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The easiest way to play PC games on a smart TV is HDMI if your computer is nearby. It gives you the lowest latency and works with almost any Windows game. If running a cable is impractical, use Steam Link for Steam games or Sunshine and Moonlight for games from Steam, Epic, Xbox, Battle.net, GOG, and other launchers. If you do not want to use your own gaming PC, use a supported cloud-gaming service such as GeForce NOW.
A smart TV generally does not run arbitrary Windows .exe games itself. It either acts as a display, receives a stream from your PC over the home network, or connects to a remote cloud-gaming service.
Choose the right method
| Your situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The PC and TV are close enough for a cable | HDMI | Lowest latency, widest compatibility, and no streaming compression |
| You mainly play games in Steam | Steam Link | The simplest local-streaming setup |
| Your games use several PC launchers | Sunshine + Moonlight | More flexible than Steam Link and supports desktop streaming |
| You do not own a capable gaming PC or do not want to leave it running | Cloud gaming | The game runs on a remote server instead of your computer |
| Your TV lacks the required app | External streaming device | Android TV/Google TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, or NVIDIA SHIELD can add compatible apps |
For competitive games, rhythm games, or any title where immediate controls matter, choose HDMI whenever possible. Local streaming can be very good, but it adds capture, encoding, network, decoding, and controller delay. Cloud streaming adds internet latency on top of that.
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For HDMI
- A Windows gaming PC with an available HDMI or DisplayPort output
- A TV with a suitable HDMI input
- An HDMI cable, or a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter/cable that supports your target resolution and refresh rate
- A controller, keyboard, or mouse
- Game Mode or the TV’s equivalent low-latency picture mode
For Steam Link
- Steam installed, updated, running, and signed in on the gaming PC
- The Steam Link app on the TV or an attached streaming device
- The PC and TV client on the same local network for normal home streaming
- A compatible controller
Steam says Remote Play can stream video and audio from a gaming PC to TVs, Android TV devices, Apple TV, phones, tablets, and other supported platforms. Check the official Steam Remote Play page and your TV’s app store because availability varies.
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- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
For Sunshine and Moonlight
- Sunshine installed on the gaming PC
- Moonlight installed on the TV or an external client device
- A GPU and operating system capable of hardware video encoding
- A stable home network
- A controller paired with the client device or connected through a supported USB path
- Windows Firewall access for Sunshine
Sunshine supports hardware encoding on AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs. Its official documentation covers Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD, but operating-system capabilities differ. The project currently identifies Windows 11 as its supported Windows host baseline. See Sunshine’s project page and official setup guide.
For cloud gaming
- A supported smart TV or external streaming device
- A compatible controller
- A cloud-gaming account and any required subscription
- Reliable internet service with suitable latency to the provider’s data center
- Ownership or subscription access to the games, where required
Method 1: Connect the gaming PC to the TV with HDMI
HDMI is usually the best answer when the PC is near the TV. The PC renders the game and sends the picture and sound directly to the television. This works with games from Steam, Epic, the Xbox app, Battle.net, GOG, emulators, mods, and almost any other Windows source that runs on the computer.
- Connect the PC’s HDMI output to an HDMI input on the TV. If the graphics card has only DisplayPort, use an appropriate DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable or adapter.
- Select that HDMI input on the TV.
- On Windows, press
Win + P. - Choose Duplicate to show the same image on both screens, Extend to use the TV as another display, or Second screen only to use the TV as the primary display.
- Open Settings > System > Display, select the TV, and choose the desired resolution and refresh rate.
- Enable the TV’s Game Mode or equivalent low-latency setting.
- Start Steam or another launcher. Steam Big Picture mode can make couch navigation easier.
- Connect the controller to the PC, or use a wireless receiver with enough range to reach your seating position.
If the image appears but sound comes from the monitor, open Windows sound settings and select the TV or HDMI audio device as the output.
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HDMI compatibility details
- 4K/120 Hz: The GPU, TV input, cable, adapter, and game settings must all support the required signal. A cable advertised as “gaming” does not guarantee this.
- HDR: Enable HDR in Windows, the TV, and the game. If the desktop looks washed out, test with HDR disabled and then configure each component consistently.
- Game opens on the wrong monitor: Temporarily make the TV the primary display, use borderless-window mode, or move the window with
Win + Shift + Left ArroworWin + Shift + Right Arrow. - DisplayPort-only GPU: Verify that the adapter supports the resolution and refresh rate you want; basic adapters may not support 4K/120.
Method 2: Stream Steam games with Steam Link
Steam Link is the easiest local-streaming option for a Steam library. Your PC still runs the game; Steam sends its video and audio to the TV and returns controller input to the PC. The computer normally needs to remain powered on and awake, and the game must be installed there.
- Install the Steam Link app from the TV’s app store or from a supported streaming device.
- Update Steam on the gaming PC, open it, and sign into the relevant account.
- Open Steam Link on the TV.
- Select the detected computer.
- Enter the pairing code shown on the TV into Steam on the PC if prompted.
- Run the network test and follow its recommendations.
- Pair the controller with the TV or streaming client, unless the app specifically requires another arrangement.
- Select Start Playing. Steam Link normally opens Steam’s controller-friendly Big Picture interface.
Steam Link is designed around Steam. You can expose the Steam desktop or add a non-Steam application, but Epic, Xbox PC, Battle.net, and other launchers may require extra navigation and sometimes a keyboard and mouse. It does not make an underpowered PC capable of running a demanding game.
Improve Steam Link performance
- Connect the gaming PC to the router with Ethernet.
- Use Ethernet or strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the TV client instead of congested 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Stop large downloads, backups, and other traffic while playing.
- Enable the TV’s Game Mode.
- If the stream stutters, lower its resolution, frame rate, bandwidth, or image-quality setting.
For setup guidance on supported TV and streaming devices, see NVIDIA’s Steam Link guide for SHIELD.
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- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Method 3: Stream games from any PC launcher with Sunshine and Moonlight
Use Sunshine and Moonlight when Steam Link is too limited. Sunshine runs as the host on the PC; Moonlight is the client on the TV or streaming device. You can configure Steam, individual games, Epic, the Xbox app, Battle.net, other launchers, or the Windows desktop.
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- Download Sunshine from the official LizardByte project.
- Install it with the current Windows installer and start the service.
- Open
https://localhost:47990in a browser on the gaming PC. - Create or record the Sunshine web-interface credentials.
- Allow Sunshine through Windows Firewall when Windows asks.
- Use Sunshine’s application settings to add Steam, the desktop, individual games, or other launchers.
- If Windows virtual-controller emulation is needed, install or repair ViGEmBus through Sunshine’s troubleshooting interface.
Pair Moonlight
- Install Moonlight from your TV’s app store or on a compatible external streaming device.
- Open Moonlight and select the gaming PC when it appears.
- Moonlight displays a PIN. Enter that PIN in Sunshine’s web interface to pair the client.
- Select Steam, Desktop, or a configured game.
- Pair the controller with the Moonlight client and start the stream.
Moonlight availability is platform-specific. The related Sunshine client list identifies clients for platforms including Android, LG webOS TV, and Samsung Tizen TV, but you should search your TV’s own app store rather than assume support. If Moonlight is unavailable, use a compatible external streaming device.
Start with conservative settings
Begin at 1080p, 60 fps, moderate bitrate, and H.264 or HEVC according to client support. Enable Game Mode, use Ethernet for the host if possible, and use Ethernet or strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the client. Move to 1440p, 4K, HDR, or 120 fps only after confirming that the host encoder, network, client decoder, and TV can handle it.
Sunshine’s documentation emphasizes stable latency, low variation, and minimal packet loss. A fast connection measured in Mbps can still perform badly if Wi-Fi interference, bufferbloat, or packet loss causes inconsistent delivery. Consult Sunshine’s troubleshooting documentation when diagnosing a stream.
Method 4: Use cloud gaming directly on the TV
Cloud gaming is different from Steam Link and Moonlight: a remote data center runs the game, while your TV receives the video stream. This is useful when your PC is unavailable, underpowered, or not owned.
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GeForce NOW supports selected LG and Samsung TVs, Android TV or Chromecast devices, and supported gamepads. NVIDIA’s list currently covers selected 2020–2025 LG and Samsung models, but exact compatibility depends on model, firmware, region, and service availability. Check the current GeForce NOW requirements before relying on a built-in TV app.
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NVIDIA publishes these bandwidth guidelines:
| Target | Published bandwidth guidance |
|---|---|
| HD up to 60 fps | 15 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 25 Mbps |
| 4K at 60 fps | 40 Mbps |
| 4K at 120 fps | 45 Mbps |
NVIDIA also recommends Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi and less than 80 ms latency to its data center. These are requirements or recommendations, not guarantees of lag-free play. Plans, queues, resolution limits, supported storefronts, game catalogs, and 4K features vary by region and membership tier. Some games also require separate ownership or a linked store account.
TV-specific options
Samsung
Samsung Gaming Hub is integrated into 2022-and-newer Samsung Smart TVs and provides access to supported partners including GeForce NOW, Xbox, Amazon Luna, Utomik, Blacknut, and Boosteroid. Availability varies by model, region, provider, and account. See Samsung Gaming Hub and its support information.
Gaming Hub is not a way to stream games installed on your own PC. It accesses supported cloud services. Samsung also requires an account for network-based smart services, while HDMI connections remain available without using those services.
LG
LG’s webOS Gaming Portal provides access to cloud-gaming services on supported TVs. Controller menus and supported devices vary by model and firmware; LG documents controller setup in its webOS gaming guide. Verify the exact TV model and current firmware rather than relying only on its purchase year.
Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV
These platforms may support Steam Link, Moonlight, GeForce NOW, or other clients, but app and controller support differs. Check the device’s current app store before buying hardware. Prefer Ethernet where available, and be cautious with inexpensive or older devices if you want 4K/120, HDR, high-bitrate HEVC, or demanding controller use.
Network and low-lag settings
For local streaming, use this layout whenever possible:
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- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Gaming PC — Ethernet — Router — Ethernet or strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi — TV/clientThe most important factors are stable latency, packet loss, Wi-Fi interference, the host’s encoder, the client’s decoder, and controller reliability. Advertised internet speed alone does not predict local-streaming quality.
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- Turn on TV Game Mode. It reduces display processing delay but cannot remove network, encoding, decoding, or controller delay.
- Use Ethernet for the gaming PC whenever practical.
- Use Ethernet or strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the TV or streaming device.
- Start at 1080p/60 and raise quality gradually.
- Use H.264 if HEVC decoding is unstable; use HEVC if reducing bandwidth is more important and the client supports it reliably.
- Keep the controller close to the TV/client, or use a wired connection while diagnosing problems.
- Treat HDR and 4K/120 as compatibility targets, not automatic features. Every part of the chain must support them.
Troubleshooting
The TV cannot find the PC
- Confirm both devices are on the same LAN, not separate guest networks.
- Disable VPNs temporarily.
- Check Windows Firewall and confirm the host service is running.
- Restart Steam or Sunshine, the TV app, and the router.
- Where supported, manually add the PC’s local IP address in Moonlight.
- Try HDMI. If HDMI works, the PC is probably fine and the problem is the network, host service, or client app.
The picture stutters or freezes
- Connect the PC to the router by Ethernet.
- Move the client to Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Reduce resolution, frame rate, or bitrate.
- Stop downloads and cloud backups.
- Check packet loss and latency variation, not just a speed test.
- Try H.264 if HEVC decoding is unreliable, or HEVC if bandwidth is the bottleneck.
The controller is not detected
- For local streaming, pair the controller with the TV or streaming client first.
- Use a USB cable to separate Bluetooth problems from application problems.
- Update controller firmware and remove duplicate Bluetooth pairings.
- In Steam, test the relevant Steam Input profile.
- For Sunshine on Windows, install or repair ViGEmBus if virtual-gamepad emulation is required.
- Temporarily disconnect other controllers from the host so the streamed controller is recognized correctly.
Xbox Wireless Controllers and PlayStation DualSense or DualShock 4 controllers are among the gamepads NVIDIA lists for GeForce NOW, but support still depends on the client and service. See the Xbox controller page and DualSense page for hardware details.
The game launches to a black screen
- Launch the game directly on the PC once so first-run setup can finish.
- Add the game or launcher explicitly in Sunshine.
- Try streaming the desktop first.
- Try borderless-window mode.
- Check that the game is using the intended GPU.
- Disable conflicting overlays.
- If HDR is involved, test SDR first.
NVIDIA similarly advises running newly installed games once on the PC before streaming because installation or first-run configuration may not be complete. See its PC streaming setup guidance.
There is no sound
With HDMI, select the TV or HDMI audio device in Windows. With local or cloud streaming, check the app’s audio output, the TV volume, and whether the TV is connected to a soundbar or receiver that is receiving the selected input.
HDR looks washed out
Disable HDR on both ends and test SDR. If SDR works, confirm HDR is enabled in the host operating system, game, streaming client, and TV picture mode. HDR requires compatible host capture, encoding, client decoding, and TV support; a 4K stream does not automatically include HDR.
Controls feel delayed
Enable Game Mode, use HDMI if possible, connect the host and client by Ethernet, reduce stream settings if the system is overloaded, and test the controller over USB. Cloud gaming can feel less responsive even with a fast connection if latency to the provider is high or Wi-Fi is congested.
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Other ways to play
- Handheld PC: A Steam Deck or similar handheld can run games locally and connect to the TV through a dock or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.
- Mini PC: A small Windows PC connected permanently by HDMI avoids smart-TV app limitations.
- Console: Some PC games also exist on Xbox or PlayStation, although this changes the hardware, purchase, and account ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play PC games on a TV without a console?
Yes. Connect the PC by HDMI, stream it locally with Steam Link or Sunshine and Moonlight, or use a supported cloud-gaming service.
Does my PC need to stay on for Steam Link or Moonlight?
Yes. Local streaming uses your PC to render the game, so it normally must be powered on, awake, connected to the network, and running the host software.
Can I play Epic Games or Xbox PC games on a smart TV?
Yes, with HDMI or usually Sunshine and Moonlight. Steam Link can work with non-Steam launchers, but it may require adding the application and using a keyboard or mouse.
Can I play PC games without an internet connection?
HDMI can work without internet if the game itself supports offline play. Local streaming needs a functioning home network, while cloud gaming requires internet access.
Do I need a subscription?
HDMI, Steam Link, Sunshine, and Moonlight do not require a separate cloud-gaming subscription, although you still need the games and any required accounts. Cloud services have their own plans, catalogs, and ownership rules.
Quick Recap
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