How to Cast Your PC Screen to Your TV

The fastest way to cast your PC to a TV

The simplest method depends on what's already in your home. If your TV is a smart TV made in the last five years, you can cast wirelessly from Windows 10 or 11 using the built-in Miracast feature—no apps or cables needed. If your TV is older or doesn't support wireless casting, an HDMI cable is the most reliable backup and costs $10 to $20.

Windows PCs have casting built in. On Windows 10 and 11, press Windows key + K to open the Quick Settings panel, then select your TV from the list of available devices. Your TV will mirror your screen within a few seconds. If your TV doesn't appear, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV's casting feature is turned on (the name varies by brand—Samsung calls it SmartThings, LG calls it AirPlay, and others use generic names like "Screen Mirroring").

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 can cast wirelessly to most smart TVs using the Windows key + K shortcut, with no setup required beyond connecting to the same Wi-Fi network.
An HDMI cable is the most reliable option for older TVs and guarantees a stable connection without wireless interference.
If wireless casting fails, check that both devices are on the same network and that your TV's casting feature is enabled in its settings menu.
Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Apple TV add casting support to any TV and often cost less than replacing an older television.
Audio may not always route through your TV speakers when casting—you may need to adjust Windows sound settings to send audio to the TV instead of your PC speakers.

Using an HDMI cable for a wired connection

An HDMI cable connects your PC directly to your TV with no wireless setup. Plug one end into your PC's HDMI port (most laptops and desktops have at least one) and the other into any HDMI port on your TV. Your TV should detect the connection automatically and switch to that input, or you may need to press the Input or Source button on your TV remote and select the HDMI port you used.

The advantage of HDMI is that it never drops the connection, works with any TV regardless of age, and carries both video and audio in one cable. The downside is that you're tethered to the TV—you can't move around the room. If your PC doesn't have an HDMI port, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter (around $15 to $30) or a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, depending on what ports your PC has.

Casting wirelessly with Miracast on Windows

Miracast is the wireless casting standard built into Windows. To cast, press Windows key + K, wait for the Quick Settings panel to appear on the right side of your screen, and look for a "Connect" or "Project" option. Your TV should appear in the list if it supports Miracast and is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.

Click your TV's name and Windows will begin casting. The first time you connect, your TV may ask for permission—accept it, and Windows will remember the device for future use. If your TV doesn't appear, restart both devices and make sure they're on the same Wi-Fi network. Some older routers or networks with many connected devices can interfere with Miracast; if casting is unreliable, try moving your PC closer to the router or switching to a wired Ethernet connection on your PC if possible.

Miracast works best for presentations, web browsing, and watching videos. If you're playing games, you may notice a slight delay (called latency) between your mouse movement and what appears on screen—this is normal and usually not noticeable for casual use, but it can affect fast-paced games.

Using a streaming device if your TV doesn't support casting

If your TV is older and doesn't have built-in casting, a streaming device adds that feature. Popular options include Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV. These plug into your TV's HDMI port and connect to Wi-Fi. Once set up, you can cast from your PC to the device using the same Windows key + K method, and the device handles sending the signal to your TV.

Roku and Fire Stick are the most affordable, starting around $30 to $50. Google Chromecast is similarly priced and integrates well with Google services. Apple TV is more expensive (starting around $100) but works seamlessly if you use other Apple devices. All of them support casting from Windows, though some features may be limited compared to casting to a native smart TV.

Fixing audio when casting to your TV

When you cast your screen, video usually routes to the TV automatically, but audio sometimes stays on your PC speakers instead of playing through the TV. To fix this, right-click the volume icon in your Windows taskbar and select "Open Volume mixer." Look for your TV or casting device in the list and set it as the default playback device. From then on, audio will route to the TV when you're casting.

If your TV doesn't appear in the Volume mixer, make sure the casting connection is active (your screen should be mirroring on the TV). Some TVs take a few seconds to register as audio devices after you connect. If audio still won't route to the TV, try disconnecting and reconnecting the casting session, or restart both devices.

Troubleshooting when your PC won't find your TV

The most common reason casting fails is that your PC and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your TV's network settings and make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC. If your home has a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band (usually 2.4 GHz is more reliable for casting).

If both devices are on the same network and your TV still doesn't appear, restart your TV and your PC's Wi-Fi. On your PC, open Settings, go to System > Display, and scroll down to "Multiple displays." Make sure "Wireless display" is turned on. On your TV, check the settings menu for a "Screen Mirroring," "AirPlay," "SmartThings," or "Miracast" option and make sure it's enabled. The exact name depends on your TV brand.

If you've tried all of this and casting still doesn't work, fall back to an HDMI cable. It's the most reliable method and costs less than troubleshooting for hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast to my TV if my PC and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast wirelessly. If your TV is on a guest network or a different band, move it to the same network as your PC. If you can't do that, use an HDMI cable instead.

Does casting slow down my internet?

Casting uses your local Wi-Fi network, not your internet connection, so it won't affect your internet speed. However, if your Wi-Fi is weak or congested, casting may be unreliable. Moving your PC closer to the router or using an HDMI cable will solve this.

Can I use my PC while I'm casting to the TV?

Yes. When you cast your screen, anything you do on your PC appears on the TV in real time. You can open new windows, type, click, and browse normally. If you want to do something on your PC without showing it on the TV, you can disconnect the casting session or use a second monitor.

What if my PC has no HDMI port?

Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, depending on which ports your PC has. These cost $15 to $30 and work the same way as a built-in HDMI port. Alternatively, use wireless casting if your TV supports it.

Is casting the same as screen mirroring?

Yes, they're the same thing. "Casting" and "screen mirroring" both mean sending your PC's display to another device. Some brands use one term or the other, but they refer to the same feature.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.