How To Mirror Display On Windows

How to Mirror Display on Windows

Mirroring a Windows display allows users to project their screen content onto another display device, such as a television, projector, or another computer monitor. This functionality proves useful for presentations, sharing content with a larger audience, or extending the workspace.

Utilizing the Project Feature

Windows offers a built-in feature called "Project" to facilitate screen mirroring and extending displays. Accessing this feature is typically achieved by pressing the Windows key + P. This action opens a sidebar on the right-hand side of the screen, presenting four options: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only. "PC screen only" disables any external displays, while "Duplicate" mirrors the primary display's content onto the connected secondary display. "Extend" treats the second display as an extension of the desktop, allowing users to drag windows and applications between screens. Finally, "Second screen only" disables the primary display and only shows content on the connected external display.

Before using the Project feature, ensure the external display is properly connected to the computer using the appropriate cable, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. Once connected, Windows should automatically detect the external display. If it does not, users may need to manually detect the display by navigating to the Display settings (Settings > System > Display) and clicking the "Detect" button.

Connecting Wirelessly with Miracast

For a wireless connection, users can leverage Miracast, a wireless display standard supported by many modern Windows devices and displays. To use Miracast, both the source device (the computer) and the receiving device (the display) must be Miracast compatible. Users can check their display's documentation to confirm Miracast support.

To initiate a Miracast connection, press the Windows key + K to open the Connect pane. Windows will then scan for available wireless displays. Select the desired display from the list, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process. Some displays may require a PIN for pairing.

Wireless connections can be affected by network congestion and distance between the devices. Maintaining a clear line of sight and a strong Wi-Fi signal can improve the performance and stability of the Miracast connection.

Adjusting Display Settings for Optimal Viewing

After connecting a second display, users may need to adjust the display settings to optimize the viewing experience. Access the Display settings (Settings > System > Display) to configure resolution, scaling, and orientation for each connected display. Matching the resolution of the external display to its native resolution often provides the clearest image.

The "Scale and layout" section within Display settings allows users to adjust the size of text, apps, and other items on each display independently. This is particularly helpful when mirroring to a display with a significantly different resolution than the primary display. Experimenting with these settings can ensure comfortable viewing and readability on both screens.

If the orientation of the mirrored display is incorrect (e.g., rotated 90 degrees), users can adjust the orientation within the Display settings. Select the desired display from the dropdown menu at the top of the Display settings page and then choose the correct orientation from the "Display orientation" dropdown menu.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the external display is not detected, check the cable connections and ensure the display is powered on. Updating or reinstalling display drivers can also resolve connection issues. Users can access device drivers through the Device Manager (search for "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar).

For Miracast connections, ensure both devices are Miracast compatible and that the Wi-Fi is enabled and functioning correctly. Restarting both devices can sometimes resolve connectivity problems. Additionally, checking for updates to the wireless display adapter driver can improve Miracast performance and stability.

If the mirrored image appears distorted or blurry, adjust the resolution and scaling settings within the Display settings. Ensure the chosen resolution matches the native resolution of the external display for optimal image quality. Experimenting with different refresh rates can also improve the clarity of the displayed image.