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Wireless Display Installation Fails on Windows 11? Try This

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by

David Turner

Wireless display technology has revolutionized the way we use our computers, enabling seamless screen casting from one device to another without the clutter of wires. On Windows 11, this functionality is built-in and can be a game-changer for work presentations, media sharing, or simply extending your display. However, many users find themselves facing installation issues when trying to set up wireless displays. If the feature isn’t working for you, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there’s likely a solution.

Why Wireless Display Installation May Fail

There are several reasons why installing the Wireless Display feature on Windows 11 might fail. These include:

  • Missing or outdated drivers
  • Disabled optional features
  • Network configuration problems
  • Compatibility issues with your hardware

The issue could be as simple as not having the right settings enabled or as complex as needing a system update. Below, we’ll walk through different steps you can take to resolve the problem.

Step 1: Check Hardware and Compatibility

Before diving into software fixes, confirm that your PC supports Miracast or wireless display functionality. Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter.
  2. Click on Save All Information and save the DxDiag.txt file.
  3. Open the file and look for Miracast: It should say “Available” for compatibility.

If Miracast isn’t supported, you may need to upgrade your device or use a USB wireless display adapter.

Step 2: Install Wireless Display via Optional Features

Wireless Display is not always installed by default on Windows 11. Here’s how you can install it:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features.
  2. Click on Add a feature.
  3. Search for Wireless Display and click Install.

After the installation, restart your computer. If the installation fails at this step, check your network connection and ensure Windows is up to date.

Step 3: Update Graphics and Network Drivers

Outdated or incorrect drivers are a common culprit for broken wireless display functionality. To update your drivers:

  1. Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters and Network adapters.
  3. Right-click each device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If this doesn’t yield any new drivers, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest versions.

Step 4: Use Command Prompt to Install the Feature

If installing the Wireless Display feature from Settings fails, you can try using a command prompt.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    3. dism /online /add-capability /capabilityname:App.WirelessDisplay.Connect~~~~0.0.1.0
  3. Wait for the installation to complete and then reboot your computer.

This method forces the system to install the required feature manually and can often bypass errors encountered in the Settings UI.

Step 5: Check Windows Services and Firewall

Firewall settings or stopped services can prevent Wireless Display from functioning. Make sure the following services are running:

  • Windows Connection Manager
  • Network List Service
  • Windows Event Log

You’ll also want to ensure that your antivirus or firewall software isn’t blocking Miracast or related services.

Bonus Tip: Use the Connect App

Windows 11 no longer includes the Connect app by default, but it’s available through the same Optional Features menu where you found Wireless Display. Installing this app allows you to receive screen casts from other devices, making it particularly useful for presentations or multiple monitor setups.

Conclusion

Wireless display failures on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you expect the feature to “just work.” Luckily, with the right troubleshooting steps—checking hardware compatibility, updating drivers, enabling optional features, or using command-line tools—you can usually resolve the issue.

If all else fails, consider using a third-party Miracast dongle or switch to alternatives like Google Chromecast or Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter for a more streamlined experience. With a little patience and the right knowledge, wireless screen sharing can become a hassle-free part of your daily computing.