Windows 10 has built-in features for screen mirroring to TV. And you don't even need a Chromecast. Here's how to project your Windows 10 computer to a TV with Miracast. Miracast differs from Chromecast in several respects. It is based on the Wi-Di protocol (i.e. Wi-Fi Direct) to allow one screen to project onto another. Basically, it behaves like a wireless HDMI.
What you will need
- A Wi-Fi router connected to the computer and the TV.
- A Windows 10 computer that supports Miracast.
- A TV that supports Miracast or a Miracast adapter.
Do you need an adapter?
Miracast is essentially a wireless HDMI. Several Smart TVs have built-in Miracast. To see if your TV supports it, check this list.
In addition to smart TVs, some smart dongles also support Miracast. For example, the Amazon Fire Stick has Miracast for PC or mobile screen mirroring. Before buying a new adapter, check if one of your TV-connected devices supports Miracast.
If you are sure you don't have Miracast on your TV, then you will need an adapter. If your primary purpose is to cast your Windows PC to your TV, you should purchase a Wireless Display Adapter from Microsoft. But if it's too expensive, other Miracast devices like AnyCast will work too.
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How to check if your computer supports Miracast
Most computers that run with Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 preloaded on them will support Miracast out of the box. If you are using an older PC that has been upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10, it should still work but you can check to be doubly safe.
There are two simple ways to check if your PC can project its screen wirelessly via Miracast.
Method 1: the easy way out
- Go up Start> Settings> Devices.
- Click on Bluetooth and Devices> Add Bluetooth or Other Device.
- In the “Add a device” window that opens on the screen, if you see “Wireless display or dock”, your PC supports Miracast.
Method 2: the difficult but most reliable way
- Click at Start and press Win + R.
- Type “dxdiag” without the quotes and press Submit.
- Click the button Save all information and save it in a text file.
- Open the text file in Notepad and search for ( Ctrl + F ) for “Miracast” without the quotes.
- It should be next to “Available”, with HDCP ”.
How to project Windows PC screen on TV
Once the hardware has been set up correctly, it's time to cast the Windows screen to the TV. Here's how to do it:
- click on Start to display the Start menu or click the Cortana search box.
- To type Project to a second screen and click when the Settings result is displayed.
- In the right sidebar, choose how you want to project by clicking on one of the options: Duplicate (both PC and TV will show the same screen), Extend (the TV will function as a dual monitor setup) or Second screen only (The PC monitor is disabled and only the TV is used as a screen).
- Once you've made your choice, click Connect to a wireless display.
- Windows will now search for compatible Miracast devices and show them here. Double click on the desired device to start projection.
If Windows can't find your device
After step 4 above, some users find themselves in the situation where Windows cannot find any Miracast compatible device. What do you do then?
Click "Where is my device?" And manually add your device name.
Go up Start> Settings> Devices > Bluetooth and Devices> Add Bluetooth or Other device> Wireless display or dock and choose or manually enter your device.
Error? What to do if the above methods don't work
This is the only method of projecting the Windows screen to a TV via Miracast. If that doesn't work, check the following:
- Update all device drivers to make sure your PC's Miracast driver and your TV device are both up to date.
- Check if you have an active internet connection. Miracast does not need an internet connection, but some of the devices that support Miracast (such as the Amazon Fire Stick) do need internet connectivity to function.
- If your PC continues to play audio while the screen has video, there is an easy fix. Go up Start> Settings> Sound> Playback and choose Miracast TV / adapter as default device.
- Identify if your Windows PC or Miracast TV / adapter is the problem. Use your smartphone to cast its screen via Miracast to TV and via Miracast to your Windows PC. For Windows PC, go to Start> Connect to open the Miracast screen receiver function.
Disconnect Windows Screen Mirroring via Miracast
Once the projection is finished, it is recommended that you disconnect the screen. The process is exactly the same as connecting, the last step will be the opposite.
Back to the menu Project to a second screen and click Disconnect.
You can now cast Windows 10 to your TV
Miracast has some advantages over Chromecast. You can use it offline and it has less stutter and lag. But remember, this is only when it comes to screen mirroring. However, you can get rid of HDMI cables to watch Netflix on your TV. Go easy!
