Want to enjoy your laptop’s movies, presentations, or games on a bigger screen? With Windows 11, you can easily cast your laptop to a TV using built-in features like Wireless Display (Miracast), HDMI cables, or third-party apps.
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through how to cast your laptop to TV on Windows 11 step by step, explain different connection methods, and help you fix common problems.
📌 Quick Summary
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You can cast your laptop to TV using Miracast (Wireless Display), HDMI cable, or apps like Chromecast.
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Wireless Display must be enabled on your TV or streaming device.
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HDMI provides the most reliable connection with no lag.
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If casting doesn’t work, update your display drivers and ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi.
Why Cast Your Laptop to TV?
Here are a few reasons why you may want to connect your Windows 11 laptop to your TV:
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🎬 Watch movies and shows on a bigger screen.
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🖥️ Present slides or projects without cables.
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🎮 Play games with more immersive visuals.
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👨👩👧 Family sharing for photos, videos, or Zoom calls.
Methods to Cast Laptop to TV in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to cast. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Cast Laptop to TV Wirelessly (Miracast)
Most modern Smart TVs support Miracast, allowing wireless casting without extra devices.
Steps:
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Make sure your laptop and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
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On your laptop, press Windows + K.
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A sidebar will appear showing available devices.
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Select your TV name from the list.
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Choose Duplicate (mirror screen) or Extend (use TV as second display).
✅ Your laptop screen should now appear on your TV.
Method 2: Cast Laptop to TV Using HDMI Cable
If you prefer a stable connection without lag:
Steps:
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Plug one end of an HDMI cable into your laptop.
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Connect the other end to your TV’s HDMI port.
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On your TV remote, switch input to the correct HDMI source.
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On your laptop, press Windows + P.
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Select Duplicate or Extend display.
👉 This method ensures smooth video and audio without Wi-Fi dependency.
Method 3: Cast Using Google Chromecast
If your TV doesn’t support Miracast, you can use a Chromecast device.
Steps:
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Plug in your Chromecast and set it up via the Google Home app.
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Make sure both laptop and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi.
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Open Google Chrome browser on your laptop.
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Click the three-dot menu → Cast.
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Select your TV/Chromecast.
Method 4: Cast Using Roku, Fire Stick, or Other Devices
If you own a Roku, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV, you can also mirror your screen:
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Roku/Fire Stick → Enable Screen Mirroring from device settings.
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Apple TV → Use AirParrot or third-party apps to cast from Windows.
How to Enable Wireless Display in Windows 11
Sometimes the “Connect” option (Windows + K) doesn’t show your TV. You may need to install the Wireless Display feature.
Steps:
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Open Settings (Windows + I).
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Go to Apps → Optional Features.
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Click Add a feature.
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Search for Wireless Display.
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Install it and restart your PC.
Troubleshooting Casting Issues
If casting doesn’t work, here’s what you can try:
❌ Laptop Can’t Find TV
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Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
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Restart your router, TV, and laptop.
❌ No Sound on TV
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Right-click the sound icon → Sound settings.
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Select your TV/HDMI/Display device as the output.
❌ Laggy or Choppy Video
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Use an HDMI cable for smoother playback.
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Lower resolution settings via Display settings.
Screen Mirroring vs. Casting: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Screen Mirroring (Duplicate) | Casting (Streaming) |
|---|---|---|
| Shows entire screen | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (only app/video) |
| Works without internet | ✅ Yes (HDMI/Miracast) | ❌ Needs Wi-Fi |
| Best for | Presentations, gaming | Watching YouTube, Netflix |
Alternatives to Casting
If casting feels complicated, you can also:
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Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for laptops without HDMI).
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Use DLNA apps to stream media files.
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Upload content to cloud storage and access via Smart TV apps.
Conclusion
Casting your laptop to your TV on Windows 11 is easier than ever. The simplest way is using Windows + K for wireless display, but an HDMI cable provides the most reliable connection.
Now you know how to cast laptop to TV on Windows 11 step by step, whether you’re streaming a movie, giving a presentation, or sharing photos with family.
👉 Pro tip: If you face lag or connection issues, always keep your display drivers and Windows updated.
FAQs: How to Cast Laptop to TV in Windows 11
1. Do all TVs support casting from Windows 11?
No. Only Smart TVs with Miracast/Chromecast or HDMI support can connect.
2. Can I cast without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Use an HDMI cable or Wi-Fi Direct if supported by your TV.
3. Why is there no sound when I cast?
Change the audio output device to TV/HDMI in sound settings.
4. Which is better: HDMI or Wireless Display?
HDMI is more reliable with zero lag, while wireless is more convenient.
5. Can I cast only a single app instead of the whole screen?
Yes. With Google Chrome or Chromecast, you can cast a single browser tab or app.