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How to Enable or Disable PIN for Projecting in Windows 11

Richard
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Richard
Oct 9, 2022 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
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    1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win+I.
    1. Click on System on the left sidebar.
    1. Select Projecting to this PC.
    1. Under Require PIN for pairing, choose Never, First Time, or Always.
Windows 11 settings button for system configurations
windows 11 new settings button
Windows 11 system settings tile for projecting options
windows 11 system tile
Windows 11 projecting to this PC settings tile
windows 11 projecting to this pc tile
Windows 11 settings for requiring PIN for projecting to this PC.
Windows 11 settings for requiring PIN for projecting to this PC.

Advanced Configuration: Registry Editor

Warning: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. This requires administrative privileges.
    1. Press Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter.
    1. Navigate to: 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MiracastReceiver
    1. Look for a DWORD value named RequirePinForPairing.
    1. Set the value to 0 for Never, 1 for First Time, or 2 for Always.

Summary

This guide has shown how to manage the Require PIN for projecting setting. By using these steps, you can control who mirrors their screen to your PC. Always ensure your system is updated to maintain the best compatibility with wireless display standards.

Why is my PIN not appearing when projecting?

If your PIN is not appearing when you try to project your screen in Windows 11, the most common reason is your network setting. Make sure your network is set to ‘Private’ instead of ‘Public’ for the PIN to show up correctly. If the PIN does not appear, ensure your network profile is set to Private rather than Public. Also, verify that the Wireless Display optional feature is correctly installed and that your firewall is not blocking Miracast traffic. Restarting both the host PC and the projecting device often resolves temporary handshake errors.

Is the projection PIN the same as my Windows login PIN?

No, the projection PIN is a temporary, randomly generated code used only for the wireless display pairing process. It is completely separate from your Windows user account login PIN or password. It is designed specifically to prevent nearby unauthorized devices from accidentally or intentionally connecting to your monitor.

The Windows 11 projecting PIN is a security code that stops random devices from wirelessly connecting to your computer screen. When you turn on this feature, your PC asks for a short PIN every time a new phone, tablet, or laptop tries to share its display using Miracast wireless technology.

You can turn this PIN requirement on or off in your main Windows settings . Setting it to ask for a PIN every time helps keep your private screen safe from nearby devices.

⚡ Quick Answer

Go to Settings , then System, and select Projecting to this PC. Under Require PIN for pairing, choose Never, First Time, or Always to control wireless display connections. This setting manages the PIN prompt for Miracast screen mirroring.

Prerequisites: Checking the Wireless Display Feature

Before you can use the PIN for projecting feature, ensure the Wireless Display feature is installed on your PC. This is a standard Windows 11 component that lets you connect to other devices wirelessly. Open Settings and navigate to Apps Optional features. Click View features next to Add an optional feature, then search for Wireless Display. If it is not listed, the component is missing from your system.
    1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Optional features.
    1. Click View features next to Add an optional feature.
    1. Search for Wireless Display. If it is not in the list, check your installed features list.

How to Change PIN Settings via Settings App

Note: This requires administrative privileges on your user account.
    1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win+I.
    1. Click on System on the left sidebar.
    1. Select Projecting to this PC.
    1. Under Require PIN for pairing, choose Never, First Time, or Always.
Windows 11 settings button for system configurations
windows 11 new settings button
Windows 11 system settings tile for projecting options
windows 11 system tile
Windows 11 projecting to this PC settings tile
windows 11 projecting to this pc tile
Windows 11 settings for requiring PIN for projecting to this PC.
Windows 11 settings for requiring PIN for projecting to this PC.

Advanced Configuration: Registry Editor

Warning: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. This requires administrative privileges.
    1. Press Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter.
    1. Navigate to: 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MiracastReceiver
    1. Look for a DWORD value named RequirePinForPairing.
    1. Set the value to 0 for Never, 1 for First Time, or 2 for Always.

Summary

This guide has shown how to manage the Require PIN for projecting setting. By using these steps, you can control who mirrors their screen to your PC. Always ensure your system is updated to maintain the best compatibility with wireless display standards.

Why is my PIN not appearing when projecting?

If your PIN is not appearing when you try to project your screen in Windows 11, the most common reason is your network setting. Make sure your network is set to ‘Private’ instead of ‘Public’ for the PIN to show up correctly. If the PIN does not appear, ensure your network profile is set to Private rather than Public. Also, verify that the Wireless Display optional feature is correctly installed and that your firewall is not blocking Miracast traffic. Restarting both the host PC and the projecting device often resolves temporary handshake errors.

Is the projection PIN the same as my Windows login PIN?

No, the projection PIN is a temporary, randomly generated code used only for the wireless display pairing process. It is completely separate from your Windows user account login PIN or password. It is designed specifically to prevent nearby unauthorized devices from accidentally or intentionally connecting to your monitor.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

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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