Your Windows desktop should mirror cleanly on a second monitor, TV, projector, or wireless display. When it opens as an extended desktop instead, the fix is to switch the projection mode to Duplicate. Start with the fastest Windows 11 controls, then use the wireless and adapter steps for screens that need pairing first.
1. Open the Windows Project menu
Connect or turn on the second display. Press Windows logo key + P. In the Project panel, choose Duplicate.
2. Switch from Display settings
This fixes a second screen that Windows sees but is using as an extended desktop. Open Start, then select Settings > System > Display.
Under Multiple displays, choose Duplicate these displays. Confirm the prompt to keep the setting.
3. Pick Duplicate in Quick Settings
Windows 11 also keeps projection controls in Network, Sound, or Battery on the far right side of the taskbar. Select one of those icons, choose Project, then select Duplicate.
Press Windows logo key + P to open the same projection choices from the keyboard.
4. Mirror to a wireless display or TV
Turn on the TV, projector, or wireless display. Then plug in the Miracast dongle or adapter if the display uses one. Press Windows logo key + K, then select the display from the list.
After it connects, press Windows logo key + P. Choose Duplicate.
5. Connect a wireless display through Settings
Open Start > Settings > System > Display, then go to Multiple displays. Select Connect and choose the wireless display.
Press Windows logo key + P, then select Duplicate. You can also search Windows for Cast, select Connect to a wireless display, then choose Connect.
6. Prepare a Surface or wireless adapter
This fixes setups where the screen needs a cable, adapter, or Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter before Windows can mirror it. For a wired Surface setup, plug the video cable into the external display. Next, turn on the external display and set its input source to that port.
Connect the other end to the video adapter if one is required, then connect the adapter or cable to the Surface. Press Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate.
For a Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter, plug the HDMI end into the HDTV, monitor, or projector. Microsoft lists Windows 11 support for the 4K model; the two earlier Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter models are documented for Miracast-enabled Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 devices, so check the compatibility list for the model you own.
Plug the USB end into a USB charging port or 5W USB Type-A charger. Set the display input to HDMI. Press Windows logo key + K and select the adapter name.
Press Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate.
7. Project to another Windows PC
On the receiving PC, open Start > Settings > System > Projecting to this PC. Under Add the Wireless Display optional feature to project to this PC, select Optional features.
Next to Add an optional feature, select View features. Enter wireless display. Select Wireless Display, select Next, then select Install.
Return to Projecting to this PC and set the projection preferences. Launch Wireless Display from taskbar search on the receiving PC.
On the source PC, press Windows logo key + K and select the receiving PC. Press Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate.
8. Reconnect a wireless display that will not duplicate
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Under Wireless displays & docks, select the wireless display or adapter.
Select Remove device, then reconnect with Windows logo key + K. Or reconnect through Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Connect.
Open Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate. For a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, use the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter app from the Microsoft Store for adapter settings and firmware updates.
9. Ignore outdated Windows duplication shortcuts
Skip old Control Panel instructions such as Display > Adjust resolution; use Settings > System > Display or Windows logo key + P.
Do not look for the old Connect app as a default app on current Windows; add Wireless Display as an optional feature, then launch Wireless Display on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.
Avoid DisplaySwitch.exe /clone on current Windows 11; Microsoft Q&A reports inconsistent behavior in Windows 11 22H2, so use Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate.
On work or school PCs, ask IT to check wireless projection policy when wireless display controls are unavailable or pairing requires a PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to duplicate screen in Windows 11?
Press Windows logo key + P, then choose Duplicate in the Project panel.
Can I duplicate my screen to a TV without a cable?
Yes. Turn on the Miracast-capable TV, projector, or adapter, press Windows logo key + K, select the display, then press Windows logo key + P and choose Duplicate.
Where is Duplicate in Windows 11 Settings?
Open Start > Settings > System > Display. Under Multiple displays, choose Duplicate these displays and confirm the prompt.
Why is the Connect app missing on Windows 11?
Current Windows uses the Wireless Display optional feature. Add it from Projecting to this PC, then launch Wireless Display on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.
Does Windows 10 still duplicate displays?
The duplicate display feature exists in Windows 10, but Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Use the current Windows 11 Project, Settings, and wireless display paths for supported PCs.
