Share Your Screen Wirelessly: Casting to Another Windows PC
Wireless screen casting on Windows 11 lets you mirror your main computer display onto another nearby PC over Wi-Fi without any physical cables. This built-in feature turns a second laptop or desktop into an extra monitor for your primary machine.
The built-in Connect app relies on Miracast, a wireless streaming technology built directly into Windows 10 and Windows 11. Both computers must connect to the same Wi-Fi network and support wireless display standards to make the connection work.
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 Win+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. Adding it takes place 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 designated for projection, install the ‘Wireless Display’ optional feature. Open Settings by pressing Win+I, then navigate to System Optional features. Click View features next to Add an optional feature, type Wireless Display into the search box, and select it from the results. Click Next, then hit Install to let Windows download the package over one to two minutes.
Set Up Projection Settings
The Wireless Display feature sets up your PC to accept incoming screen casts through the ‘Projecting to this PC’ settings. This configuration controls which devices share their screen with your computer. Access these options by going to Settings, then System, and 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. Running this application signals that your computer stands ready to connect wirelessly. Launch 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 opens and displays a message confirming your PC is ready to connect wirelessly. It also shows your computer's name, which acts as the identifier for the sending computer.
Important Note: The Wireless Display app comes built into Windows 11, version 22H2 and newer. Older versions might require the "Connect" app instead. Check your version by going to Settings > System > About and looking under "Windows specifications." Anyone needing the Connect app should search for Connect in the taskbar search and open it.
Step 2Connect Your 🪟 Windows 11 PC
Your receiving PC now stands ready for screen sharing. The other PC initiates the transmission of your screen. This action starts the wireless casting process, allowing selected content to appear on the second computer.
Start the Cast
Start casting your Windows screen to another PC by pressing Windows key + K on your keyboard. This shortcut opens a panel scanning for available wireless displays on your network. Select the name of the target PC inside this panel to begin sharing your desktop.
- 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 attempts the connection while displaying "Connecting...". Configuring a PIN on the receiving PC prompts the sending computer to request that PIN entry immediately.
Another Way: Use Display Settings
Connecting to a wireless display through your PC's Display settings serves as an alternative if the Windows key + K shortcut fails. Right-click your desktop, select 'Display settings', and scroll down to the 'Multiple displays' section. Click 'Connect to a wireless display' to search for and link 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.
Troubleshooting target PCs that fail to appear requires verifying specific conditions. Ensure the target PC's Wi-Fi connection remains active. Confirm the Wireless Display application on the target PC runs actively. Confirm both sending and target PCs connect to the identical network. Restarting the Wireless Display application on the target PC frequently forces the device to appear for casting.
Step 3Choose How to Show Your Screen
The screen appears on the second PC once connected. Windows provides several display management modes to control how both monitors function together.
Understanding Display Modes
Managing the appearance of your display happens through the 'Project' menu, opened by pressing Windows key + P. This menu provides options like 'PC screen only' to restrict output to your main monitor, or 'Duplicate' to mirror identical content across 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
Terminating the wireless display connection stops screen sharing. Pressing Windows key + K again and clicking the 'Disconnect' button next to the active PC's name ends the session. Alternatively, disconnection happens 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.
Display settings also offer a disconnect method:
- 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 terminates, halting video transmission to the second PC.
Summary
Wireless screen sharing between Windows 11 PCs provides a practical collaboration method, allowing you to connect, share, and disconnect your display whenever necessary.
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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