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How to Fix Glitch with Wi-Fi Adapter Miracast Stream Not Working on Windows 8.1

Miracast allows you to wirelessly mirror your Windows 8.1 screen to a compatible display, making presentations and media sharing simple. However, sometimes the Wi-Fi adapter used for Miracast streaming can encounter glitches. This can prevent your device from connecting or streaming properly.

If you’re facing issues with Miracast streaming not working on Windows 8.1, don’t worry. There are several straightforward steps you can take to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through easy, detailed instructions to get your Wi-Fi adapter and Miracast working smoothly again.

By following these steps carefully, you can resolve most common glitches without needing technical support.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check Wi-Fi Adapter Compatibility: Ensure your Wi-Fi adapter supports Miracast. Older or incompatible adapters will not work.
  • Verify Display Support: The screen or TV you want to stream to must also support Miracast.
  • Keep Devices on Same Network: Both your PC and Miracast display should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for proper communication.
  • Update Windows 8.1: Make sure your system is updated with the latest patches, which can fix known bugs.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Wi-Fi Adapter

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches with your Wi-Fi adapter or Miracast service. Restarting refreshes the hardware and software, which often resolves connectivity problems.

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Select Power and then Restart.
  3. Wait for your PC to fully reboot.
  4. If your Wi-Fi adapter has a physical switch or button, turn it off and then back on.

After restarting, try casting your screen again to check if the Miracast connection works.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your Wi-Fi adapter to malfunction, affecting Miracast streaming. Updating or reinstalling drivers ensures your hardware can communicate properly with Windows.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.
  5. If no update is found, you can also try Uninstall device. Then restart your computer to let Windows reinstall the driver automatically.

After updating or reinstalling, test Miracast streaming again.

Step 3: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

Miracast requires your PC to be discoverable on the network. Enabling Network Discovery allows your device to find compatible displays easily.

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click Change advanced sharing settings on the left.
  4. Under your current profile, select Turn on network discovery.
  5. Also, turn on File and printer sharing.
  6. Click Save changes.

This step makes your PC visible to other devices and is essential for Miracast to function properly.

Step 4: Check and Enable Wireless Display Feature

Windows 8.1 supports the Wireless Display feature, but it may not be enabled by default. Enabling it allows your computer to send the screen to compatible devices.

  1. Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and press Enter.
  2. In the Windows Features window, look for Wireless Display or Connect to a wireless display.
  3. If it’s unchecked, check the box to enable it.
  4. Click OK and restart your computer if prompted.

Try connecting to your Miracast device again after this step.

Step 5: Use the Built-in Connect App to Stream

Windows 8.1 includes a Connect app that helps manage Miracast connections. Using this app can simplify the streaming process.

  1. Press Windows + C to open the Charms bar.
  2. Click Devices.
  3. Select Project and then Add a wireless display.
  4. Your PC will search for available Miracast devices. Select your target display from the list.

Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the connection. If the device doesn’t appear, double-check that it is powered on and on the same network.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Reset Network Settings

If the above steps do not fix the problem, resetting your network settings can help resolve deeper configuration issues.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your computer after running these commands. This process resets network-related configurations that may interfere with Miracast streaming.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my Wi-Fi adapter supports Miracast?

A: Open Command Prompt and type netsh wlan show drivers. Look for “Wireless Display Supported: Yes” in the output. If it says No, your adapter does not support Miracast.

Q: Can Miracast work without Wi-Fi?

A: No. Miracast requires Wi-Fi Direct technology, so Wi-Fi must be enabled and functional on your device.

Q: Why does Miracast keep disconnecting?

A: This can be caused by interference, driver issues, or weak Wi-Fi signals. Try moving closer to the receiver or updating your drivers.

Q: Is Miracast supported on all Windows 8.1 devices?

A: Not all devices support Miracast. It depends on hardware and driver compatibility.

Q: Can I use Miracast with an external USB Wi-Fi adapter?

A: Yes, but the adapter must support Miracast. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Miracast still does not work, consider the following options:

  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows 8.1 networking issues: https://support.microsoft.com/windows
  • Check your device manufacturer’s website for any specialized drivers or firmware updates.
  • Try streaming from another Miracast-compatible device to isolate whether the problem is with your PC or the receiving display.
  • Consider using alternative screen casting technologies such as Chromecast or HDMI cables if wireless options fail.

Conclusion

Fixing glitches with your Wi-Fi adapter and Miracast streaming on Windows 8.1 is often a matter of updating drivers, enabling necessary features, and ensuring network settings are correct. Starting with simple restarts and moving toward driver updates and network resets usually solves most problems.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can restore smooth Miracast functionality on your PC. Remember to check hardware compatibility and keep your system updated for the best experience.

If you continue to encounter issues, the advanced options and official support links can help you explore further solutions.

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