How to Fix Miracast Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Miracast is a convenient way to wirelessly mirror your Windows 11 screen to a compatible TV or monitor. However, it can sometimes stop working without a clear reason. This guide will help you fix common Miracast issues step-by-step, even if you are not very tech-savvy.

We will start with simple checks and then move to more detailed troubleshooting methods. Each solution is explained clearly to help you understand why it is necessary. By following these steps, you should be able to get Miracast working smoothly again on your Windows 11 device.

Whether you have just started using Miracast or have encountered problems after an update, this article will cover all essential fixes. No complex jargon or technical skills are required to follow along.

Let’s begin by making sure the basics are in place before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before attempting any fixes, verify these important points. These quick checks often solve Miracast issues without further steps:

Check device compatibility: Not all devices support Miracast. Ensure both your Windows 11 PC and the receiving display (TV, monitor) support Miracast technology.
Wi-Fi connection: Miracast requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. Make sure both devices are connected to the same wireless network or have their Wi-Fi adapters turned on.
Windows 11 updates: Keep your operating system updated. Sometimes, Miracast problems are fixed with Windows updates.
Display device readiness: Your TV or monitor must be set to receive Miracast connections, often labeled as “Screen Mirroring” or “Wireless Display” mode.

Step 1: Restart Your Devices

Restarting your PC and the display device is the easiest and often most effective first step. This clears temporary glitches that might prevent Miracast from working.

Turn off your Windows 11 PC.
Power off your TV or wireless display device.
Wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Turn both devices back on and try to connect via Miracast again.

Rebooting refreshes network connections and hardware states, which can often resolve connection issues.

Step 2: Check and Update Wi-Fi Drivers

Miracast relies on your PC’s Wi-Fi adapter to establish a wireless connection. Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers can cause problems.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Follow the prompts if an update is found. Otherwise, your driver is up to date.

If the automatic update does not find anything, you can visit the Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver manually.

Step 3: Enable Wireless Display Feature in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes a feature called “Wireless Display” that enables Miracast functionality. Make sure it is installed and enabled.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Apps > Optional Features.
Click View features next to “Add an optional feature.”
In the search box, type Wireless Display.
If it is not installed, select it and click Install.
Restart your PC after installation.

Installing this feature is essential because it contains the required components for Miracast to work properly.

Step 4: Use the Connect App to Initiate Miracast

Windows 11 has a built-in Connect app that helps establish Miracast connections.

Press Windows + S to open Search.
Type Connect and open the app.
Your PC will now be ready to receive Miracast connections.
On your TV or receiving device, enable screen mirroring.
On your PC, press Windows + K to open the Connect sidebar.
Select your display device from the list to start mirroring.

This method provides a direct and user-friendly way to connect to wireless displays.

Step 5: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix network-related issues affecting Miracast.

Open Settings (press Windows + I).
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Network Adapter and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool checks your Wi-Fi and network settings for errors and attempts to resolve them automatically.

Step 6: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus programs block Miracast connections thinking they are suspicious. You should verify these settings.

Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and try Miracast again.
If Miracast works after disabling, add an exception or rule to allow Miracast and wireless display connections.
Remember to re-enable your security software after testing.

Adjusting firewall settings ensures Miracast traffic is not mistakenly blocked.

Step 7: Update Graphics Drivers

Miracast also depends on your graphics adapter to display content properly. Updating graphics drivers may fix compatibility and performance issues.

Open Device Manager (press Windows + X and select it).
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.

Alternatively, visit the graphics card manufacturer’s website (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) for the latest drivers.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Wireless Display Apps

If Miracast still does not work, you can try third-party apps that offer similar wireless display functionality. Apps like “AirServer” or “LetsView” support wireless screen mirroring and may work as substitutes.

These apps usually require installation on both your PC and receiving device and might offer additional features beyond Miracast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I know if my PC supports Miracast?

Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. Click “Save All Information,” open the saved file, and look for “Miracast” under Display Devices. If it says “Available,” your PC supports Miracast.

Q2: Can Miracast work without Wi-Fi?

Miracast creates a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection between devices, so traditional Wi-Fi network access is not always required, but Wi-Fi hardware must be enabled.

Q3: Why does Miracast disconnect after a few minutes?

Interference, outdated drivers, or power-saving settings can cause disconnections. Updating drivers and disabling power-saving modes for your network adapter can help.

Q4: Is Miracast the same as Chromecast?

No, Miracast uses Wi-Fi Direct for screen mirroring, while Chromecast uses your home Wi-Fi network to stream content.

Q5: Can I mirror audio as well as video with Miracast?

Yes, Miracast supports streaming both audio and video to the receiving device.

When Nothing Works: Final Options

If you have tried all the above steps and Miracast still does not function, consider these final options:

Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, Microsoft releases patches specifically for Miracast issues.
Reset network settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. This will reinstall network adapters and reset configurations.
Contact device manufacturer support: Your PC or TV manufacturer may have specific guidance or firmware updates.
Visit Microsoft’s official support pages: For advanced troubleshooting, see Microsoft Miracast support.

Conclusion

Fixing Miracast issues on Windows 11 is usually a matter of checking device compatibility, updating drivers, and enabling necessary Windows features. Starting with simple restarts and basic checks often solves the problem quickly. If not, updating Wi-Fi and graphics drivers, enabling the Wireless Display feature, and using built-in troubleshooters provide solid next steps.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can regain the convenience of wireless screen mirroring without frustration. Remember to verify your devices support Miracast and to keep your system updated for the best experience.