Miracast and how to make it work in Windows 8

Table of Contents:

1. What is Miracast?
2. What is needed to support Miracast?
3. Is my system Miracast capable?
4. How do I configure Miracast?

This article contains information regarding Miracast and how to make it work in Windows 8

 What is Miracast? 

Miracast is a peer to peer wireless screencast standard formed by a Wi-Fi direct connection similar to Bluetooth or WiDi that Microsoft is supporting under Windows 8.1. Miracast enables wireless delivery of compressed standard or high-definition audio and video to or from desktops, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices. The Miracast receiver used must be Wi-Fi certified for the technology to work.

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 What is needed to support Miracast? 

1. You must have Windows 8.1
2. Your Wi-Fi receiver must be Wi-Fi Certified
3. You must have Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.3 Graphics drivers
4. Your WIFI driver must be Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) 6.3 or newer

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 Is my system Miracast capable? 

To see if your system is Miracast capable follow these steps: (Omit the quotation marks when typing the commands on command line or powershell.)

1. Go to https://www.dell.com/support/home?app=drivers Select your system, select window 8.1 as your operating system (OS), then Update all your Dell drivers to Windows 8.1 versions available. Once all drivers updated, continue to step 2 below:
2. To check to see if your Network driver is Miracast capable.
3. Right click on Start select RUN and type "CMD" in the run box to open a command prompt (C:>).
4. Now at the C:> prompt type powershell and press the Enter Key to get into powershell mode. You will see the following prompt: (PS C:UsersDell_000>) Type the next command: "Get-netadapter|select Name, ndisversion"
5. The results that should display will have a line entry for each type of network adapter in the system (Wireless, Bluetooth and Ethernet) and each line with end with the NDIS version

If the results show that the NdisVersion is not 6.3 or greater, the system is not Miracast ready.

If it is continue on to the next step once you have exited Power Shell by typing exit.

To check to ensure your graphics drivers are Miracast capable:

1. Right click the Start icon
2. Select Run
3. In the Run dialogue box type: "dxdiag" and press the Enter Key
4. When the DirectX Diagnostic ToolPage opens, select the Display Tab (or the next page button near the bottom of the window). You will see the Driver Model at the bottom of the right hand column.

If the driver model does not state WDDM 1.3, your system is not Miracast ready. and you cannot continue.

If the driver model is then continue following the instructions in section 4.

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 How do I configure Miracast? 

To Ensure the Miracast receiver you purchase is Wi-Fi certified.

Connect your Miracast receiver to your display or TV by following the manufacturers install instructions.

Once your Miracast adapter is properly connected you should see a message on your display or TV telling you that the device is ready.

Now follow these steps to connect to your adapter:

1. From the Start Screen press the Windows Key + C to Open the Charms Menu. (The Charms menu will slide out from the right side of the screen.)
2. Select the Devices Charm (4th charm from top) and the Devices Menu will slide out from the right side of the screen.
3. Now select Project (the bottom option) and the Project Menu will appear with your Miracast device displayed.

   If you do not see your adapter listed as a selection, you will need to select add a wireless display option at the bottom of the list and your system will automatically detect your device

• Once you see your Miracast device you can select it and let your system and device be paired for use - your local display will then be broadcast to your external display.

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