4 Ways to Stream from Computer to TV

There are tons of tools available that enable streaming from one device to another. These tools help project whatever content you are streaming from either phone or computer to your TV. Most newer versions of Smart TVs are built to connect automatically to your computer wirelessly.

Nonetheless, there are other ways to stream from a computer device to a TV. This article will be recommending ways to stream from computer to TV.

How to Stream from Computer to TV Via Cable

Stream Computer to TV using HDMI

Connecting your computer through a cable to a TV is one of the most prominent ways to cast your screen. And since most TVs and PCs come with an HDMI port, it makes it all easy.

  • Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the computer
  • Then the other end to the port at the back of the TV
  • Proceed to switch the TV source to the HDMI channel

Usually, most TV has to HDMI source tagged HDMI 1 and HDMI2. Note the source you plugged the cable into and switch to it.

An HDMI cable transmits video, so your TV screen will mirror whatever is on the computer screen. In addition, an HDMI transmits sound; you will also hear whatever is playing through the TV’s speakers.

If your computer does not have an HDMI port, you can check out other recommendations below.

How to Stream from Computer to TV Via Chromecast

Stream Computer to TV Using Chromecast

You can use Chromecast to mirror your screen using Google smart dongles. Alternatively, if your TV set is running on Andriod TV, that means it features a casting capability.

Hence, you can send windows over it from either your Windows or MacOS. Note that for this to be possible, the windows must be chrome tabs.

To mirror your screen using Chromecast:

  • Open the Chrome Menu
  • Click on the three dots at the top right corner of the menu
  • Navigate to the Cast option and click on it
  • Select your Chromecast from the list of available cast devices

Using Chromecast is flexible. Your current screen on your computer will appear on your TV once the connection is successful. You can switch tabs and apps; however, the Chromecast will show the initial tab you cast from.

The downside to the method of casting your screen is Lag. If the content of whatever you are streaming is heavy, there might be a delay in transmission. Hence, this method is suitable for websites and picture viewing instead of videos. However, you can still cast some video sites using Chromecast directly, e.g. Youtube.

Youtube comes with a Chromecast button available on each Youtube video. This works the same way as casting content from your phone to a TV, so the video streaming on Youtube will mirror directing from the web to your TV screen.

Although Chromecast does not have the same functionality as an HDMI cable for customization, it serves its purpose. You can stop casting your screen with just a click on the Chromecast button from the toolbar, click on the device and select the stop casting option.

How to Stream from Computer to TV Via Roku

Roku, just like Chromecast, can mirror your computer screen on your TV. This is possible using a protocol by Roku known as Miracast.

Miracast is a built-in technology that comes with the newest Roku devices and Windows 10. Mirroring your screen using Roku is relatively easy on a Windows computer than on a Mac.

For macOS users, you will need a third-party app to integrate Roku.

If you are using a Windows computer,

  • Open the Action Center by clicking on the notification icon on the right corner of the taskbar.
  • If your Roku device is powered up and on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, the device will appear on the list.
  • Click on the device and approve the request on your Roku device to start mirroring.

In addition, you can manage, add and block devices connected to your Roku. Instead of sending a request every time you want to mirror your screen, you can opt to approve all future requests from the same device. You can do this from your Roku device:

  • Go to Settings from the main Roku menu
  • Click on the main menu and select System
  • Then click on screen mirroring

Using this method as described above, you can also enable and disable screen mirroring.

How to Stream from Computer to TV Via AirPlay

Stream Computer to TV via Airplay

Screen mirroring via AirPlay is suitable for Apple users. If you use a MacOS and have an Apple TV, streaming from your computer to TV will be seamless.

Once your AirPlay device is connected to the same Wi-Fi networks as your Mac, your AirPlay device will appear when you click on the AirPlay button in the menu bar.

You can then choose your AirPlay device, and your screen will automatically extend to include your TV.

However, if your AirPlay device is yet to be configured to your TV, you can do that by;

  • Open the Apple Menu
  • Select System Preferences
  • Then click on Displays

Note that you can choose to mirror your Mac screen on the TV or use it as an extension to your desktop.

Conclusion

Casting or screen mirroring content from your computer to TV is a seamless process. Mostly, all that is required is configuration.

As mentioned above, most latest smart TV comes with the features to cast your screen effortlessly without any external device.

However, if your TV set does not have this feature, you can use any of our recommendations above.