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

Stream video from your computer to a big TV screen via Wi-Fi — a convenient way to enjoy movies, streams, or presentations without unnecessary wires. However, not everyone knows that image quality and transmission stability depend not only on internet speed, but also on the selected protocol, codecs, and even the distance between devices. In 2026, users have at least five viable ways to set up wireless streaming, and we'll examine each of them, starting with the built-in features. Windows 11 to specialized applications like Steam Link.

In this article you will find not only step-by-step instructions, but also comparative table of methods by key parameters: signal latency, 4K support, router requirements. And also answers to frequently asked questions, such as why video is lagging when connected via DLNA, or how to bypass restrictions Netflix when broadcasting via ChromecastLet's start with network preparation—this is a critical step that many people skip—and then we'll move on to the best methods.

⚠️ Attention: If your TV was released before 2018, check the standard support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) in the model specifications. Devices with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) may not be able to handle 4K broadcasts without artifacts, even with a router speed of 300 Mbps.

1. Preparing a Wi-Fi Network: Why It's More Important Than You Think

Before setting up a broadcast, make sure your network meets the minimum requirements. To transmit video in 1080p@60fps resolution without delays, the actual connection speed between the PC and TV is required to be at least 50 Mbps, and for 4K – from 100 Mbps. In this case, we are not talking about the Internet speed from the provider, but about local velocity between devices on your network.

You can check it using the utility iPerf3 (free for Windows, macOS And Linux). Install it on a PC and smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi, then run the test:

iperf3 -s

on the computer, and on the phone:

iperf3 -c [PC_IP_address] -t 20

If the result is below 50 Mbps, the problem may be in the router settings or interference from neighboring networks.

• 📶 Select the correct Wi-Fi channel: In the router administration panel (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) set a fixed channel in the range 5 GHz (for example, 36, 40, or 44) instead of automatic. This will reduce interference from microwaves and other routers.
• 🔄 Turn off energy saving: In the PC network adapter settings (Control Panel → Network Adapters → Properties → Power Management) uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• 🛡️ Update your router firmware: Outdated firmware versions may limit bandwidth for multimedia traffic. Check the latest firmware version in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.

⚠️ Attention: If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but the TV is only Wi-Fi 5, forced activation of the mode 802.11ax may cause connection interruptions. In this case, set the mode to mixed. 802.11ac/ax.

2. Method 1: Miracast (built-in Windows and Android TV function)

Miracast - is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia) and laptops under Windows 10/11Its main advantage is minimal latency (from 30 ms), which is critical for gaming or video calls. However, it has its drawbacks: there is no support for 4K@60fps, and audio is transmitted only in stereo.

To start a broadcast:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Miracast). Usually this option is hidden in the menu. Settings → Connections → Display.
2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices. If it's not there, update your video card drivers (especially important for Intel UHD Graphics).

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Xiaomi And TCL function Miracast may be disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → Advanced → Wireless Display and turn on the option Enable Miracast.

Your PC runs Windows 10/11|Your TV supports Miracast (check the instructions)|Your PC's network adapter supports Wi-Fi Direct (check in Device Manager)|Your router doesn't block multicast traffic (disable MAC address filtering)-->

3. Method 2: DLNA/UPnP – for local files without delays

Protocol DLNA ideal for broadcasting movies, music or photos from your PC's hard drive to your TV. Unlike MiracastHere, the media file itself is transmitted rather than the screen, which reduces the processor load. However, there are some caveats:

• 🎬 Video formats: TVs often don't support .mkv With 10-bit HDR or sound DTS-HD. Use HandBrake to convert to .mp4 (H.264 + AAC).
• 🔌 PC software: Built-in Windows Media Player It's outdated - better install it Plex, Kodi or Serviio (they automatically transcode incompatible files).
• 📡 Router settings: Turn on UPnP in the administration panel (Advanced → UPnP), otherwise the TV will not see the media server.

Instructions for Plex (recommended for beginners):

1. Download Plex Media Server from the official website and install on your PC.
2. Add movie folders to the library (Manage → Libraries → Add Library).
3. Install the app on your TV Plex (available in Google Play For Android TV or in LG Content Store).
4. Log in using the same account and select your server from the list.

⚠️ Attention: If the video is lagging when playing through DLNA, check the settings QOS On the router. Prioritize traffic to the TV's IP address to avoid buffering.

Why can't the TV see the media server?

The reasons may be different:

- Windows Firewall blocks ports 1900 (UPnP) and 32400 (Plex). Add exceptions to Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app through firewall.

- Antivirus (For example, Kaspersky or Avast) is blocking network activity. Try disabling it temporarily.

- Different subnets: Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same network (for example, both are connected to 192.168.0.x, and not to the router's guest network).

4. Method 3: Google Chromecast – for streaming services

If you watch often Netflix, YouTube or Twitch, Chromecast (or built-in Google Cast on TVs Android TV) is the optimal choice. This method uses the cloud for streaming, so it doesn't put a strain on your PC. However, there are some limitations:

• 🌐 Internet required: Without a network connection, streaming is not possible (even for local files).
• 🎮 Delay: Up to 200ms - not suitable for gaming, but sufficient for movies.
• 🔒 DRM protection: Some services (eg. Disney+) block broadcasting to rooted devices.

How to stream from PC:

1. Make sure your TV and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Chrome and install the extension Google Cast (or use the built-in function Broadcast in the browser menu).
3. Select the video tab (e.g. YouTube) and click on the icon Cast → select yours Chromecast or Android TV.
4. For local files use VLC with plugin Cast to TV.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via Chromecast some services (for example, Amazon Prime Video) reduce the quality to 720p due to DRM restrictions. To get around this, use SmartTubeNext on Android TV (root required).

5. Method 4: Steam Link – for gamers and high frame rates

If you need a broadcast games or videos with high frame rates (up to 120 Hz), Steam Link — one of the best options. The app uses proprietary compression algorithms, allowing it to stream 4K@60fps with a latency of just ~35ms. The downside is that it requires a powerful PC and a stable Wi-Fi 6.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play For Android TV or as a separate device Steam Link Box).
2. In the settings Steam turn on Remote Play (Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play).
3. Launch it on your TV Steam Link, connect a gamepad (optional) and select your PC from the list.
4. To optimize quality, go to Settings → Stream quality and install:
   • 🖥️ Permission: Native (if TV supports 4K).
   • 🎛️ Bitrate: 50 Mbps (for 4K) or 25 Mbps (for 1080p).
   • 🔄 Codec: HEVC (if the TV supports hardware decoding).

⚠️ Attention: When using Steam Link on TVs Samsung Tizen There may be a problem with the sound (stuttering). The solution is to manually set the format in the sound settings. PCM instead of Dolby Digital.

6. Method 5: Smart View (Samsung) and AirPlay (Apple TV)

TV manufacturers often offer their own broadcasting solutions. For example, Samsung Smart View works only with devices Samsung (laptops, smartphones), but it supports 4K HDR and has minimal delay. A Apple AirPlay integrated into macOS And iOS, but requires Apple TV or a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2020+).

For Samsung Smart View:

1. Turn on the TV Smart View (Settings → General → External devices → Connection devices).
2. Install the application on your PC Samsung SmartThings (available in Microsoft Store).
3. In the app, select your TV and press Start broadcasting.

For Apple AirPlay:

1. Make sure that the PC and Apple TV connected to the same network.
2. On Mac open Control Center → Screen Mirror and select Apple TV.
3. On Windows use iTunes to broadcast video or 5KPlayer for screen mirroring.

Function	Samsung Smart View	Apple AirPlay
Supported PCs	Any with Windows 10/11	Mac (limited on Windows)
Max. quality	4K HDR@60fps	4K Dolby Vision@60fps
Delay	40–60 ms	50–80 ms
Account required	Samsung Account	Apple ID

⚠️ Attention: When using AirPlay on Windows through third-party programs (for example, AirParrot) video quality may degrade to 1080p due to driver limitations Intel Quick Sync.

7. Troubleshooting: Why is video lagging or not streaming?

If the stream is interrupted or has artifacts, the cause could be either network or device settings. Here's a diagnostic checklist:

• 📉 Slow Wi-Fi speed: Check the speed between your PC and TV using iPerf3 (See Section 1). If it is less than 50 Mbps, switch to 5 GHz or use Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔊 No sound: IN Miracast Sound can be transmitted separately. Make sure that it is selected in the PC sound settings. Wireless display as an output device.
• 🖼️ Black screen: On some TVs Xiaomi you need to turn it on manually HDCP on the menu Settings → Display → HDMI.
• 🔄 Codecs: If the video is in .mkv not playable through DLNA, convert it to .mp4 with codec H.264.

For advanced users: If the problem is buffering, try setting it up manually MTU on the router. The optimal value for multimedia traffic is 1472You can change it in the section WAN Settings administration panel.

How to reduce lag in games?

1. In Steam Link install Performance mode instead of Balanced.

2. Turn off V-Sync in the game settings - this will reduce the delay by 10-15 ms.

3. Use a wired connection from your PC to your router (even if your TV is connected via Wi-Fi) to reduce jitter.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about broadcasting video to TV

Is it possible to stream Netflix from PC to TV via Wi-Fi without losing quality?
Yes, but with reservations. Chromecast And Miracast support Full HD, however Netflix may limit quality to 720p due to DRM. To get 1080p, use:
• Official app Netflix on Android TV/Smart TV.
• Steam Link with the browser running Chrome in mode Desktop Mode (subscription required) Netflix Premium).

Why are video and audio out of sync when streaming via DLNA?

This is a typical problem when using Windows Media Player as servers. Solutions:

1. Install Plex or Kodi - they automatically synchronize streams.
2. In the media server settings, disable audio transcoding (option Direct Play).
3. Make sure your TV and PC are using the same audio sampling rate (e.g. 48 kHz).

How to stream your PC screen to TV if your router doesn't support Wi-Fi 5?

In this case, there are three options:

• Use Wi-Fi 5/6 adapter for PC (for example, TP-Link Archer T4U) and connect it to the TV via Miracast.
• Set up access point on a smartphone with support Wi-Fi 5 and connect your PC and TV to it.
• Use Powerline adapters (For example, TP-Link AV1000) to transmit a signal through electrical wiring.

⚠️ Attention: If the network speed is below 25 Mbps, 1080p streaming will not be possible - the maximum quality will be 720p.

Is it possible to stream video from a PC to a TV without a router (direct connection)?

Yes, if your TV supports it. Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastTo do this:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Wi-Fi Direct (usually on the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct).
2. On your PC, connect to the network created by your TV (the network name will be something like DIRECT-xx-TV_NAME).
3. Start broadcasting via Win + K (For Miracast) or special software (for example, Samsung Smart View).

Restrictions:

• The connection speed will be lower than via a router.
• Some functions (eg. Chromecast) do not work without the Internet.

How do I stream video from my PC to my TV if they are connected to different routers?

This is possible, but will require additional configuration:

1. Connect networks through Wi-Fi bridge (if routers support WDS).
2. Use VPN (For example, ZeroTier) to create a virtual local area network.
3. Set up port forwarding on both routers (for example, port 32400 For Plex).

⚠️ Attention: With this connection, latency can reach 500+ ms, making the method unsuitable for gaming or video calls.