How to Use Miracast on Windows: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to send the image from your PC to a TV or projector wirelessly, Windows offers several ways to project wirelessly. Miracast is the one that sounds the most on computers with Windows 10 and Windows 11, and allows you to mirror what you see on your computer to another compatible display.

In this practical guide you will learn What is Miracast, how it works and How to use it on Windows step by stepWe'll also review projection modes, configuration options, projecting to another PC, connecting via WiGig hubs, and key points you should know to avoid problems.

What is Miracast, what is it for and its limits?

Miracast is a wireless streaming protocol. Designed to allow two compatible devices to detect each other and display one screen on top of the other. Its purpose is mirroring: seeing on a TV, monitor, or projector the same thing that appears on the transmitting device's screen.

This standard was born as a wireless alternative to HDMI: does not send an app or file in the background, but it mirrors in real time what you do on the source device. Therefore, if you play a movie from your laptop or mobile phone, you'll need to keep its screen active because what's being projected is a mirror of the original.

On the technical side, Miracast relies on Wi‑Fi Direct for point-to-point connection of devices. You don't need both devices to be on the same home network for it to work: the connection can be created directly between the transmitter and receiver. Many guides recommend sharing the same Wi-Fi for convenience, but it's not a requirement of the protocol.

In terms of quality, it allows video up to Full HD (H.264) and 5.1 audioThe connection is encrypted with WPA2-PSK and supports DRM, so you can stream protected content between compatible devices while maintaining data protection in the process.

The least favorable point is that Miracast only serves to mirror screens. and reliability This may vary: in some environments or with certain certified devices, users report interruptions or difficulties. Alternatively, there are technologies like Google Cast or DLNA, which in some cases allow content to be sent without having to mirror the entire desktop.

How to use Miracast on Windows (Windows 10 and Windows 11)

Windows integrates several functions for projecting. The Windows + K key combination opens the broadcast panel and allows you to choose the wireless display you want to connect to. You can also access it from Settings and other system shortcuts, as you'll see below.

Requirements and basic compatibility

You need a Windows 10 or 11 PC with Miracast support and a compatible display (TV, monitor, or projector). If your TV doesn't have built-in support, you can use a Miracast dongle or adapter. connected to HDMI and TV power.

In addition to Miracast, Windows can also work with WiGig bases for wireless connection to displays. If your device supports WiGig, you'll see a dedicated control in Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode. Connect the dock to the display, turn it on, and connect it from your PC.

Project from PC to TV, monitor or projector

First of all, turn on the target display and if you are using a Miracast adapter, make sure it is connected to the correct HDMI port and select the input on the TV or projector. Wait a few seconds for the receiver to become ready.

Quick option with shortcut: press Windows + K and choose the device from the list, for example to mirror your PC wirelessly. If it is the first time, a prompt will appear on the destination screen to accept the connection.. Confirm it, and as soon as the link is established, you'll see your desktop on the other screen.

Via search and display settings: In the Windows search bar, type 'Cast' and select 'Connect to a wireless display'. Within Display Settings, under Multiple Displays, you will find the button to connect and select your compatible TV or projector.

In Windows 10 you can also go to Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other devices > Wireless display or baseThe system will search for nearby receivers and, once selected, will automatically begin screening.

Choose how you want to display the desktop

To change the display mode, press Windows + P and select the display behavior. This is useful if you want to duplicate or extend your desktop, or use only one of your displays.

Goal	Mode
Use it only on the PC monitor	PC screen only
Display the same thing on both screens	Double
Extend your desktop to have more space	Extender
View it only on the external display	Only the second screen

This adjustment is immediate and will help you work better: for example, Extend allows you to drag windows between displays, ideal for presentations or multitasking with several apps.

Connect to a WiGig base

If you have a WiGig base, the procedure is very straightforward: Turn on the TV or projector, turn on the base and confirm that the wiring to the screen is correct.. Check that your PC supports WiGig by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode (a dedicated control will appear).

Then, press Windows + K and choose the dock from the list of devices. Follow the steps on the screen if confirmations are requested.Otherwise, the connection will be ready in a few moments.

Project to another Windows PC (turn a PC into a wireless display)

Windows 10 and 11 allow a computer to act as a receiver. To do this, you must first install the optional projection feature if it isn't already present. Go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features and click on View features.

Search for 'Wireless Display' or 'Wireless Projection', check the box, and select Install. When you're done, go to System > Project to this team to adjust your receiving preferences.

On this screen, you can decide whether your PC is available 'everywhere' or only on secure networks, and whether you want to be asked for confirmation every time or only the first time. You can also leave the PIN for pairing disabled. If you prefer convenience, you'll still have to accept requests on the receiving device.

To receive the projection, open the Connect app (search for 'Connect app' in the search box) and keep it in the foreground. Now, from the sending PC, press Windows + K and choose the receiving PC to project onto it.

Send other devices to your PC

If you are going to send a mobile screen Android to your PC, activate the previous function on the computer (Project to this computer) and open Connect or, if you prefer, try control the Android screen with scrcpy. On your phone, use the function share screen (sometimes called Cast, Screen Cast or similar).

On phones like some Xiaomi phones, swipe to open the quick menu and tap the Cast button. When your PC is detected in the list, select it to start mirroring.. Accept notifications that appear on the device receiving the projection.

Useful shortcuts and routes depending on your version of Windows

In Windows 11, a very convenient way is to press Windows + K and choose the display. You can also open Display Settings and use the Connect to a wireless display option. within Multiple Screens.

In Windows 10, in addition to Windows + K, you can open the Action Center (speech bubble icon next to the clock) and tap Connect. If you don't see the button, tap Expand to show all quick actions.From there, go to Project to this computer when you want to receive content.

Usage tips and important notes

Miracast works via Wi‑Fi Direct, so It is not essential to be on the same network. Still, having both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi can simplify discovery in some environments.

Remember that it is a mirroring system: the transmitter screen must remain activeIf you lock your PC or close the laptop lid (depending on your settings), the projection will be interrupted.

If you're getting errors when sending to a TV or projector, try projecting to a Windows 10/11 PC as the receiver to rule out issues. This test helps to identify if the fault is in the Miracast receiver or in the transmitting equipment..

On some devices, the support may be uneven. This is because Not all manufacturers maintain Miracast with the same priority, and over the years, more widespread alternatives have emerged, such as Google Cast or DLNA. If your TV displays messages like "This device does not support Miracast reception," you may need to consider an adapter or upgrade your equipment.

Models and platforms that continue to offer Miracast

Although several manufacturers have moved toward other protocols, many televisions and systems still integrate this feature or implementations based on it. Some manufacturers include it as 'Screen Share'. within their signal input menus.

As examples of equipment with this function, there are models with different diagonals, OS and resolutions. A 55-inch 4K TV can incorporate Miracast to mirror your mobile phone., allowing you to enjoy the content of the smartphone in large format, while offering you apps like Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ if it is Smart TV.

There are also 32-inch options where, In addition to Miracast, the TV supports HDR and image processing to improve brightness, contrast, and color in demanding scenes. It's a practical diagonal for kitchens or bedrooms due to its size and power consumption.

If you prefer wired connectivity in addition to wireless, There are models that combine Miracast with HDMI ports and USB 2.0, and that use systems Android TV recent for easy handling. Check the specifications to see if your specific model includes Miracast, as this may vary within the same brand.

Step-by-Step Projection: Alternative Routes and Key Options

1. Turn on your TV, projector, or external display. If you use a Miracast dongle, connect the HDMI and power and select the correct font on the screen.
2. On your PC, press Windows + K and choose the device you want to connect to. You can also search for 'Stream' in the start menu. and open 'Connect to a wireless display' from Display Settings.
3. If a notification appears on the TV or receiver, accept the requestSome receivers ask for confirmation the first time to pair.
4. To adjust how it looks, use Windows + P and choose between PC Only, Duplicate, Extend, or Second Display Only. Extend mode gives you more workspace.

If you prefer to set it up from Settings in Windows 10: go to Devices > Add Bluetooth or other devices > Wireless display or base. Select your receiver, accept the permissions, and you're done.

Configure your PC to receive projections

1. Open Action Center in Windows 10 (icon next to the clock) and tap Connect. Then, go to 'Project to this team' to configure availability.
2. In the drop-down menu, choose whether your PC will be available everywhere or only on secure networks. Decide if you want it to ask only the first time or always..
3. The PIN option for pairing can be left disabled to speed up the connection. You will still need to confirm on the receiving device. when another PC wants to project.
4. When the incoming connection prompt appears, press Yes. The remote desktop will be displayed on your screen. in seconds.

If you don't see the 'Project to this PC' option, install the 'Wireless Display' feature from Settings > Apps > Optional features > View features. After installation, return to the System > Project to this computer section to manage permissions and availability.

WiGig: Another way to connect your PC to a display wirelessly

There are devices that, in addition to Miracast, support WiGig bases for wireless video. Check support in Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode, where a WiGig control appears if available.

To use: Turn on the display and base, check the connections, and press Windows + K on your PC to select the base. If additional prompts are displayed on the screen, follow them.. When there are no more steps, the projection will remain active.

Good practices and troubleshooting

Update graphics and network drivers if the connection fails or drops. If your PC doesn't find the receiver, restart the dongle or the TV. and search again using Windows + K. Changing the receiver's network mode or moving the devices closer together may help.

If your computer says it doesn't support Miracast, check the compatibility of your wireless adapter and GPU. In some cases, an external Miracast dongle resolves the lack of support. integrated into older televisions or projectors.

When the receiver supports multiple protocols (e.g., Miracast and others), it may appear with different names in the search. Select the entry that corresponds to 'wireless display' or 'Miracast' and avoids overlapping simultaneous connections with other protocols.

Remember that the typical maximum quality is 1080p. If you notice latency, reduce interference (brings equipment closer, frees up saturated channels) and avoids saturated networks near the projection area.

You have at hand a complete guide to take advantage of Miracast in Windows. Between shortcuts like Windows + K, mode management with Windows + P, and options like 'Project to this computer', you can duplicate or extend your desktop on televisions, projectors or even another PC, and use WiGig bases if your hardware allows it; keep in mind its mirroring limits and dependence on each device's compatibility to get the best experience.