How to display an image from your computer to a TV via Wi-Fi in Windows: all the working methods

Displaying images from a computer to a large TV screen via Wi-Fi is a convenient solution for presentations, watching movies, or gaming without the hassle of cables. However, many users encounter issues: the TV can't detect the PC, the picture lags, or the sound cuts out. In this article, we'll look into these issues. all current wireless broadcasting methods for Windows 10 and 11 - from the built-in Miracast to specialized programs like Steam Link.

The main difference between a Wi-Fi connection and HDMI or USB-C is the lack of physical limitations. You can sit with your laptop on the couch, and the picture will be broadcast to a TV across the room. But there are some pitfalls: Wireless technologies are susceptible to interference from other devices (microwaves, neighbors' routers) and require a stable 5 GHz signal to transmit 4K video.If your router only operates at 2.4 GHz, be prepared for image lag.

We tested each method on TVs. Samsung QLED 2023, LG OLED C2 And Sony Bravia X90J, as well as budget Android TV models. This article provides not only step-by-step instructions but also a comparison table of technologies based on latency, supported resolutions, and hardware requirements. Let's start with the simplest: built-in Windows tools.

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1. Miracast: Built-in wireless streaming in Windows

Miracast — is a wireless video transmission standard supported by most modern TVs and Windows 8.1 and later. Its main advantage is that it eliminates the need to install additional software. However, there are some caveats: the technology requires Wi-Fi Direct (not supported by all TVs) and often works unstably on older router models.

To check if your TV is compatible, go to its settings and look for items like Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastOn . Samsung this can be called Smart View, on LG — Screen ShareIf this option is not available, try updating your TV firmware or use the alternative methods in this article.

  • ✅ Pros: no need for additional programs, supported by most TVs after 2015.
  • ❌ Cons: Possible lags when transmitting 4K, does not work on some budget models.
  • 🔧 Requirements: Windows 10/11, Wi-Fi adapter with Miracast support (check in Device Manager).

Connection instructions:

  1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (the name may differ).
  2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Project to this PC).
  3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
  4. Confirm the connection on the TV screen (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

Wi-Fi on the PC and TV are connected to the same 5 GHz network

Screen Mirroring mode is enabled on the TV.

VPN and firewall are disabled on your PC (they may be blocking the connection)

Your PC's screen resolution does not exceed the maximum resolution for your TV (usually 1920×1080 or 3840×2160)

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⚠️ Attention: If the image slows down after connecting, try reducing the PC screen resolution to 1920×1080 or disable background applications that consume traffic (for example, torrents or cloud synchronization).

2. DLNA: Stream media files without screen mirroring

If you don't need to duplicate your entire desktop, but only transfer movies, photos or music, DLNA will be the optimal solution. This technology allows you to distribute media content from a PC to a TV via a local network. The main difference from Miracast is no screen mirroring, file transfer only.

For DLNA to work, it must be enabled on your PC. DLNA server (in Windows it is built into the application Photo or Conductor), and the TV must support the protocol. Most Smart TVs after 2016 have a built-in DLNA client (look for apps like Media Player or SmartShare).

Technology Latency (ms) Max. permission Internet access required Sound support
Miracast 30–100 4K (with lags) No Yes
DLNA 100–300 4K No Yes
Steam Link 10–50 4K/60fps No Yes (5.1)
Google Cast 50–200 1080p Yes (for customization) Yes

How to set up DLNA in Windows:

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
  2. Turn on Media sharing.
  3. IN Conductor Right-click on the folder with media files → Properties → Access → Sharing.
  4. On your TV, open the DLNA app and select your PC from the list of devices.

If you want to play on the big screen without buying a console, Steam Link — one of the best solutions. This program from Valve streams games from your PC to your TV with minimal latency (assuming a good Wi-Fi connection). It even supports Bluetooth controllers.

Advantages Steam Link before Miracast:

  • 🎮 Optimized for gaming (10ms latency on 5GHz Wi-Fi).
  • 🖥️ Supports 4K/60fps and HDR.
  • 🔌 You can connect gamepads directly to your TV.

How to set up:

  1. Install Steam Link on PC and TV (via Google Play on Android TV or as a separate application on LG/Samsung).
  2. Connect the gamepad to the TV (or use a keyboard/mouse via Bluetooth).
  3. Launch Steam on your PC and select Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play.
  4. On your TV, in the Steam Link app, select your PC.
⚠️ Note: For stable operation of Steam Link, a router with support is recommended Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or a wired PC connection to the network. At 2.4 GHz, artifacts may occur in dynamic scenes (e.g., shooters).
What should I do if Steam Link is slow?

1. Reduce the streaming resolution in the Steam Link settings (for example, from 4K to 1080p).

2. Enable "Performance Priority" mode in Remote Play settings.

3. Connect your PC to the router with a cable (even if the TV remains on Wi-Fi).

4. Close background programs that consume network bandwidth (Skype, Discord, torrents).

4. Google Cast (Chromecast) and alternatives

If your TV supports Google Cast (or you have a set-top box Chromecast), you can broadcast your PC screen through your browser Google ChromeThis method is universal, but has limitations: the maximum resolution is 1080p, and the delay can reach 200 ms.

How to cast your screen using Chrome:

  1. Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open Chrome, click on the three dots → Broadcast.
  3. Select Broadcast your desktop and indicate your TV.
  4. Confirm the broadcast on the TV screen.

Google Cast Alternatives:

  • 📺 AirParrot — a paid program for broadcasting to Apple TV and other devices.
  • 🖥️ ApowerMirror - supports mirroring to TV with Android and iOS.
  • 🎮 Moonlight — an analogue of Steam Link for games (works with NVIDIA GPU).

5. Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)

If you don't have a router or want to connect directly, some TVs support Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows you to connect devices without an intermediary. This is useful for mobile or temporary connections.

How does this work:

  1. Activate on TV Wi-Fi Direct (usually in network settings).
  2. Remember the network name and password that appear on the screen.
  3. On your PC, connect to this network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi hotspot.
  4. Use Miracast or DLNA to cast (see sections above).
⚠️ Please note: In Wi-Fi Direct mode, connection speed may be lower than via a router, especially if the TV and PC are far apart. Also, some features (such as internet access on the PC) will not work.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the TV doesn't see the PC

If none of the methods work, check the following points:

  • 🔌 Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi networks (not to different 2.4/5 GHz ranges!).
  • 🔄 Reboot your router—sometimes the DHCP server "forgets" devices.
  • 🛡️ Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software on your PC.
  • 📶 Check that the router is in the enabled mode WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) - it is needed for traffic prioritization.

If the problem is Miracast:

  • Update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your PC (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
  • Check if your adapter supports Miracast: Open Command line and enter:
netsh wlan show drivers

Look for the line Miracast support: Yes.

What to do if Miracast doesn't work on Windows 11?

In some Windows 11 builds, the "Project to this PC" feature is disabled by default. To enable it, run the following in PowerShell:

Add-AppxPackage -Register -DisableDevelopmentMode "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.ProjectingPC_mwcp\AppxManifest.xml"

After restarting your PC, the function should appear in the settings.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose

The choice of technology depends on your task:

Task The best method Alternative
Games Steam Link / Moonlight Miracast (if your TV supports 5 GHz)
Movies/TV series DLNA or Google Cast Miracast
Presentations/Desktop Miracast Chrome Cast
Without a router Wi-Fi Direct + Miracast Direct HDMI connection

For most users, the optimal solution will be a combination Miracast for screen mirroring And DLNA for media filesGamers are better off setting it up right away. Steam Link or Moonlight.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream images from a PC to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are several ways:

  • Use Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without router).
  • Connect via Bluetooth (for file transfer only, not for screen mirroring).
  • Use HDMI cable or adapters USB-C → HDMI.

However, for full screen mirroring without wires, Wi-Fi remains the most convenient option.

Why does video lag when streaming over Wi-Fi?

The reasons may be as follows:

  • Weak Wi-Fi signal (check the distance to the router or switch to 5 GHz).
  • Congested network (disconnect other devices downloading files).
  • Slow PC performance (close background programs).
  • Incompatible codecs (try changing the video format or use DLNA).

For gaming, a wired connection or a router with Wi-Fi 6.

How to stream audio from a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi?

Sound is transmitted automatically when used:

  • Miracast (if TV supports it).
  • Steam Link (supports 5.1 sound).
  • Google Cast (stereo only).

If there is no sound:

  1. Make sure that the TV is selected as the output device in the sound settings on your PC.
  2. Update your sound card drivers.
  3. Try a different casting method (for example, use DLNA instead of Miracast).
Is it possible to broadcast a screen from a PC to a TV via the Internet (not a local network)?

Yes, but with some reservations:

  • Use Steam Link or Moonlight with setting Remote Play Anywhere (requires good internet at both ends).
  • TeamViewer or AnyDesk allow you to remotely control your PC, but with a long delay.
  • Services like Parsec Optimized for gaming, but require a stable connection.

To watch movies, it is better to use cloud services (Google Drive, Telegram) or DLNA via VPN.

Does my graphics card support Wi-Fi streaming?

For most methods (Miracast, DLNA, Steam Link) the video card does not play a key role - what is more important is Wi-Fi adapter. However:

  • For Moonlight I need a video card NVIDIA (GTX 9xx series and newer).
  • For 4K/60fps streaming via Miracast, a Wi-Fi adapter with support is recommended. 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or newer.
  • Integrated Intel graphics (UHD Graphics) usually support Miracast, but may stutter at 4K.

Check your adapter specifications in Device Manager.

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