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

Wireless video streaming from a computer to a big-screen TV has become a standard feature of modern devices, but many users still encounter issues: image lag, connection drops, or complete lack of compatibility. The causes lie not only in the settings but also in the selection of an inappropriate data transfer protocol. For example, Miracast provides minimal latency but requires support from both devices, whereas DLNA General purpose, but not suitable for games or interactive content.

In this article, we will look at all the current broadcasting methods - from built-in functions Windows 11 And macOS Ventura to specialized applications like Steam Link or PlexWe will pay special attention to hidden router settings that affect stream stability by 30-40%: channel selection 5 GHz, traffic prioritization (QoS), and disabling power-saving modes on network adapters. If your TV is older than 2018, there's a 65% chance of Miracast issues—for these cases, we've prepared alternative solutions.

1. Network preparation: why Wi-Fi can slow down broadcasting

Before setting up a broadcast, check three key parameters of your network:

  • 📶 Wi-Fi frequency: use exclusively 5 GHz — range 2.4 GHz is overloaded and gives delays of up to 200 ms. The exception is if your TV does not support 5 GHz (valid for models up to 2017).
  • 🔄 Channel and width: In manual mode, select a channel with minimal interference (for example, 36 or 149) and width 80 MHz for maximum throughput.
  • 🛡️ QoS (Quality of Service): Enable traffic prioritization for multimedia in the router settings (usually the section WMM or Media Prioritization).

If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), activate this feature—it reduces latency in multi-stream transmissions. To check the current settings, connect to the router at 192.168.1.1 (or another one indicated on the device sticker) and go to the section Wireless Mode → 5GHz Settings.

⚠️ Attention: If you have more than 10 devices running on your network at the same time, even if it is configured correctly 5 GHz may malfunction. In this case, use wired connection for one of the devices (for example, a TV via an Ethernet adapter).
📊 What brand is your router?
TP-Link
ASUS
Xiaomi
Keenetic
D-Link
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2. Method 1: Miracast (Wireless Display) - a built-in Windows feature

Miracast - is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia 2019 and newer) and laptops on Windows 10/11The main advantage is minimal latency (20-50 ms), which is critical for games or presentations. However, there are some nuances:

  • 🖥️ Your TV and computer must support WFD (Wi-Fi Direct)You can check this on your PC using the command in PowerShell:
Get-NetAdapter | Where-Object {$_.WiFiDirectStatus -ne $null} | Select Name, WiFiDirectStatus
  • 🔌 On your TV, this function may be called differently:
    • Samsung: Screen Mirroring (on the menu Settings → General → External devices)
    • LG: Miracast or Wireless Display (chapter Network → Miracast)
    • Sony: Cherkasl (in Russian-language firmware) or Screen Mirroring

To connect to Windows 11:

  1. Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Project to this PC).
  2. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
  3. Confirm the connection on your TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).
⚠️ Note: On some TVs Xiaomi Miracast only works when disabled VPN on your computer. Also, make sure that the Power Options option is disabled in Windows power settings. Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power for Wi-Fi adapter.

Make sure your TV and PC are on the same network|Disable VPN on your PC|Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver|Check WFD support on both devices-->

3. Method 2: DLNA/UPnP – for lag-free movies and photos

Protocol DLNA ideal for broadcasting pre-recorded video, music, or photos, but isn't suitable for gaming or live streaming. Its main advantage is compatibility even with older TVs (manufactured after 2012) and no need for special adapters.

To configure:

  1. Activate the function on your TV DLNA or Media server (usually in the section Network → Home Network).
  2. Install the server program on your computer:
    • For Windows: Serviio, Plex Media Server or built-in Media streaming (included in Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options).
    • For macOS: Roku Media Player or VLC (with the mode turned on) UPnP).
  • In the program, specify the folders containing media files and start scanning.
  • On your TV, select the source DLNA - your computer will appear in the list of devices.
    • Program Supported formats Max. permission Latency (ms)
    Plex Media Server MKV, MP4, AVI, FLAC, JPG 4K HDR 100-300
    Serviio MP4, M4V, MP3, PNG 1080p 50-200
    VLC (UPnP) Any (with transcoding) 4K 200-500
    Built-in Windows server WMV, WMA, JPEG 720p 300-800

    If the video is lagging, try reducing the bitrate in the server program settings. For example, in Plex this is done in the section Settings → Transcoding → Quality. For 4K- the recommended content bitrate is no higher 20 Mbps.

    If you want to broadcast games or interactive applications from a computer to a TV, Steam Link — one of the best solutions. The program uses its own compression algorithms, which allows for the delay of the entire 10-30 ms even on mid-range routers. The main requirement is having an account Steam and the client installed on both devices.

    Setup instructions:

    1. Install Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play Store For Android TV or as a separate application for Samsung/LG).
    2. On your computer, open Steam, go to Settings → Remote Play and turn on the option Enable streaming.
    3. Launch Steam Link on the TV, select your PC from the list and connect. You can use Bluetooth gamepad or smartphone.

      4. To optimize quality:

      • 🎮 In the settings Steam Link select Speed ​​priority (for games) or Quality Priority (for video).
      • 📊 Limit the bitrate to 15-20 Mbps, if the router does not support Wi-Fi 6.
      • 🔌 Connect your computer to the router via Ethernet - this will reduce latency by 40-50%.
    ⚠️ Caution: When using Steam Link on TVs Samsung 2020-2022, you may experience sound issues (stuttering or no sound). Solution: In the app's sound settings, select Output via HDMI (PCM) instead of Auto.

    5. Method 4: Google Cast (Chromecast) - for YouTube, Netflix, and the browser

    Technology Google Cast (implemented in devices Chromecast and built into TVs with Android TV) allows you to stream content from your browser Chrome or supported applications (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+). The main advantage is ease of use, the disadvantage is the delay before 500 ms, which makes the method unsuitable for games.

    How to broadcast your browser screen:

    1. Connect Chromecast to the TV or make sure that your Android TV supports Google Cast (check in settings) Devices → Screen Sharing).
    2. Open Google Chrome On your computer, click the three dots → Broadcast.
    3. Select Broadcast tab or Broadcast your screen (the second option gives a greater delay).
    4. Confirm the connection on the TV.

    To broadcast from applications (eg. YouTube):

    • 📺 Click on the icon Cast (usually in the upper right corner of the player).
    • 🔍 Choose yours Chromecast or Android TV from the list.
    • 🎵 To synchronize the sound, use the option Group playback (if several speakers are connected).
    How to fix audio and video desync?

    If the audio is ahead of or behind the video when casting via Chromecast, try:

    1. Enable it in your router settings IGMP Snooping (chapter LAN → Multicast).

    2. Reduce the video bitrate in the application settings (for example, in YouTube, select 720p instead of 1080p).

    3. Restart Chromecast (unplug for 30 seconds).

    6. Method 5: AirPlay (for Apple owners)

    If you have MacBook or iMac on macOS Monterey/Ventura and TV Apple TV (or compatible with AirPlay 2, For example, Samsung QLED 2020+), this method will provide the highest quality broadcast with minimal settings. AirPlay supports 4K HDR And Dolby Atmos, but requires a stable connection 5 GHz.

    How to connect:

    1. Make sure your TV and Mac are connected to the same network. 5 GHz.
    2. On Mac open Control Center (icon in the upper right corner) → Screen sharing.
    3. Choose yours Apple TV or a compatible TV from the list.
    4. If prompted, enter the code displayed on your TV screen.

    To broadcast video only (without screen mirroring):

    • 🎬 In the app QuickTime Player open the file, then click on the icon AirPlay in the control panel.
    • 🔊 To transmit audio separately from video, use the option Sound output V System Preferences → Sound.
    ⚠️ Warning: On TVs LG OLED 2021 with firmware webOS 6.0 support may be lacking AirPlay 2 Despite the stated compatibility, check the menu for the feature. Settings → General → Apple AirPlay.

    7. Alternative Solutions: When Nothing Works

    If none of the above methods work, consider these options:

    • 🖥️ Wired connection: use HDMI cable (length up to 10 meters) or adapter USB-C → HDMI for modern laptops. Latency: 0 ms.
    • 📡 Wi-Fi Direct adapter: devices like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or ScreenBeam Connect to your TV's HDMI port and create a direct network with your computer. Price: from 3,000 ₽.
    • 🌍 Cloud services: Rainway or Parsec Allows you to broadcast your screen over the internet (suitable for remote control). Latency: 50-100 ms.

    For older TVs (before 2015) without Wi-Fi or HDMI the only option is to use AV receiver with wireless technology support or Android set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S), connected to VGA or Composite through an adapter.

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

    🔍 Why does video lag when streaming over Wi-Fi?

    There are several reasons:

    • The router operates at a frequency 2.4 GHz — switch to 5 GHz.
    • Weak signal - check the signal level in the TV settings or through the app Wi-Fi Analyzer on a smartphone.
    • Congested network - turn off other devices or turn on QoS for multimedia.
    • Slow computer performance - close background programs, especially torrent clients.

    If the problem persists, try reducing the resolution of the streaming video to 720p.

    🎮 Is it possible to play via Miracast without lag?

    Theoretically yes, but in practice there is a delay 20-50 ms will be noticeable in dynamic games (shooters, fighting games). For comfortable gaming:

    • Use Steam Link or Moonlight (For NVIDIA GPU).
    • Connect your computer to the router via cable and your TV via 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
    • In the game settings, limit the FPS to 60 (more - doesn't make sense due to Wi-Fi limitations).
    📺 How to screencast from Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora)?

    On Linux For Miracast, use the utility gnome-network-displays:

    sudo apt install gnome-network-displays

    gnome-network-displays

    Suitable for DLNA Rygel or MiniDLNA. For Steam Link install the client from Flatpak:

    flatpak install com.valvesoftware.SteamLink

    Problems with Wi-Fi drivers are solved by installing proprietary drivers (for example, for Broadcom:

    sudo apt install firmware-b43-installer
    🔒 How can I protect my stream from unauthorized connections?

    To prevent access to your screen:

    • Turn on WPA3 in the router settings (section Wireless Mode → Security).
    • For Miracast set a PIN code in the TV settings (Security → Screen Protection).
    • Turn it off WPS - This function is vulnerable to hacking.
    • Use a separate guest network for broadcasting (configure it in the router).
    🔄 Is it possible to stream from a computer to multiple TVs at the same time?

    Yes, but with restrictions:

    • Miracast: only on one screen.
    • DLNA: It is possible, but each TV will play the same content.
    • Steam Link: supports up to 4 devices, but requires a powerful PC (from Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7).
    • Google Cast: can be broadcast to several Chromecast, but with a synchronization delay of up to 1 second.

    For professional tasks (e.g. digital signage) use specialized software like ManyCam.

    📖 Read also

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