How to Connect Your PC to a TV Wirelessly

The simplest wireless connection methods for your PC and TV

You can connect a PC to a TV wirelessly using one of three main methods: Miracast (built into Windows), Chromecast (if your TV has Google TV or you own a Chromecast device), or AirPlay (if you have a Mac and an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV). The method you use depends on what hardware you already own and what your TV supports. Most people find Miracast the fastest option if their TV has it, because it requires no extra devices or accounts.

Before you start, make sure your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your TV's settings or the manual to see which wireless methods it supports — this is usually listed under "Connectivity" or "Wireless" in the TV menu. If your TV doesn't support any of these methods, you can buy a Chromecast device (about $30) or a Fire TV Stick (about $40) and plug it into an HDMI port instead.

Key Takeaways

Miracast is the fastest option for Windows PCs and works with most modern TVs without needing extra devices or setup.
Your PC and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you attempt any wireless connection.
If your TV doesn't support wireless connection, a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick plugged into an HDMI port costs $30–$40 and works with almost any TV.
Miracast and Chromecast both let you mirror your entire screen or cast just one window, depending on what you're doing.

Connecting via Miracast on Windows

Miracast is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you don't need to install anything. Open the Settings app on your PC (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), then go to System > Display > Multiple displays. Scroll down and click Connect to a wireless display. Windows will search for nearby devices for about 10 seconds.

When your TV appears in the list, click it. Windows will send a connection request to your TV — you may see a prompt on the TV asking you to accept the connection. Once you accept, your PC screen will appear on the TV. If nothing appears on the TV after 30 seconds, go back to the Connect to a wireless display screen and try again; sometimes the first attempt times out.

After you connect once, your TV will stay in Windows' device list. The next time you want to connect, you can use the faster method: press Windows key + K, then click your TV's name. This opens the quick connection menu and usually connects in under 10 seconds.

Using Chromecast if your TV has Google TV built in

If your TV has Google TV or Android TV built in, it has Chromecast support. Open any app on your PC that supports casting — Chrome browser, YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos all work. Look for a Cast button (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) in the top right or in the menu.

Click the Cast button. A menu will appear showing nearby devices. Click your TV's name. For browser tabs and photos, your entire screen will appear on the TV. For apps like Netflix or YouTube, only that app will show on the TV, and you can keep using your PC for other things while the video plays.

If you don't see a Cast button in an app you want to use, that app doesn't support casting. In that case, you can cast your entire screen instead: open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, click Cast, then select Cast tab or Cast entire screen depending on what you need.

Setting up a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick if your TV doesn't have wireless

If your TV doesn't support Miracast or Chromecast, buy a Google Chromecast (about $30) or Amazon Fire TV Stick (about $40) and plug it into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. Both devices are small and plug directly into the HDMI slot without needing an extra cable.

For Chromecast: plug it in, turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged it. Follow the on-screen setup steps, which will ask you to connect the Chromecast to your Wi-Fi. Once it's set up, use the Cast button in Chrome or other apps exactly as described above.

For Fire TV Stick: plug it in, switch to that HDMI input, and follow the on-screen setup. You'll need an Amazon account to complete setup. Once finished, you can cast from your PC using the Alexa app or by opening supported apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify) and looking for a Cast or AirPlay button.

Troubleshooting when your PC won't connect

If your PC finds the TV but the connection fails, the most common cause is that they're on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your PC's Wi-Fi network name in the bottom right corner of the taskbar, then check your TV's network in its settings. They must match exactly. If they don't, disconnect your PC from its current network and connect to the same network as your TV.

If both devices are on the same network but still won't connect, restart both. Turn off your TV completely (not just standby), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your PC, go to Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays and click Refresh. Try connecting again.

If you're using Miracast and the connection keeps dropping after a few minutes, move your PC closer to the TV or router. Miracast is sensitive to distance and interference. If the TV is far from your router, the signal may be weak. Moving 10 feet closer often fixes this.

Choosing between mirroring your whole screen and casting a single app

When you connect wirelessly, you have two options. Mirroring (or "casting your entire screen") shows everything on your PC — your desktop, all open windows, and anything you click. This is useful for presentations, showing photos, or playing games. The downside is that anything you do on your PC shows on the TV, including notifications and private messages.

Casting a single app (available in Chrome, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and others) shows only that one app on the TV while your PC stays private. You can keep working on your PC while the video or music plays on the TV. This is the better choice for watching shows or listening to music while you work.

To switch between them: if you're mirroring your whole screen and want to cast just one app instead, disconnect from the TV, open the app you want, click its Cast button, and select your TV. If you're casting one app and want to see your whole screen, use the Cast button again and select "Cast entire screen" instead.

Why your TV might not appear in the connection list

If your TV doesn't show up when you search for wireless devices, first check that it's actually turned on and not in standby mode. Some TVs turn off their wireless radio when in standby to save power. Press the power button on the remote to fully wake it.

Next, confirm your TV supports the wireless method you're trying. Check the TV's manual or go to the manufacturer's website and search for your model number plus "wireless casting" or "Miracast". If it doesn't support any wireless method, you'll need a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.

If your TV supports wireless but still doesn't appear, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. Then turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Try searching again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wireless connection if my PC and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network to connect wirelessly. If your PC is on a guest network and your TV is on the main network, they won't find each other. Connect both to the same network first.

Does wireless casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Wireless casting uses your local Wi-Fi network but doesn't require internet. If you're mirroring your screen or casting a video you've already downloaded, no internet is needed. If you're casting a YouTube video or Netflix show, it uses internet just like watching on your PC would.

Why does my screen lag or stutter when I cast to the TV?

Lag usually means your PC is too far from the router or TV, or there's interference from other devices. Move closer to the router, or try turning off other Wi-Fi devices nearby. If you're mirroring a video game, wireless casting may not be fast enough — use an HDMI cable instead for gaming.

Can I cast audio only, without showing my screen?

Yes, if you're using Chromecast or a Fire TV Stick. Open Spotify, YouTube Music, or another music app, click the Cast button, and select your TV. Only the audio will play on the TV speakers, and your PC screen won't appear. Your PC screen stays private.

What if I want to use both my TV and my monitor at the same time?

You can. Wireless casting doesn't disable your monitor — your PC will show the same thing on both screens. If you want different content on each screen, you'll need to use an HDMI cable to the TV instead, then go to Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays and choose "Extend" instead of "Duplicate".

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.