Screen sharing and projecting your display are useful features for sharing content with others or expanding your workspace. Whether you’re presenting a presentation, streaming content, or extending your desktop, both Windows and Mac offer easy ways to wirelessly share your screen with external devices like smart TVs, projectors, or other computers.
You’ll want to make sure your operating system and drivers up to date to avoid compatibility issues. You’ll also need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and/or close to the other device to ensure a strong connection.
How to Screen Share or Project on Windows
Windows provides multiple ways to wirelessly connect your PC to external displays like TVs or projectors using Miracast.
Cast to an External Display (Smart TV, Projector, etc.)
To wirelessly project your screen to a TV or projector:
- Turn on your external display (TV, projector, or compatible device).
- Press Windows Key + K on your keyboard.
- From the available devices list, select your desired display.
- Follow any on-screen instructions.
And you’re all set. If you’re using a Miracast dongle or adapter, ensure it’s plugged into the display.
Cast to Another Windows PC
You can also project your screen to another Windows PC, making it ideal for sharing presentations or work across multiple devices. This is also useful if you have a spare laptop that you want to use as just a monitor.
On the PC you’re projecting to:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Projecting to this PC.
- Under “Add the Wireless Display optional feature,” click on Optional features and install Wireless Display.
- Once installed, open the Connect app on the device you’re projecting to (search for “Connect” in the taskbar).
On your original PC:
- Press Windows Key + K and select the PC you want to project to.
- Follow any prompts to connect.
You now should be able to share your screen instantly.
How to Stream or Mirror Your Screen on a Mac
For Mac users, Apple offers simple solutions for streaming content to a TV or mirroring your Mac screen. You can either directly stream a video your watching, or mirror your screen’s display.
Stream Video from Mac to Smart TV
If you want to stream videos from your Mac to a TV or Apple TV, open the video you want to stream and find the AirPlay icon.
- Click the AirPlay icon in the playback controls.
- Select your Apple TV or compatible smart TV from the list.
To stop streaming, click the AirPlay icon again and select your Mac.
Mirror Your Mac to a TV
If you want to mirror your Mac’s screen onto your TV:
- Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
- Select your TV from the options.
- If prompted, enter the four-digit code displayed on your TV.
To adjust how your display appears, click the AirPlay icon again, and choose either Mirror Built-in Display or Use as Separate Display.
Both devices need to support Miracast (Windows) or AirPlay (Mac). Check your external display’s settings to confirm it’s ready. For the best connection and compatibility, ensure both devices are within the same wireless network and a reasonable distance from each other and Keep your operating system and drivers up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
Screen sharing and projecting your display are valuable tools for enhancing productivity and enjoying media on larger screens. Whether you use Windows or Mac, these simple steps allow you to seamlessly connect with external displays, making your work or entertainment experiences more immersive and convenient.
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