Modern users are often faced with the need to transfer images from a computer monitor to a large TV screen. This may be required to watch movies in high definition, show presentations to colleagues, or share photos with your family. Android TV offers a wide range of built-in tools for solving this task, but sometimes standard methods require additional configuration or the use of third-party software.
Mirroring capabilities depend on the version of the operating system installed on your device, as well as on the technical characteristics of the video card in computer. Some users mistakenly believe that a cable is required for this, but modern technologies make it possible to transmit a video stream over Wi-Fi with minimal latency. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the current connection methods, their advantages and implementation nuances.
Before you start setting up, make sure that both devices - your PC and TV - are connected to the same local network. This is a fundamental requirement for the operation of most wireless protocols, such as Miracast and Google Cast. If the router distributes the network at frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, try to connect gadgets to one of them, preferably to 5 GHz for greater throughput.
Wireless broadcasting through the built-in functionality of Windows
The Windows 10 and 11 operating system has native support for wireless display technology. This method does not require installation of additional software if your TV supports the standard Miracast. To get started, you need to activate the signal reception mode on the TV itself. In the Android TV application menu, look for an item with a name like "Screen Mirroring", "Wireless Display" or "Cast".
After activating the mode on your TV, go to your computer's settings. Press the key combination Win + K on your keyboard. The system will automatically start searching for available devices within the range of your network. Once your TV's name appears in the list, click on it to initiate the connection. The pairing process may take from several seconds to a minute depending on the channel load.
In some cases, when connecting for the first time, a request to confirm access may appear on the TV screen.
Use the remote control to allow the connection, otherwise the computer will not be able to transmit the video signal.
After a successful connection, the image from the monitor will be duplicated on a large screen.
⚠️ Attention: If the TV does not appear in the list of available devices, check your Windows Firewall settings. Sometimes the built-in defender blocks incoming network discovery requests, considering them potentially dangerous.
To reduce latency (lag) when wirelessly broadcasting games or videos, try to place the router as close as possible to the TV and computer, avoiding thick concrete walls between them.
The quality of the picture with such a connection directly depends on the power of your Wi-Fi module and the absence of interference on the air. If you notice out-of-sync audio and video or "squares" in the image, try lowering the output resolution in the Windows projection settings. Click Win + P and select the "Second Screen Only" mode, if you do not need to see the picture on the PC monitor, this can unload the video card.
Using Google Chromecast technology through the browser
If the built-in Windows tools do not work or your TV does not support Miracast, the Google ecosystem will come to the rescue. The browser Google Chrome equipped with a powerful tool for casting content on any device that supports Chromecast built-in, which includes almost all modern Android TVs. This method is especially useful when you need to show the contents of a specific tab or the entire desktop.
Open the Chrome browser on your computer and click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the menu. Select "Cast" from the drop-down list. A device search window will open in front of you. By default, the browser offers to cast the current tab, but we need to change this setting to fully cast the system.
- 📺 Click on the "Sources" button in the casting menu.
- 💻 Select the "Cast desktop" option.
- 🖥️ Click on your name TV in the list of detected devices.
- ✅ Confirm the selection of the window for demonstration in the system dialog.
This method creates a stable video stream, which is encoded by the browser and transmitted over the network.
The advantage is cross-platform: you can even connect a Mac or Linux computer.
However, the load on the processor may increase, since video encoding occurs in software mode.
It is worth noting that when broadcasting the entire desktop, audio may not be transmitted by default. To fix this, in the same Sources menu, make sure that the "Broadcast Tab" option is selected, with the "Broadcast Audio" checkbox enabled if the content is in the browser. For system sounds, when you select "Desktop", you may need to additionally configure the audio output in the Windows volume mixer, redirecting the sound to a virtual capture device.
Specialized applications for screen mirroring
When standard tools are unstable or require too complex settings, third-party applications come to the rescue. They often use their own codecs and data transfer protocols, which allows them to achieve better performance on weak networks. One of the most popular solutions is the application LetsView or AirScreen (installed on TV).
The installation process usually looks like this: you download the client part on your PC and the server part on your TV via the Google Play Store. After launching both applications, they automatically find each other on the network. The interface of such apps is often more user-friendly and contains additional functions, such as mouse control from a remote control or screen recording.
| Application | License type | OS support | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LetsView | Free | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | High quality, no watermarks |
| AirScreen | Freemium | Android TV | Emulates AirPlay and Miracast on TV |
| ApowerMirror | Paid/Trial | Windows, Android | Control PC from TV, screen recording |
| TeamViewer | For personal use | All platforms | Full remote access, not just video |
The use of third-party software is justified if you need specific functions.
For example, the ability to draw on the screen during a presentation or invert controls.
Also, such applications often do a better job of transmitting audio in both directions.
⚠️ Attention: Free versions of popular mirroring applications often have session time limits or impose a watermark on the image. Carefully review the license terms before installing.
Why may applications perform better than system tools?
Third-party developers often use more modern video compression codecs, such as H.265, which require less network bandwidth while maintaining high-quality images, while Windows system tools may use outdated algorithms.
Wired connection via HDMI cable
Despite the development of wireless technologies, a cable connection remains the “gold standard” of reliability and quality. If your TV and computer are in close proximity, using a cable HDMI will ensure image transmission in maximum resolution (4K and higher) without any delays or data compression. This is an ideal option for gamers and movie buffs.
To connect, you will need a standard HDMI cable. Insert one end into the video output of your computer's video card and the other into an available HDMI port on your TV. After the physical connection, switch the signal source to the TV by pressing the Input or Source button on the remote control and selecting the appropriate port number. The computer should automatically detect the new display.
☑️ Checking the HDMI connection
In the Windows screen settings, you can select the display mode.
The "Duplicate" mode will show the same image on both screens.
The "Extend" mode will allow you to use the TV as a second independent monitor.
If the image looks stretched or unclear, go to the screen settings (Right mouse button on the desktop → Screen settings) and set the recommended resolution for your TV. Also check the refresh rate in the additional settings of the adapter - for modern TVs, the optimal value will be 60 Hz or higher if the panel supports 120 Hz.
Setting up audio when broadcasting an image
A frequent problem when connecting a PC to a TV is the lack of sound or its playback through the computer speakers instead of the TV speakers. The operating system does not always automatically switch the audio output device when you connect a new display, especially when connected wirelessly. You can solve this problem through the sound control panel.
Right-click on the speaker icon in the Windows tray and select "Open sound options" or "Sounds". In the "Output" section, find your TV in the list. It may appear under its model name or as a digital audio device (S/PDIF, HDMI Output). Set it as the default primary device.
- 🔊 Make sure the volume level on the TV is not set to zero.
- 🔇 Check to see if the Mute button on the remote control is pressed.
- ⚙️ In the advanced sound settings, turn off any enhancement effects if the sound wheezes.
When using Miracast technology, sound is transmitted along with the video stream.
If you are using an HDMI cable, the audio goes through the same cable in digital format.
In the Chrome browser, sound must be turned on separately in the broadcast source menu.
Correct setting The default audio device in Windows solves 90% of problems with no sound when connected to a TV, without requiring reinstallation of drivers.
⚠️ Attention: Some older TV models may not support multi-channel audio (5.1 or 7.1) over certain types of wireless connections. In such cases, the sound will be automatically converted to stereo.
Solving common problems and delays
Even with the correct settings, users may experience image artifacts, connection dropouts, or high input lag. Most often, the reason lies in congestion of the Wi-Fi channel or incompatibility of protocol versions. If the picture is fading, try to free up the airwaves by turning off other devices that actively consume traffic.
If the computer does not see the TV at all, check the network profile settings in Windows. The network must be defined as "Private" and not "Public". In a public profile, the system blocks detection of security devices, which prevents broadcast functions from working. You can change this in the network and Internet settings.
Update your video card drivers to the latest version.
Manufacturers often add support for new broadcast standards in software updates.
Rebooting the router can also help eliminate temporary routing errors.
What to do if the sound lags behind the video?
Try lowering the broadcast resolution in the projection settings. It will also help to switch the TV to "Game" or "PC" mode, which disables unnecessary image post-processing that creates a delay.
If all else fails, reset the network settings on both devices. On a TV, this can be done in the settings menu by deleting the current network and connecting again. On a PC, use the network reset command in Settings or through Command Prompt with Administrator rights. Sometimes accumulated DNS cache errors prevent the correct detection of devices on the local network.
Why does the broadcast work with a delay?
Delay (lag) is inevitable during wireless transmission, since the video signal must be compressed, transmitted over the air, received and decompressed by the TV. This process takes time. Using an HDMI cable eliminates this problem completely, since data transfer occurs instantly.
Is it possible to broadcast audio separately from the image?
Yes, in the Windows sound settings you can select an output device other than the image output device. For example, the picture can go to the TV via HDMI, and the sound can go to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones connected to the PC if the appropriate settings are selected in the volume mixer.
Does my TV support Miracast?
Most TVs with Android TV 8.0 and higher have built-in support. For models with older versions of the OS or other systems (Tizen, WebOS), you may need to install a receiver application from the app store or purchase an external Chromecast set-top box.
How to improve picture quality when connected wirelessly?
Use a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX) and connect devices to network 5 GHz. Avoid using Wi-Fi signal extenders as they often cut your speed in half. Also close unnecessary applications on your PC that consume Internet traffic.
Is it safe to use third-party applications for broadcasting?
Applications from the official Google Play Store undergo security checks. However, be careful when using unknown software from websites. Avoid entering personal data in suspicious apps and check the permissions that the application requests during installation.