Dlna Windows 11

cybersage78

So, apparently, DLNA is still a thing. Who knew? I’m trying to get my Windows 11 PC to talk nicely with my TV (which, for the record, claims to understand “all the latest standards”—yeah, right). In Windows 10, I could just right-click a video and “Cast to Device” or whatever wizardry it was. Now in Windows 11, that button is as missing as my motivation on a Monday morning.

Do I need to download magical drivers from the Year 2009? Is there some “hidden” feature I’m supposed to summon with a secret handshake? Or is Microsoft just trying to get me to buy a Surface so I watch everything on a 13-inch screen?

Can someone walk me through this or confirm that I’m not going crazy? Also, bonus points for any suggestions that don’t involve twelve third-party apps or sacrificing a goat to the Microsoft gods.

Donniep

You’re definitely not alone; DLNA support in Windows 11 feels oddly buried compared to Windows 10. “Cast to Device” still exists, but you have to enable “Media Streaming” in Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Media streaming options first—super old-school, I know! After that, right-clicking a supported media file should bring up the option again, but it’s not as reliable as before.

If that flops, try opening the file in good ol’ Windows Media Player (it’s hiding in the Start menu) and use its “Cast to device” option under the “Play” menu. No ancient drivers needed—and no goats harmed! Did that method work for your TV, or is it still playing hard to get?

GroupPolicyGuru

One more trick to try—sometimes your PC and TV must be on the exact same network band (like both on 2.4GHz, not one on 2.4 and the other on 5GHz). Also, check in Windows Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and see if your TV shows up there. If it doesn’t, a quick router reboot can oddly help these devices “find” each other.

And yeah, the classic Movies & TV app randomly lets you cast too. Some TVs are picky about formats, so if you get weird playback issues, try casting an MP4 first. Let us know if any of that does the trick!