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

The fastest way to get your PC screen on your TV

The simplest method depends on what cables and devices you already have. If your TV and PC are in the same room, an HDMI cable is the fastest option—plug one end into your PC's HDMI port and the other into your TV's HDMI input, then switch your TV to that input. Your PC screen appears on the TV within seconds, with no setup required.

If you want to stream wirelessly without cables, you have two main paths: use built-in Windows features like Miracast or Chromecast, or use a dedicated streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick. Wireless streaming takes a few minutes to set up the first time, but then works reliably once the devices are paired.

The method you choose affects picture quality, lag time, and whether you can use your PC while streaming. A direct HDMI cable gives the best picture and zero lag. Wireless streaming is more convenient but may have slight delays, which matters if you're playing games or watching live sports.

Key Takeaways

An HDMI cable is the fastest and most reliable way to stream from PC to TV—just plug it in and switch your TV to the correct input.
Windows 10 and 11 include Miracast, a wireless feature that works with many modern TVs and doesn't require a separate app or device.
Chromecast and Roku devices work with any TV that has an HDMI port and offer wireless streaming with a straightforward setup process.
Wireless streaming may have a one- to three-second delay, so it works better for movies and web browsing than for gaming.
Your PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV or streaming device for wireless methods to work.

Using an HDMI cable for a direct connection

An HDMI cable is the most straightforward option if your PC and TV are close enough. Check the back or sides of your PC for an HDMI port—it's a flat, rectangular port about the size of a USB connector. Most modern laptops and desktops have at least one. If your PC doesn't have HDMI, you can buy an adapter (USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort to HDMI, or Mini DisplayPort to HDMI, depending on your PC's ports) for $10 to $30.

Plug the HDMI cable into your PC's HDMI port, then plug the other end into any HDMI input on your TV. Turn on your TV and use the remote to switch to the correct HDMI input—your TV remote usually has an "Input" or "Source" button. Your PC screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. If it doesn't, right-click on your PC's desktop, select "Display settings," and look for an option to detect or extend your display.

With an HDMI cable, you get the best picture quality and no lag. You can also use your PC normally while the TV displays your screen—anything you do on your PC shows up on the TV in real time. This method works for watching videos, browsing the web, playing games, or presenting slides.

Wireless streaming with Windows Miracast

If your TV supports Miracast (a wireless standard built into many modern TVs), you can stream from your Windows PC without any cables or extra devices. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if Miracast is available—it may be called "Miracast," "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Display," or "SmartCast," depending on the brand.

On your Windows PC, press the Windows key and the letter P at the same time to open the projection menu. Select "Connect to a wireless display." Your PC will search for nearby Miracast devices. When your TV appears in the list, click it. Your TV may ask you to confirm the connection the first time—accept it, and your PC screen will appear on the TV.

Miracast works over Wi-Fi but does not require you to log into your home network—the devices connect directly to each other. The first connection takes about 30 seconds. After that, reconnecting is usually faster. Miracast works well for movies, web browsing, and presentations, though you may notice a one- to two-second delay if you're playing fast-paced games.

Using Google Chromecast or Roku for wireless streaming

A Chromecast or Roku device plugs into your TV's HDMI port and lets you stream from your PC over Wi-Fi. Both devices cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model. Chromecast is made by Google; Roku is a separate company. Both work with any TV that has an HDMI input.

For Chromecast, plug the device into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network using the Chromecast app on your phone or the setup wizard on your TV. Then, on your PC, open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select "Cast," then choose your Chromecast device. Your PC screen appears on the TV. You can also cast individual browser tabs instead of your whole screen, which is useful if you want to keep other windows private.

For Roku, plug the device into your TV and connect it to Wi-Fi using the on-screen menu. On your PC, read the Roku app or use the web interface at roku.com. From there, you can cast your screen or stream specific apps. Roku also has a built-in remote app that works from your PC.

Both Chromecast and Roku have a slight delay (usually one to three seconds) because the signal travels over Wi-Fi. This is fine for watching videos and browsing, but noticeable if you're playing games. Both devices also let you stream from your phone or tablet to the same TV, so they work as a central hub for your whole household.

Streaming video and audio without showing your whole screen

If you only want to stream a video or music app instead of your entire PC screen, many apps have a built-in cast button. Open Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, or another streaming app on your PC, look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), and click it. Select your TV or streaming device from the list. The app will stream directly to your TV without mirroring your whole screen.

This method is useful because you can close the app on your PC or even turn off your monitor while the video plays on your TV. It also uses less Wi-Fi bandwidth than screen mirroring. Most major streaming apps support casting—check the app's menu or settings if you don't see a cast button right away.

If an app doesn't have a cast button, you can still use one of the screen-mirroring methods above to stream it to your TV. The difference is that your entire PC screen will appear on the TV, so anything you do on your PC will be visible.

Fixing common streaming problems

If your PC and TV aren't connecting, start by checking that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. For wireless methods like Miracast or Chromecast, your PC and TV must be able to see each other on the network. Restart both devices—turn off your TV and PC, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. This fixes most connection issues.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list of available devices, make sure Miracast or casting is turned on in your TV's settings. Some TVs have this feature disabled by default. Check your TV's manual for where to find this setting. For Chromecast and Roku, make sure the device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi—check the device's app to confirm it's online.

If the picture is choppy or the audio cuts out, move your PC closer to your TV or router. Wi-Fi interference from other devices can cause streaming problems. If you're using an HDMI cable and the picture doesn't appear, try a different HDMI port on your TV, or restart your PC. If your PC has multiple graphics cards, you may need to set the correct one as the default in your graphics settings.

If you see a black screen or "no signal" message on your TV, make sure you've selected the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to cycle through the inputs until you find the one with your PC connected. For wireless methods, try disconnecting and reconnecting—open the projection menu or casting app again and select your TV.

Choosing between wired and wireless streaming

Use an HDMI cable if your PC and TV are in the same room and you want the best picture quality and zero lag. This is the best choice for gaming, video editing, or any task where a delay would be annoying. HDMI cables are cheap (usually $5 to $15) and work when ready with no setup.

Use Miracast if your TV supports it and you want wireless streaming without buying extra hardware. It's built into Windows and many modern TVs, so there's nothing to install. The setup takes a few minutes the first time, then reconnecting is quick.

Use Chromecast or Roku if your TV doesn't support Miracast, or if you want a device that works with your phone and tablet as well as your PC. These devices are more reliable than Miracast on older TVs and give you more control over what you stream. They're also useful if you want a central hub for all your streaming apps.

If you stream regularly, consider what you'll be doing most. For movies and web browsing, wireless is convenient and the slight delay doesn't matter. For gaming or live sports, an HDMI cable is worth the hassle of running a cable across your room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my PC while streaming to my TV?

Yes, with HDMI and Miracast. Your PC screen appears on the TV, and you can use your PC normally—anything you do shows up on the TV in real time. With Chromecast and Roku, you can close the app on your PC after you start casting, and the video will continue playing on your TV. This is useful if you want to browse the web or work on something else while watching.

Does wireless streaming work if my PC and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. For Chromecast, Roku, and Miracast, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network, make sure both your PC and TV are connected to your main network, not the guest network. An HDMI cable doesn't require Wi-Fi at all.

What if my TV doesn't have HDMI?

Older TVs with only composite (red, white, yellow) or VGA ports can't use modern streaming methods. You can buy an adapter that converts HDMI to one of these older formats, but picture quality will be lower. For the best experience, consider upgrading to a TV with HDMI, or use a Chromecast or Roku device that has HDMI built in.

Is there lag when I stream wirelessly?

Yes, usually one to three seconds. This is fine for movies, web browsing, and music, but noticeable if you're playing games or watching live sports. An HDMI cable has no lag. If lag is a problem, switch to a wired connection or move your PC closer to your router to improve Wi-Fi signal strength.

Can I stream 4K video from my PC to my TV?

Yes, but only with an HDMI cable or certain high-end Chromecast and Roku devices. Check your device's specifications to confirm it supports 4K. Your PC's graphics card and HDMI port must also support 4K output. Miracast typically maxes out at 1080p on most TVs.

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.