How to Connect Your PC to a TV Wirelessly

The simplest wireless connection methods for your PC and TV

You can connect your 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 — you do not need to buy anything extra if your TV and PC are recent models.

The fastest route for most people is Miracast, because it comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 at no cost. If your TV was made in the last five years, it likely supports Miracast already. If it does not, a Chromecast device (a small stick you plug into the TV's HDMI port) costs around $30 and works with any PC.

Key Takeaways

Miracast is the easiest option for Windows users because it requires no extra hardware or apps — just a TV made after 2015 and a PC running Windows 10 or later.
Chromecast works with any PC and any TV with an HDMI port, but requires buying a Chromecast device or owning a TV with Google TV built in.
All wireless methods work best when your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network and within 30 feet of each other.
Wireless connections can lag slightly during gaming or video playback — if that bothers you, a wired HDMI cable remains the most reliable option.

Connecting with Miracast on Windows

Miracast is the built-in wireless display feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11. To use it, your TV must support Miracast — most TVs made after 2015 do, but check your TV's manual or settings menu if you are unsure. Your PC and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

On your PC, open the Settings app and go to System > Display > Advanced display settings. Scroll down and click Connect to a wireless display. Windows will search for nearby devices. When your TV appears in the list, click it. Your TV will show a prompt asking you to allow the connection — accept it on the TV remote. Your PC screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are and the TV still does not show up, restart both devices and try again. Some older TVs require you to enable Miracast in the TV's settings menu first — check your TV's manual for the exact steps.

Using Chromecast with any PC

Chromecast works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. You need either a Chromecast device (plugged into your TV's HDMI port) or a TV with Google TV built in. Both your PC and the Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

read the Google Chrome browser on your PC if you do not have it already. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Cast. A window will open showing available devices. Click your TV or Chromecast device from the list. Your PC screen will appear on the TV.

If you want to cast only a single browser tab instead of your entire screen, right-click the tab and select Cast. This uses less bandwidth and is useful if you want to keep other windows private. To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select Stop casting.

Connecting a Mac to a TV with AirPlay

If you own a Mac, you can use AirPlay to connect wirelessly to an Apple TV or to certain smart TVs that support AirPlay (Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio models made after 2018 often include it). Your Mac and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your Mac screen (it looks like a rectangle with sliders). Select Screen Mirroring. A list of available devices will appear. Click your TV or Apple TV. If prompted, enter the AirPlay code shown on your TV. Your Mac screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

What to do if your TV does not support wireless connection

If your TV is older or does not support any wireless standard, you have two options. The cheapest is to buy a Chromecast device or Roku Streaming Stick — both plug into an HDMI port and cost $25 to $50. These devices handle the wireless connection for you, so your TV does not need to support anything beyond HDMI.

The other option is to use a wired HDMI cable, which connects your PC directly to the TV. This eliminates wireless lag entirely and is the best choice if you plan to game or watch video frequently. Most PCs have an HDMI port; if yours does not, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (around $15).

Troubleshooting common wireless connection problems

If your PC and TV are not finding each other, the most common cause is that they are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the 2.4 GHz band — some older devices do not work well on 5 GHz.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your PC and TV closer together. Wireless display signals weaken over distance and through walls. If they are already close, restart both devices and try again. If you are still having trouble, check that your TV's firmware is up to date — manufacturers often release updates that fix wireless connection issues.

For Miracast specifically, if Windows says "No wireless displays or docks found," your TV may not support Miracast even if it is recent. Check your TV's manual or settings menu. Some TVs require you to turn on Miracast in the settings before it will appear in Windows.

When to use wireless versus wired connection

Wireless connection is convenient because you do not need cables running across your room. It works well for watching videos, browsing the web, or giving presentations. However, wireless can introduce a slight delay (usually under 100 milliseconds) that you may notice during fast-paced games or when typing.

Use a wired HDMI cable if you game frequently, edit video, or need the absolute lowest lag. Use wireless if you mostly watch streaming content, browse, or want the flexibility to move your PC around without unplugging cables. Many people use both — wireless for everyday use and a cable plugged in and ready for gaming sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to connect my PC to my TV wirelessly?

Not if your TV was made after 2015 and you have a Windows PC — Miracast is free and built in. If you have a Mac, you need an Apple TV or a TV that supports AirPlay. If your TV is older, a Chromecast device costs around $30.

Can I use wireless connection while gaming?

Yes, but you may notice a slight delay (lag) that makes fast-paced games harder to play. For casual games or turn-based games, wireless works fine. For competitive shooters or action games, a wired HDMI cable is better.

Why does my PC keep disconnecting from the TV?

The most common causes are that your PC and TV are too far apart, on different Wi-Fi networks, or that your TV's firmware is outdated. Move them closer, check that both are on the same network, and update your TV's software through its settings menu.

Can I use wireless connection to watch Netflix or YouTube on my TV?

Yes. Miracast, Chromecast, and AirPlay all work with streaming apps. Open the app on your PC and cast it to your TV. The video will play on the TV while your PC acts as a remote control.

What if my TV has an HDMI port but no wireless capability?

Buy a Chromecast device or Roku Streaming Stick and plug it into the HDMI port. These devices handle the wireless connection, so your TV does not need to support anything beyond HDMI.

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.