How to Stream Your PC to an LG TV in Four Ways

The fastest way to stream your PC to an LG TV

The simplest method depends on what you have plugged in. If your LG TV has an HDMI port and your PC has an HDMI cable, plug them together directly — this works when ready with no setup. If you want to stream wirelessly instead, use Miracast (built into Windows 10 and 11), which works with most LG TVs made after 2014. On your PC, press Windows key + K, select your LG TV from the list, and the screen appears on the television within seconds.

For older LG TVs or if Miracast does not work, Chromecast (a separate device you plug into the TV's HDMI port) is reliable and inexpensive. You can also use LG's own SmartShare app if your TV supports it, or stream through Steam Link if you mainly play games. Each method has different speed, setup time, and what you can do once connected.

Key Takeaways

A direct HDMI cable is the fastest and most reliable option if your PC and TV are close enough to run a cable between them.
Miracast (Windows key + K) works wirelessly on most LG TVs from 2014 onward and requires no extra hardware or apps.
Chromecast is a small device you plug into your TV's HDMI port and costs between $30 and $50, making it a good choice if Miracast does not work.
Steam Link is designed for gaming and streams only games from your Steam library, not your entire desktop.
LG SmartShare works on newer LG Smart TVs but only streams photos, videos, and music files — not your full screen.

Direct HDMI connection: the most reliable option

Plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the back of your PC and the other end into any HDMI port on your LG TV. Turn on the TV and use its remote to select the correct HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3). Your PC screen appears on the TV when ready. You can extend your display (use both screens at once) or mirror it (show the same thing on both). Right-click on your desktop, select "Display settings," and choose "Extend" or "Duplicate" under "Multiple displays."

This method has no lag, no wireless interference, and no setup beyond plugging in the cable. The downside is that you need to run a cable between your PC and TV, which only works if they are in the same room and reasonably close. HDMI cables are cheap (under $10 for a good one) and come in lengths up to 50 feet if you need distance.

Miracast wireless streaming on Windows 10 and 11

Miracast is built into Windows and works with most LG TVs made in 2014 or later. On your PC, press the Windows key and K at the same time. A panel opens on the right side of your screen showing nearby devices. Select your LG TV from the list. Windows asks your permission to connect, you confirm, and your screen appears on the TV within 5 to 10 seconds.

Once connected, you can mirror your entire desktop or extend your display to use the TV as a second monitor. To disconnect, press Windows key + K again and select "Disconnect." Miracast works over your home WiFi network, so both your PC and TV must be on the same network. If your LG TV does not appear in the list, check that the TV's Miracast feature is turned on (look in the TV's settings under "Network" or "Wireless") and that your PC's WiFi is enabled.

The main limitation is that Miracast can be slower than HDMI for video playback or gaming — you may notice a delay of a quarter-second or more. If your TV is far from your router or your WiFi signal is weak, the connection may drop or lag. For everyday tasks like browsing or watching videos, this is usually not noticeable.

Chromecast: a separate device for any TV

Chromecast is a small device made by Google that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. Once set up, you can stream your PC screen to it wirelessly. Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your LG TV, plug its power cable into a nearby outlet, and follow the on-screen setup instructions on your phone or PC to connect it to your WiFi network.

To stream your PC screen, open Chrome on your computer, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. Your PC screen appears on the TV. You can also cast individual tabs or windows instead of your whole screen. Chromecast costs between $30 and $50 depending on the model and is widely available at electronics retailers.

Chromecast works with any TV that has an HDMI port, including older LG models that do not support Miracast. The downside is that you need to buy the device and set it up once. Like Miracast, it streams over WiFi, so it can lag or drop if your signal is weak. Chromecast is also designed mainly for streaming apps and videos — if you want to use your PC normally (typing, clicking, gaming), the lag may be annoying.

Steam Link for gaming

If you mainly want to play games from your Steam library on your TV, Steam Link is a free app that streams only your games, not your entire desktop. read the Steam Link app on your PC, launch it, and it walks you through connecting to your TV. Once set up, you can sit on your couch with a controller and play games that appear on the TV while your PC stays in another room.

Steam Link is optimized for gaming, so it has less lag than Miracast or Chromecast when you are playing. It only works with games in your Steam library, not other programs or your desktop. You also need a controller (a standard Xbox or PlayStation controller works) or a keyboard and mouse to use it. Steam Link is free and works on most modern LG TVs, but you may need to read the app from LG's app store first.

LG SmartShare for photos, videos, and music

If your LG TV is a Smart TV (one with built-in apps and internet), it may have SmartShare, LG's own media streaming feature. SmartShare lets you browse photos, videos, and music files stored on your PC and play them on your TV. It does not stream your entire screen — only the media files you select.

To use SmartShare, make sure your PC and TV are on the same WiFi network. On your LG TV, open the SmartShare app (or look for "Media Player" or "File Manager" in the TV's app menu). Select your PC from the list of available devices, browse to the folder with your photos or videos, and select what you want to watch. SmartShare is convenient if you have a large photo library or home videos you want to view on the big screen, but it is not useful if you want to use your PC normally or play games.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If your PC does not appear in the Miracast list, restart both your PC and TV, then try again. Make sure your PC's WiFi is on and your TV's Miracast setting is enabled in its network menu. If the connection keeps dropping, move your PC closer to your router or reduce interference from other devices (microwaves and cordless phones can interfere with WiFi).

If you see your TV in the list but the connection fails, check that you are using the same WiFi network on both devices. Some networks with a separate guest WiFi will not let devices on different networks talk to each other. If you are using a 5 GHz WiFi network, try switching to 2.4 GHz instead — older devices sometimes have trouble with 5 GHz.

For Chromecast, make sure the device has power and is on the same WiFi network as your PC. If it is not showing up in Chrome's Cast menu, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you still cannot find it, open your router's settings and check that the Chromecast is connected to WiFi.

If you are using HDMI and the TV shows "No Signal," try a different HDMI port on the TV, or swap the HDMI cable for a new one (cables can fail). If the image appears but is stretched or cut off, right-click your desktop, select "Display settings," and adjust the resolution or scaling to match your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stream my PC to an LG TV without WiFi?

Yes. A direct HDMI cable works without any network. Miracast, Chromecast, and Steam Link all require WiFi. If you do not have WiFi or it is unreliable, use HDMI.

Does streaming lag when I play games?

HDMI has almost no lag. Miracast and Chromecast typically have a quarter-second to half-second delay, which is noticeable in fast games but fine for slower games or everyday tasks. Steam Link is optimized for gaming and has less lag than Miracast or Chromecast.

What if my LG TV is very old?

If it has an HDMI port, use a direct HDMI cable. If it does not support Miracast, buy a Chromecast device. If it does not have HDMI at all, you will need an older connection type like VGA or composite, which requires an adapter and is not recommended for modern PCs.

Can I use my TV as a second monitor while streaming?

Yes, with HDMI and Miracast. Right-click your desktop, select "Display settings," and choose "Extend" to use both screens at once. Chromecast and Steam Link mirror only your screen or games, not extend it.

Is there a way to stream without buying extra hardware?

Yes. HDMI requires only a cable (under $10). Miracast is free and built into Windows. Chromecast, Steam Link, and SmartShare require either a device or a Smart TV. If you have none of these, HDMI or Miracast are your free options.

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.