Share Your Screen Wirelessly: Casting to Another Windows PC
Sharing your Windows 11 screen wirelessly to another PC is simple with the built-in Connect app.
Screen casting lets you send your computer’s display to a different device, like showing your desktop on another monitor without any wires. One Windows computer becomes a second screen for your main one, mirroring whatever you see.
This Connect app works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It uses technology called Miracast, which needs both computers to be on the same Wi-Fi network to work well.
To cast your screen wirelessly to another Windows PC, first install the “Wireless Display” optional feature on the receiving PC via Settings > System > Optional features. Then, on the sending PC, press Windows key + K to open the Cast panel and select the receiving PC from the list.
Turn on the Wireless Display Feature
To cast your Windows screen to another PC, the receiving computer needs the Wireless Display feature turned on. This feature lets your PC accept wireless screen sharing from other devices, essentially acting as a receiver. You can add it through Windows Settings by going to System, then Optional features.
- On the Windows 11 PC you want to project to, click the Start button.
- Select Settings (the gear icon).
- In Settings, click System on the left.
- Scroll down and click Optional features. This is where you add extra Windows tools.
- Under “Add an optional feature,” click View features.
- A search box will appear. Type
Wireless Display. - You should see “Wireless Display” in the list. Put a checkmark next to it.
- Click Next, then click Install.
On the Windows 11 PC you want to project to, install the ‘Wireless Display’ optional feature. Start by clicking the Start button, then selecting Settings (that gear icon). In Settings, navigate to System on the left menu. Scroll down and select Optional features. Click ‘Add an optional feature,’ then ‘View features.’ Type ‘Wireless Display’ into the search box, select it from the list, and click Next, then Install. Windows will download and install the feature, which takes about one to two minutes, shown by a progress bar.
Set Up Projection Settings
The Wireless Display feature lets you set up your PC to accept incoming screen casts through the ‘Projecting to this PC’ settings. This feature controls which devices can share their screen with your computer. You can find these options by going to Settings, then System, and then clicking ‘Projecting to this PC’.
- After installation, go back to Settings > System.
- Scroll down and click Projecting to this PC.
- Here, you’ll see options. The main one is “Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC when you tell them to.” You can choose if it’s available Everywhere or only On the same network (this is safer).
- You can also choose if your PC needs a PIN to connect. It’s a good idea to use a PIN if you’re in a public place.
Start the Wireless Display App
The Wireless Display app prepares your PC to receive a screen cast. This app tells your computer that your PC is ready to connect wirelessly. You can find and open the Wireless Display app by clicking the search icon on your taskbar and typing ‘Wireless Display’.
- On the receiving PC, click the Search icon on your taskbar (it looks like a magnifying glass).
- Type
Wireless Display. - Click on the Wireless Display app when it shows up.
The app will open. It might say your PC is ready to connect wirelessly. It might even show your PC’s name, which is what the sending computer will look for.
Important Note: The Wireless Display app is built into Windows 11, version 22H2 and newer. If you have an older version, you might need the “Connect” app. To check your version, go to Settings > System > About and look under “Windows specifications.” If you need the Connect app, search for Connect in the taskbar search and open it.
Step 2Connect Your 🪟 Windows 11 PC
Your receiving PC is now ready for screen sharing. From the other PC, you can initiate sending your screen. This step begins the wireless casting process, letting your selected content display on the second computer.
Start the Cast
Quickly start casting your Windows screen to another PC by pressing the Windows key + K on your keyboard. This shortcut opens a panel that searches for available wireless displays on your network. Find the name of the PC you want to connect to in this panel to begin sharing your screen.
- On the Windows 11 PC you want to project from, press the Windows key + K together.
- A Cast or Connect panel will slide out from the right side of your screen.
- This panel will look for wireless displays on your network.
- Find the name of the PC you set up in Step 1. It should be in the list.
- Click the name of the receiving PC.
Your PC will try to connect. You might see “Connecting…” If you set up a PIN on the receiving PC, you’ll be asked to type it in on the sending PC now.
Another Way: Use Display Settings
If the Windows key + K shortcut doesn’t work for starting a cast, you can also connect to a wireless display through your PC’s Display settings. Right-click on your desktop and select ‘Display settings’, then scroll down to the ‘Multiple displays’ section. Click ‘Connect to a wireless display’ to find and connect to other devices.
- On the PC you’re projecting from, right-click on your desktop and choose Display settings.
- Scroll down to the Multiple displays section.
- Click Connect to a wireless display.
- Windows will look for devices. Pick the name of the PC you want to connect to.
If a target PC for screen projection does not appear, verify these conditions: Ensure the target PC’s Wi-Fi connection is active. Confirm the Wireless Display application on the target PC is open. Confirm both the sending and target PCs connect to the identical network. Restarting the Wireless Display application on the target PC often makes the target PC appear for casting.
Step 3Choose How to Show Your Screen
Once connected, your screen will appear on the other PC. But how do you want to show your screen? Windows offers different ways to manage how your displays are used.
Understanding Display Modes
When casting your Windows screen to another PC, you can choose how your display appears using the ‘Project’ menu, which you can open by pressing Windows key + P. This menu offers different display modes, such as ‘PC screen only’ to show your screen on your main monitor, or ‘Duplicate’ to show the same thing on both screens.
- Press the Windows key + P on your keyboard.
- A menu will pop up on the right side of your screen with these options:
- PC screen only: Shows your screen only on your main monitor.
- Duplicate: Shows the same thing on both screens. Good for presentations.
- Extend: Makes the receiving PC an extra screen for your computer. You can drag windows between them.
- Second screen only: Turns off your main screen and only shows on the receiving PC.
Step 4Stop Sharing Your Screen
To stop sharing your Windows screen, you need to disconnect from the wireless display connection. You can do this easily by pressing Windows key + K again and clicking the ‘Disconnect’ button next to the connected PC’s name. Alternatively, you can disconnect through your PC’s Display settings.
- Press the Windows key + K again.
- In the Cast panel, you’ll see the name of the PC you’re connected to.
- Click the Disconnect button next to its name.
You can also disconnect through Display settings:
- Right-click on your desktop and choose Display settings.
- Scroll down to the Multiple displays section.
- Click Disconnect next to the name of the wireless display.
The connection will end, and your screen will stop showing on the other PC.
Summary
Sharing your Windows 11 screen wirelessly to another PC is a handy way to collaborate, allowing you to easily connect, share, and disconnect your display.
How do I project to a Wireless Display in 🪟 Windows 11?
To project your screen to a Wireless Display in Windows 11, make sure both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network and install the ‘Wireless Display’ optional feature on the receiving PC.
How do I enable input Wireless Display on 🪟 Windows 11?
To enable Wireless Display input on Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Optional features. Click "View features," search for "Wireless Display," and install it. This allows your PC to receive screen casting from other devices using Miracast technology.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 have Miracast built in?
Yes, Windows 11 has Miracast technology built-in. You can enable the Wireless Display feature through Optional Features in Settings. Once installed, your Windows 11 PC can act as a receiver for screen casting from other Miracast-compatible devices.
Can I connect to a projector wirelessly?
Yes, you can connect to a projector wirelessly if it supports Miracast or if you use a Miracast adapter. Ensure your Windows PC is on the same Wi-Fi network as the projector or adapter. Then, use the Cast feature (Windows Key + K) to connect.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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