The fastest way to share your screen depends on what's in your TV and what's in your PC
You have three main routes: a wireless connection using built-in TV and PC features, a physical cable plugged into both devices, or a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick that sits between them. Which one works fastest depends on whether your TV has the right wireless standard built in, whether you want to mirror everything on your PC or just play a single app, and whether you already own the extra hardware.
The wireless methods are easiest if they work—no cables to hunt down or plug in. But they require both devices to support the same standard, and the connection can drop if something interferes with your Wi-Fi. A cable is slower to set up but more reliable once it's plugged in. A streaming device costs money upfront but works with almost any TV and gives you the most control over what appears on screen.
Key Takeaways
- Windows PCs can cast wirelessly to any TV with Miracast support using the built-in Cast feature, found in Settings or the Quick Settings menu.
- If your TV doesn't have Miracast, you can use an HDMI cable to connect your PC directly, or buy a wireless adapter like a Chromecast or Fire Stick.
- Miracast works best for mirroring your entire screen; if you want to play only one app or video while using your PC for something else, a streaming device gives you more flexibility.
- Connection problems usually come from Wi-Fi interference or outdated TV firmware, and can often be fixed by restarting both devices and moving closer to your router.
Wireless screen sharing with Miracast (Windows 10 and 11)
If your TV was made in the last five to seven years, it likely has Miracast built in—a wireless standard that lets your PC send its display to the TV without a cable. To check whether your TV supports it, look in the TV's settings menu for "Miracast," "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Display," or "SmartCast." The exact name varies by brand.
On your Windows PC, open the Quick Settings menu by pressing Windows key + A, then look for a button labeled "Cast" or "Project." Click it, then select your TV from the list. Your PC will ask the TV to accept the connection. Once the TV confirms, your entire screen will appear on the television. You can adjust the display mode—mirror (everything shows on both screens), extend (use the TV as a second monitor), or duplicate (show only one app)—by pressing Windows key + P.
If you don't see a Cast button in Quick Settings, open Settings, go to System > Display > Multiple Displays, and look for "Connect to a wireless display." Click that option and select your TV. The process is the same, just accessed from a different menu.
Using an HDMI cable for a wired connection
An HDMI cable is the most reliable method if your TV and PC are close enough. Most modern TVs have at least one HDMI port on the back or side. Most modern PCs have an HDMI port as well, though some laptops (especially thin models) may have only USB-C or Thunderbolt. If your PC doesn't have HDMI, you'll need an adapter—USB-C to HDMI or Thunderbolt to HDMI, depending on what your PC has.
Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your PC and the other into any HDMI port on your TV. Turn on the TV and use its remote to switch to the correct HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on). Your PC screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. If it doesn't, right-click on your PC's desktop, select "Display Settings," and look for an option to detect or connect to a display.
The advantage of HDMI is that it carries both video and audio, and the connection won't drop due to Wi-Fi interference. The disadvantage is that you're tethered to a cable, and if your PC is far from the TV, you'll need a very long cable or an extension.
Streaming devices: Chromecast, Fire Stick, and Roku
If your TV doesn't have Miracast or you want more control over what appears on screen, a streaming device plugged into your TV's HDMI port can act as a bridge. The most common options are Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, and Roku. These devices connect to your Wi-Fi and let your PC send video to them wirelessly.
For Chromecast, read the Google Home app on your PC, open it, and click the Cast button. Select your Chromecast device, and your screen will appear on the TV. For Fire Stick, use the Alexa app or read the Fire TV app for Windows. For Roku, use the Roku app or the built-in screen mirroring feature if your Roku supports it. Each device has its own app, so check the manufacturer's website for the exact steps.
Streaming devices cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model, but they work with almost any TV and give you the option to cast just one app (like a video or web browser) while you keep working on your PC. They also tend to be more stable than Miracast if your Wi-Fi is crowded.
Fixing connection problems
If your TV doesn't appear in the Cast list, or if the connection drops after a few seconds, start by restarting both your PC and your TV. Turn off the TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your PC as well. Many connection problems clear up after a restart.
Next, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your PC's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you're connected to your home network. On your TV, go to Settings and check the Wi-Fi connection. If they're on different networks (or if your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band separately), switch your PC to match the TV's network.
If the connection is still unstable, move your PC closer to the TV and router. Walls, microwaves, and cordless phones can interfere with the wireless signal. If you're using Miracast and it keeps dropping, try switching to an HDMI cable or a streaming device instead—they're more resistant to interference.
Finally, check whether your TV's firmware is up to date. Go to the TV's Settings menu, look for "Software Update" or "System Update," and follow the prompts. Older firmware can have bugs that prevent Miracast from working correctly.
Choosing between wireless, cable, and streaming devices
Use Miracast if your TV supports it and you want the simplest setup with no extra hardware. It works best when your PC and TV are in the same room and your Wi-Fi is strong.
Use an HDMI cable if your PC and TV are close together, you want the most stable connection, or your TV doesn't have Miracast. It's also the cheapest option if you already have a cable.
Use a streaming device if your TV is older, you want to cast only one app while using your PC for other things, or you plan to use the device for other streaming services anyway. It costs more upfront but gives you the most flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my PC screen as a second monitor instead of mirroring it?
Yes. With an HDMI cable or Miracast, press Windows key + P and select "Extend." Your TV will act as a second display, and you can drag windows between your PC monitor and the TV. Streaming devices don't support this mode—they only mirror or cast a single app.
Why does my screen keep disconnecting from the TV?
The most common cause is Wi-Fi interference or a weak signal. Move your PC closer to the router, restart both devices, and make sure they're on the same network. If it keeps happening, switch to an HDMI cable or a streaming device, which are more stable.
Do I need a special cable, or will any HDMI cable work?
Any standard HDMI cable works. You don't need an expensive one—a basic cable from any electronics store will do. If your PC doesn't have an HDMI port, you'll need an adapter that matches your PC's ports (USB-C to HDMI or Thunderbolt to HDMI).
Can I share my screen if my TV doesn't have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Use an HDMI cable for a direct connection, or plug a streaming device (Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Roku) into the TV's HDMI port. The streaming device connects to Wi-Fi, and your PC sends video to it wirelessly.
Will sharing my screen drain my PC's battery?
Screen sharing uses more power than normal use, especially over Wi-Fi. If you're using a laptop, plug it in before you start. Wired HDMI uses slightly less power than wireless methods.