How to Stream Video and Audio from Your PC to Your TV

The simplest ways to send video from your computer to your television

You can stream from your PC to your TV using a cable, a wireless connection, or a streaming device. The fastest method is usually an HDMI cable plugged directly into both machines — it works when ready and requires no setup. If you want to move around the room or avoid cables, wireless options like Miracast (built into Windows), AirPlay (if you have an Apple TV), or a Chromecast device will mirror your screen or send video without a physical connection.

Which method works best depends on what TV and PC you own, whether you want to mirror your entire screen or just play video, and how far away your TV sits from your computer. Most people find one of these four routes works for their situation.

Key Takeaways

An HDMI cable is the most reliable method and works with almost every TV and PC made in the last ten years.
Miracast is built into Windows 10 and later and lets you wirelessly mirror your screen to a compatible TV without buying anything extra.
Chromecast and Fire TV devices are inexpensive streaming boxes that connect to your TV and let you send video from your PC over Wi-Fi.
Some smart TVs have built-in casting support, so you may not need a separate device or cable at all.

Using an HDMI cable for a direct connection

An HDMI cable plugged into both your PC and TV is the most straightforward method. Turn off both devices, plug one end into your PC's HDMI port and the other into any HDMI port on your TV, then turn both back on. Your TV should detect the signal automatically and display your PC's screen.

If your PC does not have an HDMI port, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a DisplayPort to HDMI cable, depending on what ports your computer has. Check your PC's ports before you buy a cable — most laptops made after 2015 have at least one video output port.

The advantage of HDMI is that it works when ready, carries both video and sound, and does not depend on Wi-Fi or software updates. The disadvantage is that you need a cable long enough to reach from your computer to your TV, and you cannot move your PC without unplugging it.

Wireless mirroring with Miracast on Windows

Miracast is a wireless standard built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 that lets you send your screen to a compatible TV or wireless display adapter without any cables. To use it, open the Action Center (press Windows key + A), click "Connect," and select your TV from the list. Your screen will appear on the television within a few seconds.

Not all TVs support Miracast — it is more common on newer models and on TVs made by Samsung, LG, and Sony. If your TV does not have Miracast built in, you can buy a wireless display adapter (sometimes called a Miracast dongle) for $20 to $50 and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. These adapters receive the wireless signal from your PC and convert it to HDMI.

Miracast works over your home Wi-Fi network and lets you move your laptop around the room. The connection is usually stable, though it can lag slightly if your Wi-Fi is slow or crowded. Sound travels with the video, so you do not need a separate audio cable.

Streaming devices: Chromecast and Fire TV

A Chromecast device (made by Google) or a Fire TV device (made by Amazon) plugs into your TV's HDMI port and connects to your Wi-Fi. Both let you send video from your PC to your TV over the network. Chromecast costs around $30 to $40, and Fire TV devices range from $25 to $100 depending on the model.

To use Chromecast, open Chrome on your PC, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. You can then cast a tab, your entire screen, or a file. Fire TV works similarly — you open the Silk browser or a compatible app and select the Fire TV device to send video to it.

Both devices are reliable and straightforward to set up. They work over Wi-Fi, so you can move your PC anywhere in your home. The main difference is that Chromecast integrates more tightly with Google services and Chrome, while Fire TV integrates with Amazon services and apps. Either one will stream video from your PC without problems.

Casting from built-in TV features

Many modern smart TVs have casting built in without needing a separate device. Samsung TVs support SmartThings Cast, LG TVs support AirPlay and Miracast, and some Android TV models support Google Cast. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if casting is available.

If your TV has casting built in, the process is usually the same as Miracast: open the Action Center on your PC, click "Connect," and select your TV. No extra hardware is needed, and the connection is as reliable as a separate adapter would be.

Streaming video apps and browser playback

If you are watching video from a website or an app like Netflix, YouTube, or Plex, you often do not need to mirror your entire screen. Many of these apps have a "Cast" button built in that sends just the video to your TV, leaving your PC free to do other things.

Open the app or website on your PC, look for a Cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), click it, and select your TV or streaming device. The video will play on your TV while your PC's screen returns to normal. This method uses less bandwidth and battery than screen mirroring and lets you control playback from your phone or keyboard.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If your PC does not appear in the list of devices to connect to, make sure both your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and PC, then try again. If you are using Miracast, check that your TV or adapter supports it — older TVs may not have this feature.

If the video is choppy or keeps stopping, move your PC closer to your router or TV, or switch to a wired HDMI connection. Wireless streaming can be affected by distance, interference from other devices, or a slow Wi-Fi network. If sound is not coming through, check that your TV's volume is not muted and that your PC is set to send audio to the TV instead of your speakers.

For HDMI connections, try a different HDMI port on your TV or a different cable. Sometimes a port stops working, or a cable develops a loose connection. If your PC does not recognize the TV at all, check that the cable is fully plugged in and that your graphics drivers are up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stream from my PC to my TV if they are not on the same Wi-Fi network?

No, wireless methods like Miracast and Chromecast require both devices to be on the same network. An HDMI cable does not need Wi-Fi at all, so that is your only option if your Wi-Fi is down or if your TV is not connected to the network.

Will streaming from my PC drain my laptop battery quickly?

Wireless streaming uses more battery than normal use, but not drastically. If you plan to stream for more than an hour or two, plug your laptop in. HDMI connections do not affect battery life.

Can I use my PC keyboard and mouse to control video playing on my TV?

If you are mirroring your entire screen, yes — your keyboard and mouse control the PC as usual, and the TV shows whatever is on your screen. If you are casting just a video app, some apps let you control playback from your keyboard, but not all. Check the app's documentation.

What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?

Very old TVs with only composite or component video inputs cannot connect to a modern PC without a specialized converter, which are rare and often unreliable. If your TV is that old, an inexpensive streaming device or a new TV is usually a better choice.

Is there a delay between my PC screen and what appears on the TV?

HDMI has almost no delay. Wireless methods like Miracast and Chromecast usually have a delay of less than a second, which is fine for watching video but noticeable if you are playing fast-action games. For gaming, use an HDMI cable.

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.