How to connect a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi

In the previous article we presented the most common ones. The main emphasis was placed on options that involve the use of wires. Now we’ll talk about how to connect a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi. It should be said right away that there are several options for connecting a computer to a TV via wifi and we will look at several of the most popular.

What is required for a wireless connection?

As you know, Wi-Fi involves exchanging data over a radio channel, therefore, in order to connect a computer to a TV using it, both devices must be equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module. Most modern Smart TVs optionally support this technology. However, even if your TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module, a wireless connection will still be possible; to do this, you just need to purchase a special Wi-Fi adapter at any computer store. The same applies to a computer, which will also need a similar adapter.

As for laptops, everything is somewhat simpler here, since almost all of them have a built-in Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi adapter is sold in two variations - in the form of a PCI card with an antenna built into the system unit or an external USB module. The second option is more common.

Note: to avoid problems when connecting and setting up a wireless connection, you should buy adapters from the same manufacturer as your TV.

It should be noted that the image quality is affected by the version of the Wi-Fi standard supported by the modules. Therefore, in order to avoid freezes and poor pictures, it is advisable to choose a high-speed version, for example, the current solution would be IEEE 802.11n, which has a wide bandwidth, thanks to which the image from the computer monitor will be transmitted to the TV screen without loss of quality. Also, for a wireless connection via Wi-Fi, it is advisable to update the driver versions for all network devices.

How to connect a computer to a TV via a Wi-Fi router using DLNA technology

So, as you already understand, before you connect your computer to your TV via a wireless Wi-Fi network, you need to make sure that both devices are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi modules. If there are none, then you need to purchase them. Now, to organize a wireless connection, you need to combine your TV and computer into a single local network, and a Wi-Fi router will help you with this.

Note: Connection will not be possible if your TV does not support DLNA technology. Make sure this function is available by studying the technical documentation of the TV. If you bought your Smart TV within two years, then DLNA support will most likely be present.

There are two options for connecting a computer to a TV using a Wi-Fi router. The first involves connecting the TV to a local network by performing the following steps: From the remote control, enter the TV menu, go to the “Network” item, then open the “Network Settings” tab. In the window that appears, find and activate the “Wireless connection” item. A list will appear in front of you in which you need to select your Wi-Fi network. After some time, you will be asked to enter your access password.

For routers with WPS technology, there is an even easier connection method. In the TV settings, find the item (WPS/PBC), then press the WPS button on the router and hold it for a while until the connection is established.

Speaking about how to connect a computer to a TV via a wireless WiFi router, we should also talk about the second connection option, which involves using a special program. To establish a connection this way, first connect your computer to the router. Now go to the TV settings menu and turn on the wireless network.

Note: if you have difficulties turning on the wireless network on your TV or you cannot find the corresponding section, carefully study the documentation of your TV; it will definitely contain detailed instructions. We cannot provide any specific instructions or screenshots in this case, since much depends on the model of your TV.

After connecting the TV to the network, you can go to the computer settings. If you did everything correctly, then both devices should be on the same network, but in order to display the image from the computer on the TV screen, you will need to install a special program. There are quite a few similar applications and they are all absolutely free. The most popular ones include the following: AllShare (Samsung Link), Samsung PC ShareManager, SmartShare, Serviio media server, Plex Media Server, Home media server, etc. You can choose any program based on personal preferences, although some recommend taking into account the brand of TV when choosing such an application.

So, we decide on the program, download it and install it on the computer. Open the application and immediately go to the settings, where you need to assign a device that will play the content, that is, select your TV. In addition, the settings indicate the connection type and image format. All these settings are made in the “Media Resources” section. By clicking on the green plus sign, we add a new directory, indicating the folder with the necessary information. The interface may differ depending on the program, but in all cases it will be extremely simple, so you should not have any problems connecting your computer to your TV via wireless WiFi.

How to connect a computer to a TV without a router

You can organize a home network without using a router. In this case, the laptop or computer will act as an access point. You can configure the connection between your computer and TV in several ways:

• By creating connections in the PC management console.
• Using the command line.
• Through a special program, for example, Virtual Router Plus.

It should be said that for greater reliability it is better to use the built-in Windows tools; moreover, this option is stable. In addition, you do not need to clutter the registry with various programs. Connecting via the command line is the simplest, and therefore this is the option we will consider.

Launch the command line with administrator rights. If your computer has an operating system installed, then to launch the command line you need to press the Win+X key combination. After this, a menu will appear in front of you, in which you need to select “Command Prompt (Administrator)”. For computers with an operating system, this process will be slightly different. Press the Win+R keys at the same time, type CMD in the window that appears and press Enter.

On the command line you need to enter the following: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=My_virtual_WiFi key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent . Press “Enter”, after which the home network will be created and all that remains is to launch it. This is done by entering the following code into the command line: netsh wlan start hostednetwork.

Perhaps this is where we will finish listing ways to connect a computer to a TV via WiFi. If you still have any questions or you still haven’t managed to connect to the TV, write to us through the “ask a specialist a question” section and we will try to solve your problem.