Microsoft enhanced the Wireless Adapter app on Xbox One. Windows 11/10 users or Android users can now project their screen. This allows you to use the Xbox One display as your second monitor or play Windows 11/10 games on the TV screen. In this guide, we share how you can project a Windows PC to Xbox One using the Wireless Adapter App.
Project Windows screen to Xbox One using Wireless Adapter App
On Xbox One
Install the Wireless Adapter app on Xbox One from the Store.
Once installed, launch it from the store or the application list.
Click on the menu button on the controller to open settings.
Here you can view:
- Devices access list (Allowed and blocked devices)
- Controller Setup help
Make sure to clearly understand how buttons and sticks on the controller are mapped for keyboard actions.
On Windows 10
- Open Windows Action Center (Win + A)
- Click on Projection > Connect to wireless display > Xbox One.
- Once it connects, you will have the option to allow mouse, keyboard, touch and pen input from this device.
On Windows 11
- Open Settings
- Select System settings
- Open Display settings
- Scroll down till you see Multiple Displays
- Locate Connect to a wireless display and click on the Connect button.
Similar to how you extend your display to multiple monitors or on a projector, you can choose to continue, duplicate, or use the second screen. It is your second monitor but over wireless.
Both Xbox One and your computer don’t need to be on the same network.
Keyboard mapping of the Xbox Controller
- A button: Left click or enter
- B button: Esc
- D-pad: Navigation keys
- Left stick: Mouse Cursor
- Menu button: Right click or context menu
- Xbox Guide: Exit wireless display app
- Right stick: Vertical, horizontal scroll
- View button: Task View
You can press the view and the menu button together to toggle between mouse/keyboard mode and gamepad mode.
My experience using Wireless Adapter
It is great that now I can stream or duplicate my Windows computer on to Xbox One. I can use it as my secondary monitor, but only for monitoring things like X and Facebook. It’s still not very smooth so one can use it to write content. It is excellent if somebody wants to run presentations or play a video from the computer. Projecting-protected content, like Netflix and Hulu are not supported
However, the experience is not very smooth and largely depends on your router’s power. I could see the screen performing frame-by-frame refresh every 10 to 15 minutes.
While you can use the controller, it wasn’t smooth. It should only be used when you do not want to use your computer and with apps that can be operated with basic controls. Using a gamepad will be different. It ensures you have keyboard-like functionality, which will make searching for content or typing easier. If you have a Bluetooth keyboard connected with Xbox One, I highly recommend you use it.
This app also lets you cast from an Android smartphone. You can duplicate almost everything just like Windows 10. Surprisingly, I didn’t see much lag here which makes me think if it’s the router or the app that needs optimization.
Wireless Adapter app features
- Offers modes, i.e., Work, gaming or video when projecting.
- You can choose to use a mouse and keyboard on your computer.
- Quickly switch between Mouse/keyboard mode to controller mode. Useful when you play games.
- Instantly share photos, video clips, websites from your computer.
- Allows you to block devices which are connecting to Xbox one.
When connecting to an Xbox One wireless adapter, permission-based access is not available. Do not keep the app open unless you plan to use it.
It’s good to see Microsoft is finally closing the loop. You can now project Xbox One and Windows PC both, and those who have both will enjoy it. In a couple of updates, the projecting experience should get smoother. I am hoping that the refresh rate issue also gets resolved.
