How to stream video from your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Stream video from your computer to a big TV screen via wireless network — a convenient way to enjoy movies, games, or presentations without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter issues such as image lag, no sound, or inability to connect. In this article, we'll explore these issues. all current methods transfer of content over Wi-Fi, from standard functions Windows to specialized applications, and we'll also explain why some methods may not work on your hardware.

The main advantage of wireless broadcasting is freedom of movement: you are not tied to the length of the cable. HDMI and you can control playback directly from your laptop or PC. However, image quality depends on your network speed, TV model, and even the distance between the devices. If your router supports the standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), delays will be minimal, but for older networks 802.11n Optimization may be required.

1. Miracast: Built-in wireless streaming in Windows

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs and laptops. It allows you to mirror or extend your desktop without additional software, but requires both devices to be compatible. If your TV was released after 2015, most likely it supports this technology.

To check compatibility on PC, click Win + R, enter dxdiag and find the line Miracast in the section System Information. If it is indicated there "Available", you can start setting it up. On a TV, this function is usually called Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Direct or SmartShare (at LG).

• 🖥️ On PC: Open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display.
• 📺 On TV: activate the mode Screen Mirroring on the menu Net or Connections.
• 🔄 Select your TV from the list of available devices on your computer.
• ⚙️ If necessary, confirm the connection on both devices.

If the connection fails, try updating your video card drivers (Intel, NVIDIA or AMD) or check if a firewall is blocking the connection. On TVs Samsung series QLED 2020+ Miracast may not work reliably due to proprietary limitations - in this case, use alternative methods.

⚠️ Attention: If the TV is connected to the router via cable EthernetIf you're using a computer over Wi-Fi, Miracast may not work. Both devices must be on the same wireless network.

2. DLNA: Media Streaming

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transferring music, video, and photos between devices on a local network. Unlike MiracastIt doesn't duplicate the screen, but streams specific files. This method is ideal for watching movies or listening to music without having to turn on the computer.

For work you will need DLNA server on a PC and a supported app on a TV. Windows 10/11 The server is already built in: open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options and turn it on Media streamingOn your TV, use apps like SmartShare (LG), AllShare (Samsung) or Media Player.

If the built-in server Windows It works unstable, install third-party programs: Plex Media Server, Kodi or ServiioThey support transcoding (on-the-fly format conversion) and have a more user-friendly interface. For example, Plex Automatically sorts movies by genre and adds covers.

⚠️ Please note: Some TVs (especially budget models) TCL or Hisense) may not play files with higher resolutions 1080p via DLNA. For 4K use other methods.

Install a DLNA server on your PC | Connect your TV and PC to the same Wi-Fi network | Open ports 1900/TCP and 2869/TCP in your router | Check file format compatibility -->

3. Steam Link: For gamers and others

If you want to stream not only videos but also games from your computer to your TV, Steam Link — one of the best solutions. This app from Valve allows you to stream images from your PC to any device, including Smart TV With Android TV or prefixes like NVIDIA Shield.

To configure:

1. Install Steam on your computer and log in.
2. Download the app Steam Link on TV from Google Play Store (For Android TV) or App Store (For Apple TV).
3. Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualShock) to the TV Bluetooth.
4. Launch Steam Link and follow the instructions to pair with your PC.

The advantage of this method is minimal delays (up to 30 ms (under ideal conditions), which is critical for gaming. However, for stable operation, a router with support is required. 5 GHz and the network speed is not lower 50 MbpsIf the image is lagging, reduce the resolution in the settings. Steam Link or connect your PC to the router with a cable.

4. Google Cast (Chromecast) and analogues

Google Cast — the technology underlying the devices Chromecast, but it is also built into many Smart TV on Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia or Philips). It allows you to "send" video from your browser. Chrome, YouTube or applications like Netflix directly to the TV.

To broadcast your computer screen:

1. Make sure your TV and PC are connected to the same network. Wi-Fi.
2. Open Google Chrome, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Broadcast....
3. In the list of devices, select your TV or Chromecast.
4. Select the mode: broadcast a tab or the entire screen.

To stream local files, use the extension VideoStream for Google Chromecast or player VLC with support CastHowever, please note that there may be delays of up to 100 seconds when transmitting the entire screen. 200–300 ms, which makes the method unsuitable for games, but suitable for movies.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via Chrome There may be a delay in sound transmission. To synchronize it, try using external speakers connected to the TV.

Why can't Chromecast find my TV?

If your device doesn't appear in the list for casting, check:

1) Are the TV and PC connected to the same network (not to a guest network).

2) Is the broadcast blocked by an antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast).

3) Are the firmware updates on the router and TV?

4) Is the power saving mode enabled on your PC (it may disable network adapters).

5. Specialized programs: AirParrot, ApowerMirror and others

If built-in methods don't work, third-party apps can help. They often support features missing from standard solutions, such as streaming from macOS on Smart TV or screen recording during the stream.

Popular programs:

• 🖥️ AirParrot 3 - supports Miracast, Google Cast And AirPlay, works with Windows And macOS.
• 📱 ApowerMirror — broadcasts the screen of a PC or smartphone to a TV, there is a control function from the TV.
• 🎮 Rainway - optimized for gamers, supports 4K@60FPS.
• 🌐 5KPlayer — free player with support DLNA And AirPlay.

Most of these programs are paid but offer a trial period. For example, AirParrot Allows you to test the functionality for 5 days. Before purchasing, check that the app supports your TV model—some programs do not work with Tizen OS (Samsung) or WebOS (LG).

6. Alternative methods: via a router or cloud

If live streaming is not possible, you can use intermediate solutions:

• 📁 Cloud storage: Upload file to Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex Disk, then open it on your TV via a browser or app.
• 🔗 Local server: Set up FTP server on a PC (for example, via FileZilla Server) and connect to it from your TV.
• 📡 Access point mode: If there is no router, create a direct network between the PC and TV via Wi-Fi Direct (on Windows this is done through mobsync /host V CMD).

These methods are less convenient for regular use, but they can be helpful in situations where other methods are unavailable. For example, if you're in a hotel with limited internet access, Wi-Fi Direct will allow you to connect directly, without a router.

For cloud services, please take into account download speed limitations. For example, with a plan with 10 Mbps file size 10 GB will load in about 2-3 hours. Local FTP is free from this drawback, but requires adjustment.

7. Troubleshooting: Why is the video lagging or the sound not working?

Even with proper setup, difficulties can arise. Here are the most common ones and how to resolve them:

If the problem persists, check Wi-Fi channel in the router settings. Channels 1, 6 And 11 in the range 2.4 GHz less susceptible to interference. Also try disabling other devices that consume bandwidth (for example, torrent clients or updates) Windows).

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung With Tizen After updating the firmware, support may disappear MiracastIn this case, resetting the network settings in the menu will help. Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about broadcasting video to TV

Is it possible to mirror a MacBook's screen to a TV without an Apple TV?

Yes, use it. AirParrot or a built-in function Screen mirror (if the TV supports AirPlay 2, For example, LG OLED 2021+ or Sony Bravia X90J). This will also work. Google Cast via browser Chrome.

Why is there no sound when streaming via Miracast?

Check if the TV device is selected as Default playback device in the sound settings WindowsIf the problem persists, update your sound card drivers or try a different streaming method (e.g. Steam Link).

How to stream video from a PC to an old TV without a Smart TV?

Use external devices: Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick or Xiaomi Mi TV StickThey connect to the port. HDMI and add features Smart TV, including support Miracast And DLNA.

What is the minimum Wi-Fi speed required to stream 4K?

For stable playback 4K HDR a speed of at least is required 25 Mbps in the range 5 GHzIf the network is weak, reduce the resolution to 1080p or use a wired connection from the router to the TV.

Is it possible to stream a screen from a PC to a TV via the Internet (not a local network)?

Technically yes, but with a significant delay. This requires programs like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, but the quality will be unsuitable for video. It's better to use DLNA via the cloud (for example, Plex with remote access).