How to Cast Laptop to TV Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wanted to enjoy your favorite movie, video, or even a work presentation on a bigger screen? If you’re using Windows 11, casting your laptop to your TV is easier than you might think. Instead of being stuck with a small display, you can wirelessly or via cable mirror your laptop screen to your TV and enjoy a larger, more immersive experience.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple ways to cast your laptop to a TV in Windows 11—step by step. Whether you have a smart TV with built-in casting, a streaming device like Chromecast, or just an HDMI cable, I’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

Why Cast Your Laptop to a TV?

Casting isn’t just for watching Netflix on the big screen. Here are a few reasons you might want to cast your laptop to a TV:

Entertainment – Stream movies, shows, or YouTube videos.
Gaming – Play PC games on a larger display.
Work – Present slideshows, spreadsheets, or documents.
Education – Watch online courses with a group.
Convenience – No need to crowd around a small laptop screen.

Methods to Cast Laptop to TV in Windows 11

There’s more than one way to do this. Depending on your TV type and setup, you can use:

Wireless casting with Miracast (built-in feature).
Casting with Chromecast or other streaming devices.
Casting with an HDMI cable (wired method).
Third-party apps for advanced casting.

Let’s go step by step.

Method 1: Cast Laptop to TV Using Miracast (Wireless)

Windows 11 supports Miracast, which allows you to project your screen wirelessly to compatible TVs.

Steps to Cast via Miracast:

Make sure your TV supports Miracast (most smart TVs do).
Connect your laptop and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your laptop, press Windows + K.
A sidebar will appear showing available devices.
Select your TV name from the list.
Accept the connection on your TV (if prompted).

Your laptop screen should now appear on your TV.

Method 2: Cast Laptop to TV with Chromecast

If your TV has a Google Chromecast device (or built-in Chromecast support), you can easily cast your laptop’s screen.

Steps to Cast with Chromecast:

Plug in and set up your Chromecast (if not already done).
Make sure your laptop and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Open Google Chrome browser on your laptop.
Click the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top right.
Select Cast.
Choose your TV or Chromecast device.
Select whether you want to cast your tab, desktop, or file.

Now your content will play on the TV through Chromecast.

Method 3: Cast Laptop to TV with HDMI Cable (Wired)

If wireless isn’t working well, the most reliable method is a wired HDMI connection.

Steps to Cast with HDMI:

Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your laptop.
Plug the other end into your TV’s HDMI port.
On your TV, switch to the correct HDMI input.
On your laptop, press Windows + P.
Choose one of the options:
- Duplicate – Mirror your screen.
- Extend – Use the TV as a second monitor.
- Second screen only – Use only the TV.

This gives you a stable, lag-free connection.

Method 4: Cast Laptop to TV Using Third-Party Apps

Sometimes your TV doesn’t support Miracast, or you want more features like casting specific apps. That’s where third-party apps come in.

Popular apps include:

AirServer – Turns your laptop into a casting receiver.
ApowerMirror – Casts Windows 11 to TV or other devices.
LetsView – Free app for screen mirroring.

Each app has its own setup, but generally, you install it on both devices, connect them to the same Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Casting

Sometimes casting doesn’t work as smoothly as expected. Here are a few common problems and fixes:

Laptop not detecting TV → Check Wi-Fi, restart both devices, or update drivers.
Laggy or choppy playback → Use a wired HDMI connection for better stability.
No sound on TV → Right-click the speaker icon > Sound settings > Select your TV as the output device.
Casting option not available → Make sure your TV supports Miracast or use Chromecast/HDMI instead.

Casting vs. Mirroring: What’s the Difference?

You’ll often hear the terms casting and mirroring, and while they sound similar, they’re slightly different:

Screen Mirroring – Your laptop screen is duplicated on the TV. Everything you do is shown in real-time.
Casting – You send specific content (like a YouTube video) to the TV, and it plays directly from the TV, not your laptop.

Both are useful—choose depending on your needs.

Pros of Casting Laptop to TV

Bigger screen for movies, gaming, and work.
Easier to share content with friends or colleagues.
Wireless methods eliminate messy cables.
Multiple casting options available (Miracast, Chromecast, HDMI).

Cons of Casting Laptop to TV

Wireless casting may suffer from lag or disconnections.
Not all TVs support Miracast.
Requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
HDMI cable limits mobility.

Best Tips for Smooth Casting

Use a fast Wi-Fi connection for wireless casting.
Keep your laptop close to the router for better signal.
Update your Windows 11 drivers (especially graphics and network).
If gaming, HDMI is better than wireless for low latency.
Adjust display resolution if the TV shows black borders.

When to Use Which Method?

For movies & streaming → Chromecast or Miracast.
For gaming → HDMI cable for low lag.
For presentations → Miracast or HDMI (depending on TV support).
For everyday casual use → Wireless casting is most convenient.

Final Thoughts

Casting your laptop to a TV in Windows 11 is incredibly simple once you know the right method. Whether you use Miracast, Chromecast, HDMI, or a third-party app, you can enjoy your content on a bigger screen without hassle.

If you want convenience, go wireless. If you want stability and performance, stick to HDMI. Either way, you’ll be enjoying a big-screen experience in no time.

FAQs

Q1: Can I cast my Windows 11 laptop to any TV?
Not all TVs support casting. Smart TVs usually do, but older ones may require Chromecast or HDMI.

Q2: Do I need Wi-Fi to cast my laptop to TV?
Yes, for wireless casting (Miracast/Chromecast). No, if you’re using an HDMI cable.

Q3: Why is my TV not showing up in Windows 11 casting options?
Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi and your TV supports Miracast. Otherwise, use Chromecast or HDMI.

Q4: Can I cast without lag?
Yes, but wireless casting often has minor lag. For zero lag, use HDMI.

Q5: Can I cast only certain apps instead of my whole screen?
Yes, with Chromecast and some third-party apps, you can cast just a browser tab, video, or app instead of mirroring everything.