How to Fix Screen Mirroring Not Working on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Screen mirroring allows you to project your Windows 11 screen to another device, such as a TV or monitor, wirelessly. It is a convenient way to share presentations, videos, or other content without cables. However, sometimes screen mirroring may fail to work as expected.

This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix common issues related to screen mirroring on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along.

By following these instructions, you can identify the root cause and restore your screen mirroring functionality quickly. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.

Remember, patience and methodical troubleshooting often resolve most screen mirroring problems.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure the following conditions are met. These simple checks can often save you time and effort:

Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network: Screen mirroring typically requires your Windows 11 PC and the target device (like a smart TV or wireless display) to be connected to the same network.
The target device supports Miracast or compatible screen mirroring technology: Verify that your TV or monitor supports wireless display protocols compatible with Windows 11.
Your Windows 11 PC supports Miracast: Not all PCs have the necessary hardware or drivers. You can check this by typing dxdiag in the Start menu, running the tool, and looking for “Miracast” under the Display tab.
Both devices are powered on and awake: Ensure your TV or wireless display is turned on and ready to receive connections.

Step 1: Restart Your Devices

Restarting is the simplest and often most effective fix. It clears temporary glitches that might be preventing screen mirroring.

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

This step refreshes network connections and system processes that might have caused the issue.

Step 2: Check and Update Network Settings

Since screen mirroring relies on Wi-Fi, ensuring your network is stable and properly configured is essential.

Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Different networks, such as separate guest and main networks, can block mirroring.
Disable VPNs or proxy servers temporarily, as these can interfere with device discovery.
Restart your router if you experience network instability.

Step 3: Enable Wireless Display on Windows 11

Windows 11 requires the Wireless Display feature to be enabled for screen mirroring via Miracast.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Apps > Optional Features.
Click on View features next to “Add an optional feature.”
Search for Wireless Display in the list.
If it’s not installed, select it and click Install.
Restart your PC after installation.

This feature is necessary because it adds support for the Miracast protocol used for wireless display connections.

Step 4: Update Display and Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent proper screen mirroring functionality. Updating them ensures compatibility and fixes bugs.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
Repeat the process for Network adapters.
Restart your PC after updates.

Keeping drivers current ensures your hardware communicates properly with Windows 11 features like screen mirroring.

Step 5: Use the Connect App to Project Your Screen

Windows 11 includes a built-in app called “Connect” that facilitates wireless display connections.

Press Windows + S and type Connect.
Open the Connect app.
On your TV or wireless display, enable screen mirroring or “casting” mode.
On your PC, press Windows + K to open the “Connect” sidebar.
Select your target device from the list to start mirroring.

If your device does not appear, check that it is discoverable and on the same network.

Step 6: Check Firewall and Security Settings

Sometimes, Windows Firewall or third-party security software blocks the network communication required for screen mirroring.

Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
Go to Firewall & network protection.
Click on your active network (usually “Private network”).
Ensure that Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter and related services are allowed through the firewall.
If you use third-party antivirus software, temporarily disable it and test screen mirroring again.

Be cautious when disabling security software; enable it again after testing to keep your system protected.

Step 7: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix common problems.

Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot.
Click Other troubleshooters.
Find and run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
Also, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter if you use Bluetooth devices for mirroring.

These tools can resolve underlying network or device issues that affect screen mirroring.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Apps for Screen Mirroring

If built-in Windows features don’t work, several third-party applications can facilitate screen mirroring. Examples include:

LetsView – Free and easy to use.
AirServer – Commercial software with advanced features.
ApowerMirror – Supports multiple platforms and features.

These apps often provide additional settings and compatibility for devices that may not fully support Miracast.

FAQs

Why can’t I find my TV or device when trying to connect?

Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and the TV is in screen mirroring or casting mode. Also, check if your TV supports Miracast or wireless display protocols compatible with Windows.

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 search for “Miracast.” If it says “Available,” your PC supports it.

Can I use a wired connection for screen mirroring?

Yes, you can use an HDMI cable or other wired methods for screen duplication, which often provides more stable and faster connections.

Is screen mirroring the same as casting?

They are similar but not identical. Screen mirroring duplicates your whole screen, while casting often sends specific media (like videos) to the target device.

What if my firewall is blocking screen mirroring?

You can temporarily disable the firewall or add exceptions for wireless display adapters to allow communication.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and screen mirroring still does not work, consider these final options:

Update Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates. Sometimes, fixes are included in system updates.
Reset Network Settings: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. This will reinstall network adapters and set network components back to default.
Consult official Microsoft support: Visit the Microsoft Support website for additional help and troubleshooting resources.
Contact your device manufacturer: For issues with your TV or wireless display, check the manufacturer’s website or customer support.

Conclusion

Screen mirroring on Windows 11 can sometimes be tricky to set up or troubleshoot, but most issues can be resolved by following simple steps. Always start with basic checks such as device compatibility, network connection, and restarting your devices.

Enabling the Wireless Display feature and keeping your drivers updated are crucial for smooth mirroring. Using built-in tools like the Connect app and Windows troubleshooters can detect and fix common problems automatically.

If needed, third-party apps offer alternative ways to mirror your screen. Finally, don’t hesitate to use official support channels when facing persistent issues.

With patience and these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy wireless screen mirroring on your Windows 11 PC without hassle.