How to Project Your Android Phone Screen to Windows 11 Wirelessly

Whether you need to display vacation photos to family on a larger monitor, demonstrate a mobile app workflow during an office video conference, or stream mobile media directly to your desktop speakers, mirroring your smartphone screen is a valuable capability. While many third-party screen-sharing applications exist, they often require installing suspicious companion software on your PC, require USB debugging, or introduce noticeable video latency.

In Windows 11, Microsoft includes a native, hardware-accelerated Wireless Display receiver based on the industry-standard Miracast protocol. Using this feature, you can project your Android phone or tablet screen wirelessly to your Windows 11 PC or laptop in seconds without third-party utilities.

Requirements for Wireless Display Projection

Before establishing a connection, verify that both devices satisfy standard hardware prerequisites:

• Wi-Fi Network: Both your Windows 11 PC and your Android device should be connected to the same local Wi-Fi network (preferably a 5 GHz band for smooth, low-latency video streaming).
• Miracast Support: Most modern Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm laptops and desktops with Wi-Fi adapters support Miracast natively.
• Android Screen Cast Support: Native Android devices from Samsung (Smart View), Google Pixel (Cast), Xiaomi (Cast), OnePlus, and Motorola support Wi-Fi Direct screen mirroring.

Step 1: Install the Wireless Display Optional Feature in Windows 11

In clean installations of Windows 11, Microsoft leaves the Wireless Display receiver app uninstalled by default to conserve disk space. You can activate it via Windows Optional Features in a few clicks:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left sidebar, click System, then select Projecting to this PC on the right panel.
3. If the settings are greyed out and display a prompt stating the feature is required, click Optional features (or navigate to Settings > Apps > Optional features).
4. Beside Add an optional feature, click the View features button.
5. Type Wireless Display into the search box.
6. Check the box next to Wireless Display and click Next, then click Install.
7. Wait for Windows 11 to download and install the package (approximately 30 MB).

Step 2: Configure Windows 11 Projection Permissions

Once the installation finishes, return to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC to configure security policies:

1. Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you allow them: Change this dropdown from Always Off to Available everywhere on secure networks (recommended for home and office networks).
2. Ask to project to this PC: Select First time only or Every time a connection is requested based on your preference.
3. Require PIN for pairing: Set this to First time to ensure nearby unauthorized devices cannot mirror their screens to your laptop without your approval.
4. Click the blue text link labelled Launch the Wireless Display app to project to this PC. A blue full-screen receiver window opens displaying your computer’s network name (for example, “LAPTOP-WORK is ready for you to connect wirelessly”).

Step 3: Connect and Cast from Your Android Device

With the Wireless Display application listening on your Windows 11 monitor, initiate the cast from your phone:

1. Swipe down twice from the top of your Android screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap the screen mirroring tile:
   • On Samsung Galaxy devices: Tap Smart View.
   • On Google Pixel and standard Android: Tap Cast (or Screen Cast).
   • On Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others: Tap Cast or Wireless Display.
3. Your Android device scans the local network and lists your Windows 11 computer name.
4. Tap your computer’s name in the list.
5. If prompted on your Windows 11 screen, accept the connection prompt and enter the 8-digit PIN displayed on your monitor into your phone.
6. Within three seconds, your Android screen mirrors live onto your Windows 11 desktop window.

Tips for Optimal Mirroring Performance

To enjoy smooth playback and prevent input lag while mirroring:

• Toggle Full-Screen or Windowed Mode: Press Alt + Enter on your Windows keyboard to toggle the Wireless Display app between full-screen and a draggable desktop window.
• Audio Routing: Windows 11 automatically streams your Android phone’s audio through your PC speakers or connected desktop headphones.
• Disconnecting: When finished, swipe down on your phone’s notification shade and tap Disconnect, or simply close the Wireless Display window on your Windows 11 computer.