Projecting to This PC and Wireless Display in Windows 10 & Windows 11

Overview

What Is Projecting to This PC in Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Projecting to this PC is a Windows feature that allows another device to wirelessly display its screen on your computer. In practice, it turns your Windows laptop, desktop, or tablet into a wireless display receiver. Another Windows PC can then connect to it using the Win + K casting menu and use it as a duplicate screen, an extended monitor, or a second screen.

The related Wireless Display optional feature installs the receiver components required for this function. Without it, the Projecting to this PC page may show a message saying that the optional feature must be added before the computer can receive wireless projection.

ℹ️

Important terminology Projecting to this PC means your PC receives another device's screen. Cast to a wireless display means your PC sends its screen to another device, such as a TV, projector, Miracast adapter, or another Windows computer.

Feature	What it does	Typical use
Projecting to this PC	Makes your PC available as a wireless display receiver	Use a laptop as a second monitor for another PC
Wireless Display optional feature	Adds the Windows receiver app and required components	Enable screen projection to your computer
Win + K	Opens the Cast menu	Connect to a wireless display or Miracast device
Win + P	Changes projection mode	Duplicate, extend, or use only the second screen

Before You Start

Wireless Display and Miracast Requirements in Windows

Wireless projection in Windows is based on Miracast. Both the sending device and the receiving display must support it. Most modern laptops support Miracast, but some desktops may not, especially if they use an older Wi-Fi adapter, outdated graphics driver, or no Wi-Fi adapter at all.

Wi-Fi adapter Your device needs a wireless adapter that supports Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct. A wired Ethernet connection alone is usually not enough.

Graphics driver The display driver must support wireless projection. Updating GPU drivers often fixes missing Cast options.

Same network is helpful Miracast can use Wi-Fi Direct, but keeping both devices on the same local network often improves discovery and reliability.

Receiver must be enabled The target PC must have Wireless Display installed and Projecting to this PC configured to allow connections.

How to Check Whether Your PC Supports Miracast

Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
Click Save All Information and save the text file.
Open the saved file in Notepad.
Search for Miracast.
If you see Available, the PC should support wireless display. If you see Not Supported, update drivers first and then check again.

⚠️

Desktop PC note Many desktop computers have powerful graphics cards but no compatible Wi-Fi adapter. For Miracast receiving or casting, install a modern Wi-Fi adapter with driver support for wireless display features.

Step 1

How to Install the Wireless Display Optional Feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11

If the Projecting to this PC page says that the optional feature must be added, install Wireless Display first. The path is different in Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the result is the same.

🪟 Windows 11

🖥 Windows 10

Open Settings using Win + I.
Go to System → Projecting to this PC.
Click Optional features under the Wireless Display message.
Next to Add an optional feature, click View features.
Search for Wireless Display.
Select Wireless Display, click Next, and then click Install.
Restart the computer if Windows asks you to do so.

Open Settings using Win + I.
Go to System → Projecting to this PC.
Click Optional features.
Click Add a feature.
Search for Wireless Display.
Select it and click Install.
Return to System → Projecting to this PC after installation finishes.

✅

Tip If Wireless Display does not appear in the optional features list, check Windows Update, disable metered connection temporarily, and make sure the PC is connected to the Internet.

Step 2

How to Enable Projecting to This PC in Windows

After installing Wireless Display, configure when your computer can be discovered and whether permission is required. These settings control who can project to your PC and how the connection is approved.

Open Settings.
Go to System → Projecting to this PC.
Open the first drop-down menu and choose when this PC is available for projection.
Choose whether Windows should ask for permission every time or only the first time.
Enable Require PIN for pairing if you want stronger protection.
Open the Wireless Display app if Windows asks you to start it before another device can connect.

Setting	Recommended value	Why
Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC	Available everywhere on secure networks	Keeps discovery practical while reducing exposure on unknown networks
Ask to project to this PC	Every time a connection is requested	Prevents unwanted screen sharing
Require PIN for pairing	First time or Always	Adds a verification step before a new device connects
This PC can be discovered only when plugged in	On for laptops	Wireless display receiving can drain battery quickly

Casting to Windows

How to Cast to Another Windows PC Using Wireless Display

Once the receiving PC is configured, use the sending PC to connect. This is the usual workflow when you want to use a laptop as a wireless second monitor or show one PC screen on another computer.

On the Receiving PC

Open Settings → System → Projecting to this PC.
Make sure projection is allowed.
Open the Wireless Display app if required.
Leave the receiver PC turned on and unlocked while connecting.

On the Sending PC

Press Win + K to open the Cast panel.
Select the receiving PC from the list of available displays.
Confirm the connection request on the receiving PC.
Enter the PIN if one is shown.
After connection, press Win + P and choose Duplicate, Extend, or Second screen only.

Win + K Cast Win + P Project

📌

Useful shortcut Win + K connects to a wireless display. Win + P controls how Windows uses that display after connection.

TVs and Projectors

How to Project Windows 10 or Windows 11 to a TV, Monitor, or Projector

You can also send your Windows screen to an external Miracast-compatible device, such as a smart TV, projector, monitor, or a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter connected by HDMI.

Turn on the TV, projector, monitor, or Miracast adapter.
Switch the display to the correct input or screen mirroring mode.
On the Windows PC, press Win + K.
Select the wireless display from the Cast panel.
Wait for Windows to connect.
Press Win + P to choose the projection mode.

⚠️

TV compatibility note Not every smart TV supports Miracast. Some devices use Chromecast, AirPlay, or manufacturer-specific casting systems instead. If the TV does not appear in Win + K, check the TV manual for Miracast, Screen Mirroring, Wireless Display, or Wi-Fi Direct support.

Display Modes

Duplicate, Extend, and Second Screen Only: Which Wireless Display Mode Should You Use?

After connecting to a wireless display, Windows treats it like an additional monitor. The Project menu controls how your desktop is shown.

Mode	What it does	Best for
PC screen only	Uses only the built-in or main display	Disconnecting from projection without turning off Wi-Fi
Duplicate	Shows the same image on both screens	Presentations, demos, training, quick screen sharing
Extend	Expands the desktop across both displays	Using another laptop or monitor as extra workspace
Second screen only	Turns off the main screen and uses only the wireless display	Watching video on a TV or using a projector as the main display

✅

Best choice for productivity Choose Extend when using another Windows PC as a wireless second monitor. Choose Duplicate when you want someone else to see exactly what is on your main screen.

Privacy & Security

Security Settings for Projecting to This PC

Wireless projection can expose your screen or allow another device to appear on your PC. For home use it is convenient, but on public or office networks you should be more restrictive.

Recommended Secure Configuration

Use projection only on trusted private networks.
Set Ask to project to this PC to Every time a connection is requested.
Enable a PIN for pairing, especially on shared networks.
Disable projection availability when you are not using it.
Do not leave the Wireless Display app open unnecessarily on public Wi-Fi.

🔒

Security recommendation Avoid setting your PC to be freely available for projection on public networks. Always require approval, and use a PIN when possible.

Troubleshooting

Fix Wireless Display and Projecting to This PC Not Working in Windows

If wireless projection does not work, the cause is usually driver support, missing optional features, network discovery issues, firewall restrictions, or incompatible display hardware.

1. Wireless Display Optional Feature Is Missing

Open Settings → Apps → Optional features.
Search for Wireless Display.
If it is not listed, install all pending Windows updates and try again.
Disable metered connection temporarily if optional feature downloads are blocked.

2. The Target PC Does Not Appear in the Cast Menu

Make sure the receiving PC has Projecting to this PC enabled.
Open the Wireless Display app on the receiving PC.
Restart both computers.
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
Temporarily disable VPN software and third-party firewall tools for testing.

3. Windows Says “This Device Doesn’t Support Miracast”

Update the Wi-Fi adapter driver from the laptop or adapter manufacturer's website.
Update the graphics driver from Windows Update, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, or the PC manufacturer.
Check Miracast support using dxdiag.
If the PC has no Wi-Fi adapter, install a compatible one.

4. Connection Drops, Freezes, or Has High Latency

Move the devices closer together.
Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network if available.
Disconnect from VPN and heavy downloads during testing.
Close games, video editors, and other GPU-heavy applications.
Update firmware for your wireless display adapter or smart TV.

5. The Picture Appears but Sound Does Not Play on the TV

Right-click the speaker icon and open Sound settings.
Choose the wireless display as the output device.
Reconnect the wireless display if the audio device does not appear.
Check the volume on both Windows and the TV/projector.

Problem	Most likely cause	Best fix
Wireless Display cannot be installed	Windows Update or optional feature download issue	Update Windows, disable metered connection, try again
Target PC not visible	Receiver disabled or not discoverable	Enable Projecting to this PC and open Wireless Display app
Miracast not supported	Wi-Fi or graphics driver limitation	Update drivers or use compatible hardware
Laggy or unstable projection	Weak wireless signal or interference	Move closer, use 5 GHz Wi-Fi, reduce network load
No sound on wireless display	Wrong audio output device	Select the wireless display in Sound settings

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Projecting to This PC and Wireless Display

Is Projecting to this PC available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes. The feature is available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but you may need to install the Wireless Display optional feature before the PC can receive projection.

What is the difference between Wireless Display and Projecting to this PC?

Wireless Display is the optional Windows component that enables wireless display receiver functionality. Projecting to this PC is the Settings page where you configure how other devices can connect to your computer.

Can I use a laptop as a second monitor wirelessly?

Yes. Install Wireless Display on the receiving laptop, enable Projecting to this PC, then connect from the sending PC with Win + K. After connection, choose Extend with Win + P.

Does wireless display work without Wi-Fi?

Usually no. Miracast relies on wireless display technology and Wi-Fi Direct support. A desktop connected only by Ethernet may not be able to cast or receive projection unless it also has a compatible Wi-Fi adapter.

Why does Windows say my device does not support Miracast?

The most common reasons are an incompatible Wi-Fi adapter, an outdated wireless driver, an outdated graphics driver, or hardware that does not support Miracast. Update both Wi-Fi and display drivers, then check again with dxdiag.

Can I project from Android to a Windows PC?

Some Android devices can project to a Windows PC if they support Miracast or a compatible screen sharing mode. The name varies by manufacturer and may appear as Smart View, Screen Mirroring, Wireless Display, Cast, or Wi-Fi Display.

Can I use Chromecast with Projecting to this PC?

Not directly. Windows Projecting to this PC is based on Miracast-style wireless display functionality, while Chromecast uses a different casting technology. Use the Chrome browser or Chromecast-compatible apps for Chromecast devices.

Is wireless projection good for gaming?

It is usually not ideal for competitive gaming because wireless projection can add latency. It is better for presentations, casual media playback, demonstrations, and productivity tasks.

Summary

Best Way to Use Wireless Display in Windows 10 and Windows 11

For most users, the best setup is simple: install the Wireless Display optional feature on the receiving PC, enable Projecting to this PC, require permission for every connection, and use Win + K from the sending PC to connect. After the connection is established, use Win + P to choose whether you want to duplicate the screen, extend the desktop, or use only the wireless display.

📡 Bottom Line

Projecting to this PC is useful when you want to turn another Windows computer into a wireless monitor. Wireless Display is the optional Windows feature that makes this possible. If the feature does not work, start with the basics: install Wireless Display, update Wi-Fi and graphics drivers, check Miracast support, and make sure both devices are discoverable on a trusted network.