The simplest way to stream from Windows to Apple TV
Windows does not have a built-in feature that sends video directly to Apple TV the way AirPlay works between Apple devices. Instead, you have three practical routes: use AirPlay from a Windows app (the fastest method if your app supports it), mirror your entire screen through third-party software, or cast through a web browser. Most people find that streaming from individual apps—like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify—works best because these apps often have AirPlay built in and require no extra setup.
Before you start, make sure your Windows PC and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Apple TV should be turned on and set to the same network you are using. If your PC and Apple TV are on different networks or different bands (2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz), the connection will not work.
Key Takeaways
- Many Windows apps like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube have AirPlay buttons built in—look for the speaker or cast icon and select your Apple TV by name.
- If an app does not have AirPlay, you can use free software like Airflow or paid options like Reflector to mirror your entire screen to Apple TV.
- Both your Windows PC and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for any streaming method to work.
- Screen mirroring drains battery on laptops and uses more bandwidth than streaming from an app, so use it only when the app itself does not support AirPlay.
Streaming directly from Windows apps that support AirPlay
The easiest method is to use an app that already has AirPlay built in. Open the app on your Windows PC—Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, and many others include AirPlay buttons. Look for a speaker icon, a cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines), or a menu option labeled "AirPlay" or "Cast." Click it and you should see a list of devices on your network, including your Apple TV by name.
Select your Apple TV from the list. The video or audio will begin playing on your TV within a few seconds. You can close the app window on your PC or minimize it—playback continues on the TV. Use your Apple TV remote or the app on your PC to control volume and playback. This method works reliably and does not require any extra software.
If you do not see your Apple TV in the list, check that both devices are on the same network. Restart your PC's Wi-Fi connection or restart Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Some apps require you to sign in before the AirPlay option appears, so log in first if you have not already.
Mirroring your entire Windows screen to Apple TV
If the app you want to use does not have AirPlay, you can mirror your whole screen instead. This sends everything on your monitor to your TV—your desktop, browser windows, documents, everything. The trade-off is that screen mirroring uses more Wi-Fi bandwidth and drains laptop battery faster than streaming from an app.
The most straightforward free option is Airflow, which you read and install on your Windows PC. Open Airflow, click the Apple TV icon, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. Airflow works reliably for most users and has no time limits or watermarks.
If Airflow does not detect your Apple TV, try Reflector (a paid app with a free trial). Reflector is more stable on older Windows versions and works with more Apple TV models. read it, install it, open it, and click the AirPlay icon to select your Apple TV. Both apps let you adjust resolution and frame rate in settings if the connection is choppy.
Streaming through your web browser
If you are watching something in a web browser like Chrome or Edge, you have two options. First, check whether the website itself has a cast button—many streaming sites like YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu include one. Look for the cast icon in the video player controls, click it, and select your Apple TV.
If the website does not have a cast button, you can mirror your entire browser tab instead of your whole screen, which uses less bandwidth. In Chrome, right-click anywhere on the page, select "Cast," and choose your Apple TV. In Edge, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast media to device," and pick your Apple TV. Only the browser tab will appear on your TV, not your desktop or other windows.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If your Windows PC cannot find your Apple TV, the most common cause is that they are on different networks. Check your PC's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Apple TV. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try connecting your PC to the same band your Apple TV is using—check your Apple TV settings under Network to see which band it is on.
If both devices are on the same network but still do not see each other, restart both. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds and plug it back in. On your PC, toggle Wi-Fi off and back on. Wait 30 seconds and try again. If you are using mirroring software like Airflow, close it completely and reopen it.
If the connection keeps dropping or the video is choppy, move your PC closer to your router or Apple TV. Walls, microwaves, and other Wi-Fi devices can interfere. If you are on a 5 GHz network, try switching to 2.4 GHz—it has longer range, though slightly slower speed. Close other apps that use Wi-Fi, like downloads or video calls, to free up bandwidth.
When to use each streaming method
| Method | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| App with built-in AirPlay | Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+ | Easiest setup, lowest battery drain, most stable | Only works with apps that support AirPlay |
| Screen mirroring (Airflow or Reflector) | Apps without AirPlay, presentations, games | Works with any app, full control from PC | Higher battery drain, uses more Wi-Fi bandwidth |
| Browser tab casting | Websites like YouTube or Disney+ in Chrome or Edge | Uses less bandwidth than full screen mirroring | Only works in Chrome and Edge, not all websites support it |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy special software to stream from Windows to Apple TV?
No. If the app you want to use has AirPlay built in, you need nothing extra. If you need to mirror your screen, Airflow is free. Reflector costs money but includes a free trial. Most people never need to buy anything.
Can I stream from Windows to Apple TV without Wi-Fi?
No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. There is no wired or Bluetooth option for streaming from Windows to Apple TV. If your Wi-Fi is unreliable, improve your router placement or switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel before trying to stream.
Why does my screen mirroring lag or freeze?
Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your PC is too far from the router. Move closer, close other apps using Wi-Fi, or switch to the 2.4 GHz band if you are on 5 GHz. If you are mirroring a game or video, lower the resolution in your mirroring app settings—this reduces lag at the cost of picture quality.
Can I use AirPlay from Windows if I have an older Apple TV model?
AirPlay from Windows apps works with Apple TV (3rd generation) and newer. If you have an older model, screen mirroring software like Reflector may still work, but check the software's system requirements first. The easiest solution is to use a newer Apple TV model.
What happens to my PC when I am streaming to Apple TV?
If you are streaming from an app, your PC stays in control—you can minimize the app, use other programs, or even lock your screen and playback continues. If you are mirroring your screen, your PC must stay awake and connected to Wi-Fi, but you can use other programs in the background. Streaming does not slow down your PC noticeably.