Broadcast your computer screen to a large TV via Wi-Fi — it's a convenient way to share photos with family, watch a movie in high definition, or even play games wirelessly. But many people encounter problems: the image lags, the sound drops out, and the TV simply doesn't recognize the PC. In this article, we'll explore all the current wireless screen sharing methods, from built-in features Windows And macOS to specialized applications.
We tested each method on TVs. Samsung QLED 2023, LG OLED C2 And Sony Bravia X90K, as well as on laptops with Windows 11, macOS Ventura And Ubuntu 22.04Particular attention was paid to hidden router settings that affect broadcast stability—without adjusting them, even Miracast may experience delays.
If you need to show a presentation or video urgently, start with the section about DLNA — this is the most universal method, which works even on older devices. It's best suited for gamers. Steam Link or Moonlight, and to the owners of equipment Apple — AirPlayBut first, check if your TV supports the selected protocol.
1. Preparing a Wi-Fi network: why is broadcasting slow?
Before you set up your broadcast, make sure that your Wi-Fi network Meets the minimum requirements. Most issues with latency and artifacts arise due to:
- 📶 Weak signal — if the signal level is below 70%, the picture will “disintegrate” into squares.
- 🔄 Congested channel - neighboring networks on the same channel create interference.
- 🖥️ Outdated Wi-Fi standard — for Full HD needed
802.11ac(Wi-Fi 5) or newer. - 🛡️ Firewall or antivirus - They can block streaming.
Check your current router settings:
- Open your router's control panel (usually at
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - Go to the section
Wireless (Wi-Fi) → Settings. - Install:
- Opening hours:
802.11ac/n/ax(not lower802.11n) - Channel width:
40 MHzor80 MHz(for 5 GHz) - Channel: Choose the least loaded one (use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer)
- Opening hours:
⚠️ Attention: If your router does not support5 GHz, broadcast in higher resolution720pwill be unstable. In this case, connect the TV to the router with a cable and leave the computer on Wi-Fi.
For maximum stability we recommend using Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco or ASUS ZenWiFi) or a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000 and higher). If you have a regular router, place it closer to the TV or use repeater with support MU-MIMO.
2. Method 1: Miracast (built-in Windows function)
Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs and laptops. It works without the internet, directly between devices (peer-to-peer), which reduces delays.
To check if your computer supports Miracast:
- Click
Win + R, enterdxdiagand pressEnter. - In the window DirectX Diagnostic Tool go to the tab
Save all information. - Open the saved file and find the line
Miracast: Available. - 🖥️ On your computer: click
Win + K(orWin + P → Connect to a wireless display). - 📺 On your TV: Turn on the function
Screen Mirroring(at Samsung —Smart View, at LG —Screen Share). - 🔗 Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Update your graphics card drivers (especially for Intel UHD Graphics).
- Disable the power saving mode of your Wi-Fi adapter in
Device Manager. - Try connecting to your TV via
5 GHz, if it supports this range. - 🎬 Watch movies in high definition (up to
4K HDR). - 📷 Photo album demonstrations.
- 🎵 Play music through TV speakers.
- Turn on the function on your TV:
- U Samsung:
Settings → General → External Devices → DLNA Device. - U LG:
Settings → Network → DLNA.
- U Samsung:
- On your computer, open
Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options. - Turn on
Network discoveryAndFile and Printer Sharing. - Install a server program, for example:
- Plex Media Server (for organizing a media library).
- Kodi (with UPnP/DLNA support).
- Windows Media Player (built-in, but limited).
If there is support, follow the instructions:
| Brand TV | Miracast function name | Path to the menu |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Smart View | Settings → General → Smart View |
| LG | Screen Share | Settings → Network → Screen Share |
| Sony Bravia | Miracast | Settings → Network → Miracast |
| Xiaomi | Wireless Display | Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wireless Display |
⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Samsung 2018-2019 Miracast only works when connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer, despite the stated support peer-to-peerCheck this in your model's manual.
If the image is not transmitted:
Update your graphics card and Wi-Fi adapter drivers|
Connect both devices to the same 5GHz network|
Disable VPN and Firewall|
Reboot your router and TV-->
3. Method 2: DLNA (for videos, photos, and music)
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transferring media files over a local network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the screen, but streams specific files (movies, photos, music). Suitable for:
How to set up DLNA on Windows:
For macOS will do Plex or InfuseOnce configured, the TV will see your computer as a media server—all you have to do is select the file to play.
⚠️ Attention: DLNA doesn't support live screen mirroring (for example, for games or desktops). For this, use Miracast or specialized software.
If the TV does not see the computer:
- Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (eg.
192.168.1.x). - Turn it off
AP Isolationin the router settings (this blocks data exchange between devices on the network). - Make sure the service is running on your computer.
SSDP DiscoveryAndUPnP Device Host.
How to check the UPnP service in Windows
Open services.msc → find SSDP Discovery And UPnP Device Host → set the startup type Automatically and start the services.
4. Method 3: Steam Link (for gamers)
If you want to play on the big screen without wires, Steam Link — one of the best solutions. The program streams games from your computer to your TV with minimal lag (with good Wi-Fi).
Requirements:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Steam and a video card no weaker NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD RX 560.
- 📺 TV with support for installing applications (Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS).
- 🌐 Wi-Fi speed not less than
25 Mbps(For1080p 60fps).
Setup instructions:
- Install Steam Link to TV from the app store (Google Play, Samsung App Store etc.).
- Launch Steam on your computer and go to
Settings → Remote Play. - Turn on
Enable Remote PlayAndAllow broadcasting on this computer. - Open on your TV Steam Link, select your PC and connect a gamepad (or use a virtual touchpad).
To reduce latency:
- In the settings Steam Link select
Performance Priority. - Limit resolution to
1080p, if you play dynamic shooters. - Connect your computer to the router with a cable, and leave the TV on Wi-Fi.
5 GHz.
5. Method 4: AirPlay (for Apple owners)
If you have MacBook or iMac, and the TV supports AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED 2019+, Sony Bravia 2021+), you can broadcast your screen without any additional programs.
How to enable AirPlay on your TV:
- 📺 Samsung:
Settings → General → Apple AirPlay. - 📺 LG:
Settings → Network → AirPlay. - 📺 Sony:
Settings → Network → Home Network → AirPlay.
Instructions for macOS:
- Make sure your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Click on the icon
Screen controlin the menu bar (orControl Center → Screen Mirroring). - Select your TV from the list.
- If necessary, enter the PIN code that appears on the TV screen.
For Windows installation will be required iTunes and third-party utilities like 5KPlayer or ApowerMirrorHowever, the broadcast quality will be worse than with macOS.
⚠️ Attention: By default, AirPlay transmits audio along with the picture. If the audio is delayed, disable it in your TV settings. Lipsync (lip sync).
6. Method 5: Broadcasting applications (Moonlight, ApowerMirror, TeamViewer)
If built-in features don't work, use specialized programs. We've tested three of the most stable solutions:
| Application | Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonlight | Windows, macOS, Linux → Android TV | Minimal latency (ideal for gaming), 4K/120fps support | Requires NVIDIA graphics card with GameStream support. |
| ApowerMirror | Windows/macOS → Android TV, Samsung, LG | Simple interface, screen recording | Paid version for Full HD, latency ~100 ms |
| TeamViewer | Any → Any | Works via the Internet, remote control | Latency up to 300ms, not suitable for gaming |
Setting up Moonlight (best choice for gamers):
- Install on your computer NVIDIA GeForce Experience and turn it on
GameStreamin the settings. - Download Moonlight on TV (available in Google Play For Android TV).
- Launch Moonlight, select your PC and enter the PIN code (displayed on the computer screen).
- In the settings Moonlight select:
- Permission:
1080por4K(if supported by TV). - Bitrate:
20-50 Mbps(depending on the network). - Mode:
Game(for minimal delays).
- Permission:
Suitable for office tasks TeamViewer or AnyDesk, but keep in mind that these programs are not optimized for video streaming - expect lag and artifacts.
7. Troubleshooting: Why the broadcast isn't working
If the image is not transmitted or is slow, check the following:
- 🔌 Wi-Fi adapter power supply: On laptops, disable power saving for Wi-Fi in
Device Manager → Network Adapters → Properties → Power Management. - 🔒 Firewall: Add exceptions for broadcast programs (eg.
miracastview.exefor Windows). - 📡 Wi-Fi channel: If you use
2.4 GHz, switch to5 GHzor channel6(less busy). - 🖥️ Screen resolution: Reduce the resolution on your PC to
1920×1080, if the broadcast is choppy.
Common mistakes and their solutions:
| Error | Reason | Solution |
|--------|---------|---------|
| "The device does not support Miracast." | Old video card or driver | Update driver or use DLNA |
| "No sound during broadcast" | Windows Sound Settings | Set the device to "Default" NVIDIA Audio or AMD High Definition Audio |
| "The screen is flickering" | Wi-Fi channel interference | Change the channel to 5 GHz or use cable |
| "Latency 500+ ms" | Weak router or network congestion | Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi or use a mesh system |
If all else fails, try an alternative streaming method. For example, instead of Miracast, use Steam Link or HDMI adapter (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter).
How to check the latency (ping) between your PC and TV
Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter:
ping [TV IP address]
If the response time is >10 ms, the problem is network-related. The optimal ping for gaming is <5 ms.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to stream my PC screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, there are three options:
- HDMI cable — the most stable solution without delays.
- Miracast in Wi-Fi Direct mode — creates a direct network between PC and TV (without a router).
- USB-C/HDMI adapter - for laptops with
USB-C/Thunderbolt(For example, MacBook Pro).
For gaming, it is better to use a cable - the delay will be minimal (<5 ms).
Why is there no sound when streaming via Miracast?
The problem is usually in Windows sound settings:
- Click
Win + I → System → Sound. - In the section
Conclusionselect the device with the name of your video card (for example,NVIDIA High Definition AudioorAMD Audio). - If it is not there, update your sound and video card drivers.
On some TVs Samsung sound is transmitted only through HDMI ARC — check the audio output settings on the TV.
How to stream Linux (Ubuntu) screen to TV?
On Linux, to cast your screen, use:
- GNOME Screen Cast (built into Ubuntu 22.04+):
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager
gnome-extensions enable screencast@gnome-shell-extensions.gcampax.github.com
sudo apt install scrcpy
scrcpy --tcpip=192.168.1.X
sudo apt install iwd
systemctl enable --now iwd
For KDE Plasma there is a built-in function Screen Mirroring in system settings.
What is the maximum resolution supported by Wi-Fi streaming?
The maximum resolution depends on the Wi-Fi standard and broadcast method:
| Method | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
|---|---|---|
| Miracast | 1080p 30fps | 4K 30fps |
| Steam Link | 1080p 60fps | 4K 60fps |
| AirPlay | 1080p 60fps | 4K 60fps (Apple TV 4K only) |
| Moonlight | 1440p 120fps | 4K 120fps |
For stable broadcasting 4K the router must support Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000 and above) and 160 MHz channel width.
Is it possible to stream a screen from a PC to a TV via the Internet (not a local network)?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- TeamViewer/AnyDesk — latency ~300 ms, suitable for office tasks.
- Parsec — latency ~50 ms, optimized for gaming (requires good internet connection):
50+ Mbps). - Rainway — an alternative to Parsec that works in the browser.
For broadcasting via the Internet:
- There should be one on your PC and TV white IP or configured
Port Forwardingon the router. - Minimum internet speed:
25 MbpsFor720p,50 MbpsFor1080p. - Use a wired connection on your PC to reduce latency.