How to Connect Your PC to a TV Wirelessly

The fastest wireless connection depends on what you have

The easiest wireless route is usually Miracast on Windows or AirPlay on a Mac, because both work with most modern TVs without extra software. If your TV is newer than 2015 and supports Miracast, or if you own an Apple TV, you can start casting in under a minute. If neither of those works, Chromecast, Fire TV, or a streaming device you already own will do the job — and some of these let you stream just one window instead of your whole screen, which is useful if you want to keep working while showing something on the TV.

The trade-off is lag. Wireless casting works well for watching videos, browsing, or showing photos, but if you play fast games or do video editing, you will notice a delay of a quarter-second to a full second. For that, a cable is still faster, but wireless has improved enough that most everyday tasks feel smooth.

Key Takeaways

Windows PCs use Miracast to cast to compatible TVs without installing anything; check your TV manual to see if it supports it.
Macs use AirPlay to cast to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, and the option appears in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku devices work with both Windows and Mac and let you cast individual apps or your whole screen.
Wireless casting adds a noticeable delay, so it works best for video, photos, and web browsing but not for fast-paced games or real-time editing.
Your TV must support the same wireless standard as your PC, so check your TV's manual or settings before you start.

Using Miracast on Windows

Miracast is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, and most TVs made after 2015 support it. To start, open the Windows notification panel by pressing Windows key + A, then look for a button labeled "Connect" or "Project". Click it, wait a few seconds, and your TV should appear in the list if it is on and in range.

If your TV does not show up, check three things: first, make sure Miracast is turned on in your TV's settings (the exact menu varies by brand, but it is usually under "Display" or "Wireless"). Second, confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Third, restart both your PC and TV, then try again. If it still does not work, your TV may not support Miracast — check the manual or search the model number plus "Miracast support" online.

Once connected, your entire screen appears on the TV. To stop, press Windows key + A again and click "Disconnect". If you want to cast only one app instead of your whole screen, use the "Share" or "Cast" button inside that app — many browsers and video players have this built in.

Using AirPlay on Mac

Macs running macOS 10.5 or newer can cast to an Apple TV or to a smart TV that supports AirPlay 2. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your screen, then click "Screen Mirroring". Your compatible TV or Apple TV should appear in the list within a few seconds.

If your TV does not appear, make sure it is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. Some smart TV brands — including Samsung, LG, and Sony models from 2018 onward — support AirPlay 2 natively, but you may need to turn it on in the TV's settings first. If you own an older TV, an Apple TV device (any generation) will add AirPlay support.

Your entire Mac screen will mirror to the TV. To disconnect, click Control Center again and select "Screen Mirroring", then choose "Turn Off Mirroring". Like Windows, many Mac apps also have their own "AirPlay" button for casting just that app.

Using Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku

If your TV does not support Miracast or AirPlay, a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku device plugged into an HDMI port will add wireless casting to almost any TV. These devices cost between $30 and $100 and work with both Windows and Mac.

To cast with Chromecast, read the Google Home app on your PC or Mac, open it, and look for your Chromecast device in the list. Click it, then open any app that supports Chromecast (YouTube, Netflix, Chrome browser, and many others have a Chromecast icon). Click the icon and select your device. For Fire TV, use the Alexa app or the Fire TV app itself. For Roku, use the Roku app or the Roku remote's built-in casting feature.

These devices let you cast individual apps or your whole screen. Casting a single app uses less bandwidth and feels smoother than mirroring your entire desktop, so use that option when you can. All three devices connect to your TV's HDMI port and your home Wi-Fi network, and setup takes about five minutes.

Checking your TV's wireless capabilities

Before you try any wireless method, find out what your TV supports. Look for the model number on the back of the TV or in the settings menu (usually under "About" or "System"). Search that model number plus "wireless casting" or "Miracast" on the manufacturer's website or in the TV's manual.

Most smart TVs made in the last five years support at least one wireless standard. If your TV is older or does not list wireless casting in the manual, a Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku device is your simplest option. These plug into the HDMI port and do not require your TV to have any special features.

Fixing lag and connection drops

Wireless casting works best when your PC and TV are close to your Wi-Fi router and not blocked by walls or metal objects. If you see stuttering, freezing, or the connection keeps dropping, move your router closer to the TV or move the TV closer to the router. If that is not possible, a Wi-Fi 6 router (also called 802.11ax) will give you more stable range than older routers.

Lag is normal — expect a quarter-second to one-second delay between what you do on your PC and what appears on the TV. This is fine for video, photos, and web browsing, but it makes gaming and real-time editing feel sluggish. If lag bothers you, a wired HDMI cable will eliminate it, though you lose the wireless convenience.

If the picture looks blurry or the colors are wrong, check your TV's picture settings. Some TVs have a "Game Mode" or "PC Mode" that improves clarity for computer input. You can also adjust the resolution in your PC's display settings — lowering it from 4K to 1080p sometimes helps if the connection is unstable.

Casting from specific apps instead of your whole screen

Most streaming apps, browsers, and media players have their own cast button built in. This is usually faster and clearer than mirroring your entire desktop, because it sends only the video or content you are watching, not everything on your screen.

In Chrome, click the three-dot menu and select "Cast". In YouTube, Netflix, and most other video apps, look for a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. In Spotify and other music apps, the cast button is usually in the bottom-right corner. Once you click it, select your TV or casting device from the list. The app will then play on the TV while you can use your PC for other things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to cast wirelessly?

Not if your TV supports Miracast (Windows) or AirPlay (Mac) — both are built into Windows and macOS. If your TV does not support either, a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku device costs $30 to $100 and plugs into your TV's HDMI port. No subscription is required for any of these.

Can I use my PC while something is playing on the TV?

Yes, if you cast a single app. Open the app on your PC, click its cast button, and select your TV. The app will play on the TV while you work on your PC. If you mirror your entire screen instead, anything you do on your PC will show on the TV.

Why does my connection keep dropping?

Wireless casting drops when your PC and TV lose Wi-Fi signal or when something blocks the signal between them. Move your router closer to the TV, or move the TV closer to the router. Walls, metal objects, and microwaves can interfere. If drops keep happening, a wired HDMI cable will give you a stable connection.

Is wireless casting slower than a cable?

Yes — expect a quarter-second to one-second delay with wireless casting. This is fine for video and browsing, but it makes fast games and real-time editing feel sluggish. A cable has almost no delay and is the better choice if lag bothers you.

What if my TV is very old?

Older TVs without built-in wireless casting can still work with a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku device. These plug into the HDMI port and add wireless casting to any TV made in the last 15 years. Setup takes about five minutes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.