV to view your PC's media folders as network resources. To activate, open "Media Streaming Settings" in the Windows Control Panel and allow access for your TV.
Once enabled, a connected computer icon will appear in the "Input" or "Media" section of the TV menu. Clicking this icon will reveal the shared folder structure. This is ideal for viewing photo albums or high-bitrate movies, as buffering occurs directly on the TV, without loading the system's video output.
It's worth noting that DLNA doesn't allow computer control: you won't be able to open a browser or text document on your TV. It's purely a file-sharing protocol. The protocol is also sensitive to file formats: if your TV doesn't support a certain audio codec (for example, DTS or FLAC in some configurations), the file won't play and will require on-the-fly transcoding, which can cause choppy images.
Broadcasting via Google Chrome browser
The Google Chrome browser is a universal tool that works on virtually any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). The built-in "Cast" feature allows you to cast the contents of a tab or the entire screen to an LG TV (if it supports Chromecast built-in or has a Google Cast receiver). This is especially useful for MacBook owners, which lack native Miracast support.
To start the broadcast, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser and select Broadcast...The system will search for available devices on the network. You can choose to cast a specific tab, which is convenient for sharing websites, or select "Cast Desktop" to show everything that's happening on your monitor. The quality of the cast depends on the speed of your Wi-Fi connection.
⚠️ Note: When streaming in 4K resolution through Chrome, the network load increases significantly. If the image is choppy, try lowering the resolution in your OS settings to Full HD (1920×1080) before starting the stream.
The advantage of the Chrome method is that it's cross-platform and doesn't require extensive system settings. However, audio may experience a slight delay relative to video, which is noticeable when watching music videos. While this isn't usually noticeable for movies, it's not suitable for gamers due to the high latency.
Solution and connection optimization
Even with proper setup, users may encounter issues such as audio and video desync, intermittent connection drops, or low image resolution. Most often, this is due to Wi-Fi congestion from neighboring routers. Use Wi-Fi analyzer apps on your smartphone to find a free channel and switch the router settings.
If the computer and TV are located far apart or there are many walls between them, the signal may weaken. In such cases, using Wi-Fi repeaters or switching to a wired TV connection via a LAN cable can help, freeing up the wireless channel exclusively for transmitting the video stream from the PC. Network stability is key for wireless streaming.
Problems can also be caused by Windows Firewall or antivirus settings blocking incoming connections from the TV. When connecting for the first time, the system usually asks for the network type. Select "Private" or "Home," but not "Public," as many device detection features are disabled in the latter mode for security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't my LG TV see my computer in the list of available devices?
Most likely, the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest Wi-Fi network and the other to the main network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking network discovery.
Is it possible to broadcast an image if there is no router?
Yes, if your computer supports Wi-Fi Direct technology or has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter that can operate in access point mode, but LG TVs usually still require a router to set up a local network.
There's a delay in the sound when streaming video. How can I fix it?
Lip sync can often be fixed in the LG TV's settings. Find the "AV Sync" option in the "Sound" menu and adjust the millisecond values until your lips and voice match.
Do all LG TVs support wireless streaming?
Almost all LG Smart TVs with webOS 3.0 and higher support Miracast and DLNA. Older models based on the NetCast platform also support DLNA, but may require additional software on the PC to enable Miracast.