Modern games require not only powerful hardware but also a large screen to fully immerse themselves in virtual worlds. However, a monitor is often insufficient, and the desire arises to transfer the image to a huge TV display. Fortunately, running long HDMI cables across the entire apartment is no longer necessary, as wireless data transmission technologies allow this to be done over the air.
There are several proven methods for displaying images from a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi, each with its own characteristics and equipment requirements. The choice of method depends on operating system, your TV model and signal latency requirements, which is critical for dynamic shooters or racing games.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all current connection options, from built-in Windows features to specialized software. You'll learn how to minimize input lag and achieve maximum picture smoothness, turning the living room into a full-fledged gaming area.
Hardware and network requirements
Before setting up, you need to ensure your infrastructure is ready to handle heavy video streaming. Wireless game streaming is extremely bandwidth-intensive, so regular web browsing and game streaming require different conditions.
The ideal option is to use a router that supports the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer Wi-Fi 6. The use of a range is mandatory. 5 GHz, as it provides higher speeds and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and household appliances.
⚠️ Note: If your router simultaneously broadcasts on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, your computer may switch to the slower band. For stable gaming, we recommend separating the networks or forcing your PC to use the 5 GHz band.
Also, make sure both your computer and TV are connected to the same local network. Using guest networks or different VLANs can prevent the devices from discovering each other.
Using the built-in Projection feature in Windows
The easiest method, which doesn't require installing any additional software, is Miracast technology, implemented in Windows 10 and 11 as the "Projection" feature. This method allows you to mirror your screen or extend your desktop to a TV, as long as it supports Wi-Fi Direct.
To activate, press the key combination Win + K on your keyboard. A connection panel will appear on the right side of the screen, where your TV should be displayed. After selecting the device, the image from your PC monitor will begin to be broadcast to the big screen.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that this method often introduces noticeable input lag, which can make the game uncomfortable. To adjust the settings, click Start → Settings → System → Project to this PC and check the availability of the function.
- 📺 Make sure Screen Mirroring or Wireless Display is enabled on your TV.
- 🖥️ In Windows, select "Repeat" or "Extend" mode in the projection menu.
- ⚙️ To reduce the load, close background applications that consume traffic.
If your TV isn't found, it may not have the required protocol installed. Samsung owners can use the app Smart View, and for LG the standard is relevant LG Screen Share.
Broadcasting via Google Chrome browser
If Windows' built-in tools aren't working reliably, Google Chrome is a great alternative. It has a built-in Cast feature that lets you cast a tab or the entire screen to devices with Chromecast support or built-in Android TV.
Open your browser, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Broadcast...The system will prompt you to select a source: a tab, the entire screen, or a specific folder. Select "Full Screen" for the game.
This method is often more stable than Miracast, but it also depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. For gaming, it's important to select the "Full Screen" source so the mouse cursor displays correctly.
⚠️ Note: When streaming via Chrome, audio and video may become out of sync. If you notice any choppiness, try lowering the stream quality in your streaming settings.
To improve performance, you can try disabling hardware acceleration in Chrome's settings, although in some cases, enabling it actually helps.
Using the Steam Link app for gaming
The most advanced and optimized way to play games is the official app. Steam LinkIt's available on most modern Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV) and allows you to stream games from your Steam library directly from your PC.
The setup process is simple: install the app on your TV, log in to your Steam account, and find your computer on your local network. The app will automatically scan your network and suggest the optimal quality settings.
The main advantage of Steam Link is its low latency and support for gamepads connected to your TV or PC. You can play games from your Steam library and even add third-party games as "Native" titles.
- 🎮 Connect the gamepad to your TV via Bluetooth or USB.
- 📶 Use an Ethernet cable for your PC if possible to reduce the load on your Wi-Fi.
- 🎨 In the stream settings, select "Fast" or "Beautiful" depending on your network speed.
If the image quality seems low, go to the TV app settings and manually set the resolution and bitrate limit.
☑️ Pre-launch Steam Link Check
Comparison of connection methods
To help you choose the right option, we've prepared a comparison chart of the main methods. It will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each method in the context of gameplay.
| Method | Input Lag | Picture quality | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast (Windows) | High | Average | Low |
| Google Chrome Cast | Average | Good | Low |
| Steam Link | Low | Excellent | Average |
| DLNA (Media) | N/A (not for gaming) | High | Low |
As you can see from the table, it is best suited for dynamic games. Steam LinkIf you plan to run turn-based strategy games or card games, then the built-in Windows projection capabilities will be sufficient.
⚠️ Note: App and TV interfaces may be updated. If you don't see the described items, check your TV manufacturer's latest documentation.
Troubleshooting lag and connection issues
Even with a perfect setup, issues such as artifacts, stuttering, or connection loss may still occur. Most often, this is due to wireless channel congestion or incorrect driver functionality.
Try disabling the function on your router. QoS (Quality of Service) if it's not working properly, or, conversely, enable prioritization for gaming traffic. Changing the Wi-Fi channel to a less congested one also helps.
Make sure your graphics card has the latest drivers installed. For NVIDIA, this can be done via NVIDIA Control Panel, and for AMD through AMD Radeon Software.
- 🔄 Restart the router and both devices (PC and TV).
- 📡 Move the router closer to the TV or remove any obstacles.
- 💻 Disable your antivirus while playing, as it may block streaming video.
If nothing helps, try lowering the output resolution in the game. Picture in 1920×1080 will be transmitted more stably than in 4K.
Secret router settings
Some routers have hidden channel width settings. Setting the channel width to 20/40/80 MHz instead of "Auto" can stabilize the connection.
Optimizing TV settings for gaming
The last, but crucial step is to properly configure the TV itself. Many models use a multitude of image enhancers by default, which introduce significant lag.
Be sure to switch the TV to Game mode (Game Mode). This disables unnecessary post-processing and reduces input lag to a minimum. The setting is usually located in the menu. Settings → Image → Mode.
It's also recommended to disable dynamic contrast and noise reduction. These features are useful for movies, but detrimental for games, as they distort the image and slow down response times.
Check if the option is enabled HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color or similar if you're using a hybrid connection, although this is less relevant for pure Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play online shooters via Wi-Fi broadcasting?
Technically possible, but not recommended. Even with a good signal, latency can be 50-100 ms, giving an advantage to opponents using a wired connection. For shooters, a cable is better.
Why is the image slow even though the internet is fast?
Internet speed has nothing to do with it. What matters is the speed of your local network (router) and the signal strength between your PC and TV. Try moving closer to the router or switching to 5 GHz.
Does this work on older non-Smart TVs?
Directly – no. You'll need an external set-top box, such as an Android TV Box, Chromecast, or Apple TV, to handle the signal reception.
Does antivirus affect image transmission?
Yes, some antivirus programs can block ports used for streaming or scan data packets, causing lag. Try adding the game to the exceptions list.