This article applies to ScreenBeam 1xxx-series, 960, and 750 models.
ScreenBeam delivers seamless support for Wi-Fi Miracast, the native wireless display solution for Windows 11, 10, and 8.1 devices. This enables users to wirelessly project from their Windows laptops, desktops, or tablets directly to a ScreenBeam-enabled display using the built-in screen mirroring functionality. Windows users can also extend their desktop, allowing them to keep sensitive information private on their primary screen while sharing selected content on the presentation display.
How to connect for Windows
- Ensure the device's Wi-Fi is on.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network reachable to ScreenBeam (Optional - See how it works below).
- Press Windows + K keys to open the Cast panel OR swipe from the right if using a touchscreen tablet (e.g., Surface Pro).
- Choose the ScreenBeam receiver name from the list matching the name on the display.
- Enter the PIN shown on the display if prompted.
How does it work?
Wi-Fi Miracast is a wireless display technology developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, natively supported on recent Windows and Android operating systems. On Windows 11 and 10, Miracast can transmit audio and video either over Wi-Fi Direct (peer-to-peer) or through the organization’s secured infrastructure network, provided the receiver is configured for Miracast over LAN. ScreenBeam 960 and 1xxx-series receivers support both Miracast over LAN and Wi-Fi Direct.
When users press the Windows + K keys, their device utilizes Wi-Fi Direct to scan for available ScreenBeam and Miracast receivers, displaying them in the Cast menu. After selecting a ScreenBeam receiver, a PIN may be requested for secure pairing and to confirm the correct display. Windows will then automatically select the optimal connection path for audio and video traffic based on network availability.
Miracast over Wi-Fi Direct
If the ScreenBeam receiver is not accessible over the local network, Windows Miracast will automatically route audio and video traffic wirelessly using Wi-Fi Direct.
- For optimal stability and performance, this method relies on the quality of the Windows device’s Wi-Fi adapter. ScreenBeam recommends using Intel or Qualcomm 802.11ac dual-band adapters to ensure the best experience.
- AV quality is determined by the surrounding wireless environment. To enhance reliability, ScreenBeam commercial receivers support Autonomous Group Owner (AGO) mode, enabling organizations to choose the P2P (peer-to-peer) wireless channel and minimize interference with existing Wi-Fi traffic.
- For guidance on selecting the best wireless channels, please refer to the wireless channel planning best practices.
- You can check if your Wi-Fi Miracast connection is using Wi-Fi Direct by opening Task Manager, navigating to the Performance tab, and selecting Network to view the connection details. A Wi-Fi Direct session will be listed, as shown in the example below.
Miracast over LAN
When the ScreenBeam receiver is configured for Miracast over LAN and connected to the same wired or wireless network, or a VLAN set up for Miracast mirroring, Windows Miracast will automatically route audio and video through the secure infrastructure network.
- For security, Windows always requires a PIN before connecting, regardless of the ScreenBeam receiver’s settings. This helps ensure content is shared only to the intended display.
- The AV quality depends on the performance of the Wi-Fi and network environment. For best practices when deploying Miracast over LAN, please refer to the recommended guidelines.
- Additionally, ScreenBeam 1xxx-series receivers feature a Local Wi-Fi (Hotspot) mode, enabling guests or visitors who cannot join the main network to connect directly for seamless wireless screen sharing.
- You can check if your Wi-Fi Miracast connection is using the infrastructure network by opening Task Manager, navigating to the Performance tab, and selecting Network to view the connection details. A Wi-Fi Direct session will NOT be listed, as shown in the example below.
What video resolutions are supported, and does ScreenBeam allow playback of protected content?
Windows Wi-Fi Miracast with ScreenBeam 1xxx-series receivers supports up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at 30 frames per second. To display content in 4K, the connected display must also support 4K resolution. In most configurations, 4K projection is available when using extended desktop mode. If your laptop’s built-in display natively supports 4K, 4K screen duplication (mirroring) is also possible.
ScreenBeam 1xxx-series receivers support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) when using Wi-Fi Miracast. This enables certain protected media from streaming services to be mirrored and played back on a ScreenBeam-connected display. Please verify that your streaming service’s Terms of Service allow content sharing with larger audiences and that you are using an authorized non-personal account.