To cast Windows 11 to a TV, turn on the TV and make sure it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your PC. Then press Windows + K and select your TV from the list. Your screen appears on the TV in a few seconds.
This works with smart TVs and streaming devices that support Miracast, which TV makers often call Screen mirroring. If your TV uses Chromecast or AirPlay instead, see the options further down.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 24, 2026.
Before you start
- Check what your TV supports. Many smart TVs, Roku devices, and Amazon Fire TV devices support Miracast screen mirroring. Look for Screen mirroring in the TV’s menu or manual. Chromecast, Google TV streamers, and Apple TV don’t support it.
- Connect both to the same Wi-Fi network for the most reliable connection.
- Check your PC. Most laptops made in recent years can cast. If yours can’t, Windows says so when you press Windows + K.
Cast your screen
- Turn on the TV. If it has a Screen mirroring or Miracast option, open it so the TV is ready to receive. On some TVs it’s under Input or Source.
- On your PC, press Windows + K. Or select the network, sound, or battery icons on the taskbar and choose Cast.
- Select your TV from the list of available displays.
- If the TV shows a prompt, accept it with the remote.
Your screen appears on the TV, and sound usually plays through the TV’s speakers. To stop casting, press Windows + K again and select Disconnect.
If Cast isn’t in the quick settings panel, select the pencil icon (Edit quick settings), then Add > Cast.
Choose what shows on the TV
While you’re connected, press Windows + P and pick a mode:
- Duplicate: the TV shows exactly what’s on your PC. Best for presentations and photos.
- Extend: the TV becomes a second screen. Drag a video window onto it and keep working on your laptop.
- Second screen only: your laptop screen turns off and only the TV is used.
- PC screen only: stops using the TV without disconnecting.
If the picture looks stretched or blurry, go to Settings > System > Display, select the TV, and choose the resolution marked (Recommended).
Check whether your PC supports Miracast
Most Windows 11 laptops support Miracast, but some desktops and older Wi-Fi cards don’t. To check:
- Right-click Start and select Terminal.
- Type netsh wlan show drivers and press Enter.
- Look for the line Wireless Display Supported.
If it says Yes for both the graphics driver and the Wi-Fi driver, your PC can cast with Windows + K. If either says No, update that driver first. If it still says No, use one of the other methods below, such as HDMI or a Chromecast.
Cast to a Chromecast or Google TV
Chromecast and Google TV don’t support Miracast, so they won’t appear in the Windows + K list. Cast from your browser instead:
- Google Chrome: select the menu (⋮) > Cast, save, and share > Cast, then choose your device. Use Sources > Cast screen to show your whole desktop.
- Microsoft Edge: select Settings and more (…) > More tools > Cast media to device.
Many video apps and websites, such as YouTube, also have their own cast button.
Cast to an Apple TV
Apple TV uses AirPlay, which Windows doesn’t support on its own. The simplest option is an HDMI cable from your PC to the TV.
Use an HDMI cable instead
A cable gives the sharpest picture with no delay, which matters for games and fast video. Connect the PC’s HDMI port to the TV, set the TV to that HDMI input, and press Windows + P to choose a mode. See how to connect Windows 11 to a TV with HDMI.
If your TV isn’t in the list
- Turn on the TV’s screen mirroring mode first. Some TVs only appear while that screen is open.
- Move closer and make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Turn off any VPN on the PC.
- Add it manually: go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, and choose Wireless display or dock.
- Update your PC’s Wi-Fi and graphics drivers in Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, or from your PC maker’s website.
- Your PC says it doesn’t support Miracast: use browser casting, an HDMI cable, or a Miracast adapter plugged into the TV.
- Roku: make sure screen mirroring is allowed in the Roku’s settings. See how to cast to Roku from Windows 11.
Stop casting
Press Windows + K again and select Disconnect under your TV. You can also open Quick Settings from the taskbar, select Cast, and disconnect there. Your PC screen goes back to normal right away.
If the picture doesn’t fit the TV
If the edges of the desktop are cut off, the TV is zooming in, which TV makers call overscan. Open the TV’s picture settings and set the picture size to an option such as Screen Fit, Just Scan, or Fit to screen. The name depends on the brand.
If text looks blurry or too small, change the display settings on the PC while you’re connected. Open Settings > System > Display, select the TV, and try a different Display resolution or Scale. 1920 x 1080 at 150% scale is easy to read on most TVs from a couch.
If casting is choppy or has no sound
- Lag or stutter: move the PC closer to the router, close apps that use a lot of bandwidth, or use HDMI.
- No sound on the TV: select the sound icon on the taskbar, then the arrow next to the volume slider, and choose the TV as the output.
- Connection drops: plug the laptop in and turn off battery saver while casting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app to cast Windows 11 to a TV?
No. Casting to a Miracast TV is built into Windows 11. You only need a browser for Chromecast devices.
Can I cast just one video instead of my whole screen?
Yes. Use the cast button in the video app or browser. Your PC stays free for other things while the video plays on the TV.
Does casting use my internet data?
Miracast sends the picture straight from your PC to the TV over Wi-Fi, so the casting itself doesn’t use internet data. Anything you stream, such as a video from a website, still downloads to your PC first.
Why is there a delay on the TV?
Wireless casting always adds a short delay, often a fraction of a second. That is fine for videos and slides but noticeable in games. For games, use an HDMI cable.
Can I cast to a TV that isn’t a smart TV?
Yes. Plug a streaming device or wireless display adapter into one of the TV’s HDMI ports. A Miracast adapter, a Fire TV stick, or a Roku works with Windows + K, and a Chromecast works through Chrome or Edge. An HDMI cable from the PC is the simplest option of all.
Can I cast my phone to my Windows 11 laptop instead?
Yes. See how to cast your phone to a Windows 11 laptop.
To save a video of what’s on your screen instead, see how to record your screen in Windows 11.
To send sound to wireless speakers or headphones, see how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11.
If the picture doesn’t fit the TV, see how to fit your PC screen to a TV in Windows 11.
Want to share your screen in a video call instead? See how to share your screen on Windows 11.
For step-by-step instructions with one popular streaming stick, see how to connect a Fire TV Stick to a laptop in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s guide is Screen mirroring and projecting to your PC or wireless display. More help is on our Windows 11 Help & Guides page.
Related: How to mirror an iPhone to Windows 11.
Related: How to check if you have Amazon Prime.
Related: How to cast Windows 10 to a TV.
Related: connect an Xbox to a laptop.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.