Troubleshoot Miracast Connection Issues in Windows : Complete Guide

If Miracast is not connecting on Windows, the problem is usually related to device compatibility, Wi-Fi, wireless display settings, outdated drivers, firmware, or a previously paired wireless display.

The fastest way to troubleshoot Miracast connection issues in Windows is to:

1. Check that your Windows PC supports Miracast.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure the TV, monitor, projector, or wireless adapter supports Miracast.
4. Restart both devices.
5. Update Wi-Fi and graphics drivers.
6. Check the Wireless Display feature when connecting to another Windows PC.
7. Remove the wireless display from Windows and reconnect it.

Microsoft recommends these checks for wireless display connection problems in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

This guide explains why Miracast may not work, how to check Miracast compatibility, how to fix a wireless display that is not detected, and what to do when Miracast connects but the screen does not display correctly.

Note: Windows 10 reached the end of Microsoft support on October 14, 2025. The troubleshooting steps below cover Windows 11 and Windows 10 where applicable, but Windows 11 should be the reference environment for current installations.

What Is Miracast?

Miracast is a wireless display technology that allows a compatible Windows PC to mirror or extend its screen to a compatible TV, monitor, projector, or wireless display adapter.

Instead of connecting an HDMI or DisplayPort cable, you can use the Windows wireless display connection feature.

On Windows 11, the quickest way to start a Miracast connection is to press:

Windows key + K

Windows then displays available wireless display connections.

Miracast is useful when you want to:

• Mirror a laptop screen to a TV
• Present a PowerPoint presentation wirelessly
• Connect a Windows laptop to a projector
• Use a compatible TV as a second display
• Extend your Windows desktop to another screen

However, both the Windows device and receiving display need to support the necessary wireless display technology.

Why Is Miracast Not Working on Windows?

Several different problems can prevent a Miracast connection from working.

Microsoft’s current wireless-display troubleshooting guidance specifically recommends checking Miracast support, Wi-Fi, display compatibility, drivers, firmware and previously connected devices.

How to Check if Your Windows PC Supports Miracast

Before troubleshooting the connection itself, check whether the computer supports Miracast.

Windows 11

Press:

Windows key + K

If the PC does not support Miracast, Windows may indicate that an external display needs to be connected using a cable.

Windows 10

Microsoft recommends opening the Connect application.

Select:

Start → type “Connect” → open Connect

The application can indicate whether the Windows 10 device supports Miracast.

If Miracast is not supported, software troubleshooting cannot add native Miracast support to incompatible hardware. In that situation, a wired display connection or a compatible external adapter may be required.

1. Make Sure Wi-Fi Is Turned On

One of the first things to check when troubleshooting Miracast connection issues in Windows is Wi-Fi.

Open the Windows quick settings and verify that Wi-Fi is enabled.

Even if your computer normally uses Ethernet, check the Wi-Fi adapter because wireless display functionality depends on compatible wireless hardware and configuration.

Microsoft specifically recommends checking that Wi-Fi is turned on when a wireless display cannot connect.

Check the Wi-Fi adapter

If Wi-Fi is missing from Windows:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Find the wireless network adapter.
4. Check whether it is disabled.
5. If necessary, right-click it and select Enable device.

Microsoft also recommends checking the wireless adapter driver when Windows does not detect or properly use the adapter.

2. Check That the TV or Wireless Display Supports Miracast

Your Windows PC can only establish a native Miracast connection with a compatible receiving device.

Check the specifications or settings of your:

• Smart TV
• Wireless monitor
• Projector
• Miracast adapter
• Wireless display dongle

If the display does not support Miracast, Microsoft recommends using a compatible Miracast adapter connected to the display’s HDMI port.

Enable wireless display mode on the TV

Depending on the manufacturer, the feature may have a different name, such as:

• Screen Mirroring
• Wireless Display
• Miracast
• Cast
• Screen Share
• Wireless Projection

The exact name and location of the option varies by manufacturer.

Make sure the receiving device is turned on and waiting for a wireless connection before pressing Windows + K.

3. Restart the Windows PC and Wireless Display

A restart can resolve temporary wireless display, driver or device-state problems.

Turn off or restart:

1. Your Windows PC.
2. Your TV, monitor or projector.
3. Your Miracast adapter, if one is being used.

After restarting, put the receiving display into its wireless-display mode and press:

Windows + K

Then select the display from the available devices.

Microsoft explicitly recommends restarting the PC and wireless display when troubleshooting wireless display connections.

4. Remove the Wireless Display and Reconnect It

If the connection previously worked but has stopped working, remove the wireless display from Windows and pair it again.

Windows 11

Go to:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Devices

Look for the wireless display or adapter under the relevant device category.

Select the device and choose:

Remove device

Then attempt the connection again using:

Windows + K

Microsoft recommends removing a wireless display or dock and reconnecting it when troubleshooting connection problems.

Why does this help?

A previously stored connection can become invalid after:

• A Windows update
• A driver update
• A device firmware update
• Changes to the wireless display
• Changes to the computer’s wireless configuration

Removing and reconnecting forces Windows to establish the wireless display connection again.

5. Update Your Windows Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause wireless display problems.

Microsoft recommends making sure device drivers are up to date when troubleshooting wireless display connections.

Two driver categories are particularly relevant:

• Wi-Fi/network adapter driver
• Graphics/display driver

Update the Wi-Fi driver

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your wireless adapter.
4. Select Update driver.
5. Follow the instructions provided by Windows.

You can also check the computer manufacturer’s support website for the latest driver available for your exact model.

Microsoft recommends checking the driver version and date and comparing them with the manufacturer’s current driver when troubleshooting wireless adapter problems.

Update the graphics driver

Open:

Device Manager → Display adapters

Right-click your graphics adapter and select:

Update driver

If the Miracast problem began immediately after a graphics-driver update, Microsoft’s external-display troubleshooting guidance also documents rolling back the display driver when appropriate.

6. Update the Wireless Display or Miracast Adapter Firmware

If you use a dedicated Miracast adapter, check whether the manufacturer provides a firmware update.

Microsoft recommends checking that the latest firmware is installed on the wireless display or adapter.

For the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, Microsoft also recommends keeping the adapter firmware updated.

A firmware problem can affect:

• Device discovery
• Connection stability
• Compatibility
• Display performance

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific adapter.

7. Check the Wireless Display Feature When Connecting to Another Windows PC

Miracast can be used not only with TVs and projectors but also to project from one Windows PC to another compatible Windows PC.

In this situation, the target computer needs the Wireless Display optional feature.

Install Wireless Display in Windows 11

On the computer receiving the projection:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Select Projecting to this PC.
4. Under the option to add the Wireless Display feature, select Optional features.
5. Select View features.
6. Search for Wireless Display.
7. Select it.
8. Select Next.
9. Select Install.

Microsoft documents this process for Windows 11.

After installation, launch the Wireless Display application.

Then, on the computer sending the projection:

Windows + K → select the target PC

The Wireless Display application is available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. Microsoft notes that earlier Windows 11 versions use the Connect app instead.

8. Make Sure the Target PC Is Discoverable

If you are trying to project to another Windows computer and it does not appear in the list, check the receiving PC.

Go to:

Settings → System → Projecting to this PC

Make sure the projection settings allow the computer to be discovered.

Microsoft also recommends ensuring that Wi-Fi is turned on and that the Wireless Display application is installed and launched on the target PC.

9. Try Windows + K Again

Once the compatibility, Wi-Fi and driver checks are complete, try reconnecting.

Press:

Windows + K

Windows should display compatible wireless displays that are available for connection.

Select the desired display and follow any instructions shown on the screen.

If the display connects successfully, you can choose how Windows should use it.

10. Choose the Correct Display Mode

After connecting a wireless display, press:

Windows + P

Windows provides several display modes.

Microsoft documents these display modes for Windows 11.

Which mode should you use?

For a presentation, Duplicate is useful when you want the same content on the laptop and projector.

For a second monitor, Extend allows you to use the wireless display as additional desktop space.

Miracast Connects but Then Disconnects

If Miracast connects successfully but disconnects shortly afterward, investigate the following areas:

Restart both devices

Restart the Windows PC and wireless display.

Update drivers

Check both the Wi-Fi and graphics drivers.

Update firmware

If you use a Miracast adapter, check for firmware updates.

Remove and reconnect the display

Remove the wireless display from Windows and establish the connection again.

Check the wireless environment

A wireless display connection can be affected by the surrounding wireless environment. If the connection is unstable, reduce unnecessary wireless interference where possible and test again.

Microsoft’s official troubleshooting sequence emphasizes restarting devices, updating drivers and firmware, and removing/reconnecting the wireless display.

Miracast Display Is Not Showing Up in Windows

If the TV or monitor does not appear after pressing Windows + K, check these items in order:

1. Is the Windows PC Miracast-compatible?
2. Is Wi-Fi enabled?
3. Is the receiving display Miracast-compatible?
4. Is wireless display mode enabled on the TV or monitor?
5. Is the adapter powered correctly?
6. Are the Wi-Fi and graphics drivers up to date?
7. Is the receiving Windows PC running the Wireless Display app?
8. Have you restarted both devices?
9. Have you removed and re-added the wireless display?

Microsoft recommends this type of compatibility and configuration check when Windows cannot connect to a wireless display.

Miracast Connects but the Screen Is Black

A successful connection does not always mean the display will immediately show the expected content.

If the wireless display is connected but the screen is black, try:

Press Windows + P

Select the appropriate display mode.

Start with:

Duplicate

Then test:

Extend

Reset the graphics driver

Windows provides a graphics-driver reset keyboard shortcut:

Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B

Microsoft includes this shortcut among its troubleshooting recommendations for display problems.

The screen may briefly flicker when Windows resets the graphics driver.

Restart Windows

If the display remains black, restart the computer and reconnect the wireless display.

Miracast Has Poor Quality or Lag

If the wireless display connects but the image is delayed, unstable or difficult to use, first check the basic configuration.

Try:

• Restarting the PC and wireless display.
• Updating the Wi-Fi driver.
• Updating the graphics driver.
• Updating adapter firmware.
• Moving the devices to reduce wireless interference.
• Testing the connection with fewer wireless devices active.
• Checking whether the problem occurs with another compatible display.

For tasks such as presentations, video playback or gaming, wireless-display performance can depend on the hardware, wireless environment and receiving display.

How to Fix Miracast After a Windows Update

If Miracast stopped working immediately after Windows or driver updates, determine whether the problem is related to the updated driver.

Start by:

1. Restarting Windows.
2. Checking Windows Update.
3. Updating the Wi-Fi driver.
4. Updating the graphics driver.
5. Removing and reconnecting the wireless display.

If the problem started after a graphics-driver update, Microsoft documents rolling back the display driver as a troubleshooting option.

To check this option:

Device Manager → Display adapters → right-click graphics adapter → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver

The rollback option may not be available on every system.

What to Do If the Wi-Fi Adapter Is Missing

If Windows does not detect the wireless network adapter, Miracast troubleshooting should begin with the adapter itself.

Open:

Device Manager → Network adapters

Check whether your wireless adapter appears.

If it is disabled, enable it.

If Windows does not detect the adapter at all, Microsoft recommends checking for the appropriate driver from the computer manufacturer’s website.

A missing or malfunctioning Wi-Fi adapter can prevent Windows from establishing the required wireless display connection.

Miracast Troubleshooting Checklist

Before contacting technical support, work through this checklist:

When You Should Use an HDMI Cable Instead

Miracast is convenient, but a wired connection can be appropriate when:

• The PC does not support Miracast.
• The TV does not support Miracast.
• The wireless connection is consistently unstable.
• You need a more predictable display connection.
• Your environment has significant wireless interference.
• You need a connection with minimal wireless latency.

If the hardware does not support Miracast, Microsoft recommends using a compatible Miracast adapter when appropriate, or another display connection such as a cable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Miracast Connection Problems

Why is Miracast not working on Windows?

The most common areas to check are Miracast compatibility, Wi-Fi, wireless-display settings, drivers, firmware and previously paired devices. Microsoft recommends checking each of these areas when troubleshooting wireless-display connections.

How do I fix Miracast connection issues in Windows?

Check Miracast support, turn on Wi-Fi, verify that the receiving display supports Miracast, restart both devices, update drivers and firmware, then remove and reconnect the wireless display.

How do I check if my PC supports Miracast?

On Windows 11, press Windows + K and check the result. On Windows 10, Microsoft recommends opening the Connect application to check Miracast support.

Why can’t Windows find my wireless display?

Check that Wi-Fi is enabled, the display supports Miracast, the display’s wireless mode is active, and your PC supports Miracast. If you are connecting to another Windows PC, make sure the Wireless Display app is installed and running.

How do I connect Windows to a Miracast TV?

Turn on the TV’s Miracast or screen-mirroring mode, then press Windows + K on your Windows PC and select the TV from the available displays.

Why does Miracast connect and then disconnect?

Possible causes include outdated drivers, firmware problems, temporary device errors or wireless connection problems. Restart both devices, update drivers and firmware, and remove and reconnect the wireless display.

Why is my Miracast screen black?

Try pressing Windows + P and selecting Duplicate or Extend. You can also reset the graphics driver with Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B, then restart the PC if necessary. Microsoft recommends this shortcut as part of display troubleshooting.

Does Miracast require Wi-Fi?

Windows requires Wi-Fi to be enabled for its wireless-display troubleshooting and connection workflow. Microsoft specifically lists Wi-Fi as one of the first checks when a wireless display cannot connect.

Can I use Miracast to connect two Windows PCs?

Yes. Windows can project to another compatible Windows PC. On the receiving PC, install the Wireless Display optional feature, configure Projecting to this PC, and launch the Wireless Display app.

What if my TV does not support Miracast?

A compatible Miracast adapter can be connected to the TV through HDMI. Microsoft recommends this type of adapter when a wireless display does not natively support Miracast.

Can outdated graphics drivers cause Miracast problems?

Graphics and wireless-network drivers can both be relevant to wireless display problems. Microsoft recommends keeping device drivers up to date and provides display-driver troubleshooting steps, including reinstalling or rolling back a driver in some situations.

Does Windows 10 still receive Microsoft support?

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The operating system can continue to function, but Microsoft no longer provides its standard free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance or security fixes for Windows 10.

Quick Fix: Miracast Not Connecting to Windows

If you need the shortest possible troubleshooting procedure, follow these steps:

1. Confirm that the PC supports Miracast.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi.
3. Enable Miracast or screen mirroring on the TV/monitor.
4. Restart the PC and wireless display.
5. Press Windows + K and try again.
6. Update the Wi-Fi and graphics drivers.
7. Update the wireless display or adapter firmware.
8. Remove the old wireless display from Windows.
9. Add the display again.
10. If connecting to another Windows PC, install and launch Wireless Display on the receiving PC.

Final Thoughts

When Miracast connection issues occur in Windows, start with compatibility and configuration before changing advanced settings.

The most important checks are:

• Miracast support
• Wi-Fi
• Wireless display mode
• Drivers
• Firmware
• Wireless Display app
• Saved wireless-display connections

For Windows 11, Windows + K is the quickest way to access available wireless display connections. If the display is not listed, work through the compatibility, Wi-Fi, driver and device checks described above.

If none of these steps resolves the problem, test the PC with another compatible wireless display if possible. This helps determine whether the issue is coming from the Windows computer or from the receiving display.

For a stable connection when Miracast is unavailable or unreliable, a wired HDMI or DisplayPort connection remains an alternative.