Gone are the days when connecting a laptop to a conference room projector or a living room television required untangling HDMI cables and finding the correct adapter. Modern Windows 11 computers utilize a wireless display standard called Miracast.
Miracast acts as a virtual HDMI cable over Wi-Fi, allowing you to instantly mirror your desktop or extend it to a secondary screen without plugging in a single wire. This guide explains how to connect to a compatible smart TV, projector, or display receiver.
Prerequisites
Before attempting to connect, ensure both devices are prepared:
- The Windows 11 PC: Your computer must have a functional Wi-Fi adapter. Miracast relies on a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection, so it cannot function if your PC is solely connected via a wired Ethernet cable with the Wi-Fi card disabled.
- The Display: The television or projector must support Miracast natively (most modern Roku TVs, LG WebOS, and Samsung Smart TVs do) or have a Miracast dongle (like the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter) plugged into its HDMI port. Ensure the TV is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.
How to Connect to the Display
Windows 11 makes initiating the connection incredibly fast via the Quick Settings panel.
- Click the Network/Volume/Battery icon cluster on the far right side of your taskbar to open the Quick Settings panel. (Alternatively, press Windows Key + A).
- Look for the Cast button. If you do not see it, click the pencil icon at the bottom of the panel, click “Add,” select “Cast,” and click “Done.”
- Click the Cast button.
- Windows will scan the local area for available wireless displays. This usually takes 3 to 5 seconds.
- Click the name of your television or projector when it appears in the list (e.g., “LG webOS TV” or “Conference Room 1”).
Your computer screen will briefly flicker, and within seconds, your desktop will appear on the larger screen. Audio will also be routed to the television’s speakers automatically.
How to Change the Display Mode
By default, Windows usually “Mirrors” your display, meaning the exact same image is shown on both screens. If you want to use the TV as a secondary monitor for multitasking, you must change the projection mode.
- Press Windows Key + P to open the Projection menu directly.
- Select Extend.
Your television will now act as a completely separate monitor, allowing you to drag windows over to it while keeping your email open on your laptop screen. To end the session, simply open the Cast menu again and click Disconnect.