- There are both wired and wireless methods for streaming content from Windows 11 a Smart TV.
- The quality and ease of connection depends on the technology available on the PC and television.
- Miracast, DLNA, Chromecast, and HDMI are the most common and supported options.
Connect the computer with Windows 11 to a Smart TV to watch movies, work or enjoy video games on the big screen is an increasingly frequent need. The available options depend not only on your computer and TV, but also on your needs and the type of connection you prefer.. That's why, here you'll find a detailed and up-to-date guide, covering all the wired and wireless methods, integrating best practices and recommendations to make the process easy and hassle-free.
From classic HDMI cables and the most common adapters, to wireless technologies such as Miracast, DLNA, Chromecast or integration with multimedia devicesWe'll explain everything step by step so you don't have to search any further. Here, you'll learn how to identify the best option for your equipment, solve common problems, and achieve the highest picture and sound quality.
Wired connection: the classic and most reliable options
Wired connection remains the preferred option for those seeking the best picture and sound quality.. the hdmi It is the current standard, but there are still alternatives such as VGA, DVI, RCA or even adapters for USB-C and scart connector on older televisions.
Connecting via HDMI is as simple as joining both devices with the corresponding cable, turn them on and select the HDMI source on the TV using the remote (usually with the "Input" or "Source" button). Windows usually detects the new display and configures it automatically, although you can adjust the settings by going into Settings > System > Display.
- Conventional HDMI: Ideal for high quality image and soundIf your TV or PC doesn't have standard HDMI, there are adapters such as USB-C to HDMI, microHDMI to HDMI, or even VGA/DVI to HDMI.
- VGA and DVIThese connections only send video, so you'll need additional audio cables (3.5mm or RCA) for sound. These are inexpensive options, although the quality is lower and they're less common on modern equipment.
- RCA and SCART: Very limited use and low quality, but useful with older TVs. They require specific adapters to convert the signal from VGA or HDMI.
The main drawback of the cable is the need for both devices to be close together or to have a long cable. Modern connections, such as HDMI 2.0 or 2.1, allow for 4K and even 8K resolutions, so if you're looking for the the best experience, opt for good quality cables and check the compatibility of your devices.
Wireless Connection: Freedom and Convenience with Miracast, DLNA, and More
If your goal is to avoid cables by giving priority to the comfort and a cleaner aestheticWireless connections are the best choice. Here are the most common options:
- Miracast: Native technology in Windows 11 (and 10) and many modern Smart TVs. Allows you to mirror your PC screen to your TV using WiFi Direct. To start streaming, simply press Windows+K and select your TV (make sure both are connected to the same network and that Miracast is enabled on the TV). It is Ideal for viewing content, working or sharing presentations.
- Connection via DLNA/media servers (Plex, Serviio): DLNA is a universal technology for sharing multimedia files (videos, music, photos) over the local network. Install a server like plex o Serviio On your PC, select the folders you want to share and access them from your TV using the "media server" option. Perfect for wireless access to your personal library.
- Google Cast (Chromecast) and similar devices: If you have a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Android TV Box or Apple TV, you can stream from apps compatible (such as YouTube, Netflix, Chrome) or mirror the entire desktop to the TV. With these devices, integration is fast and versatile., just install the device in the HDMI of the TV and follow the instructions.
- Screen Share and proprietary technologiesBrands such as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Xiaomi, RCA, and Sony integrate their own mirroring systems, based on or compatible with Miracast, Smart View, Screen Mirroring, or WiDi. The way to activate them is generally similar: look for the "Screen Share" or "Screen Mirroring" option on your TV and select your TV from the device menu in Windows.
Advantages and disadvantages: A wireless connection allows you to place your PC wherever you want, but it depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi network. If there are many devices connected or the signal is weak, latency may increase or quality may decrease. However, for most home uses, the experience is satisfactory if the TV and the router are close.
Tutorial: Stream your screen from Windows 11 step by step
We show you, in a simple way, how to project your PC screen to your Smart TV using Miracast (or compatible technologies):
- Turn on your TV and make sure Miracast, Screen Share, or similar is enabled.
- Connect both your computer and TV to the same WiFi network (preferably the 5GHz band for best quality).
- On your Windows 11 PC, tap Windows+K and the menu of available devices will appear.
- Select your TV and accept the request on the TV if necessary.
- Choose the display mode: you can mirror screen (mirror), extend it to work with multiple desktops, or use only the TV as the primary monitor (this is configured with the shortcut Windows + P).
If your PC doesn't detect the TV or vice versa, check that both are compatible with Miracast and are properly connected to the network. If necessary, install the optional “Wireless Display” feature from windows settings.
Solutions using external devices: Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, TV Box, wireless HDMI adapters
If your TV isn't smart or doesn't support Miracast, there are a variety of devices that make streaming easier:
- Chromecast/Google TV: The most popular way to send content from Chrome and many apps (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video). Just connect the device to your TV's HDMI port and send it from your computer.
- Amazon Fire TV and Android TV Box: In addition to installing their own applications, they allow mirroring and multimedia streaming using apps or protocols such as Miracast, DLNA, or Google Cast.
- Apple TV: Ideal for users of Mac y iPhone with AirPlay, but also valid for mirroring the PC screen and accessing multimedia libraries.
- Wireless HDMI: There are adapters that allow you to send the HDMI signal from your computer to your TV wirelessly, acting as a wireless bridge. This is a practical option if you can't run long cables.
The choice of device depends on your habits and the services you use the most.For more details on connecting devices and getting the best experience, visit the full guide at How to download Chromecast for Smart TVs.
Compatibility and specific methods according to the Smart TV brand
Each manufacturer adds its own technologies, but most opt for universal protocols like Miracast or DLNA. Let's see how to connect Windows 11 to the major brands:
- Samsung: Use "Screen Mirroring" in your TV's network settings. From your PC, tap Windows+K and select your TV.
- LG: Activate "Screen Share" and repeat the above process. There's also "LG Smart Share" for sharing files from your PC.
- Panasonic, RCA, Sankey: They use Miracast and DLNA. Activate the corresponding option on your TV and connect from Windows.
- Xiaomi: Search for “Miracast” in your network settings and follow the same steps.
- Sony: Use “Screen Mirroring” or DLNA to share screen or files.
In all cases, Make sure the computer and TV are on the same network and that the TV software is up to date.If your model doesn't support any of these options, you can always resort to external devices.
Other options: share audio only or use your PC as a Smart TV
If you just want to transmit audio from your PC to your TV, a single cable is enough. 3.5mm jack cable or use Bluetooth if both devices support it. This is useful for using your TV as a sound system while you work or play music.
On the other hand, if you want your desktop monitor to act as a Smart TV, you just need to connect a device streaming (Fire TV, Chromecast, Mi Box, etc.) via HDMI and you will have access to applications, channels and services from the interface that these devices provide.
Extra tips and common problems
What to do if the TV does not detect the PC? Try restarting both devices, checking the Wi-Fi network, and updating the software. If wireless connectivity consistently fails, an HDMI cable or Chromecast is often the best backup solution. Keep in mind that some streaming platforms (such as Movistar Plus+) may have limited playback on your TV, so you may need to connect your PC via cable to view certain content.
Is it worth extending the screen or mirroring it? Extending the screen allows you to use your TV as a second monitor, taking advantage of the extra space to work or watch different content. Mirroring mode displays the same image on both screens, ideal for presentations and TV shows. Choose based on your needs, although mirroring is generally more stable and consumes fewer resources.
At present, Wireless connections have improved greatly thanks to WiFi 5 and WiFi 6, allowing you to stream high-quality video if you have all your devices updated and in the same room.
When it comes to screen sharing from PC to TV, there are alternative methods such as AirDroid Cast, VDO.Ninja or similar apps that allow you to send the image even outside the local network. These services are practical if you're traveling or need to share presentations with others, although they often involve some delay.
There are solutions for every scenario: from connecting a laptop to an old TV to enjoying the best quality on a next-generation Smart TV. The ease of use and quality of the experience will depend on your setup, but after exploring all the options, you're sure to find the one that best suits you.
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