Wireless DeX connection on Windows 11 requires your phone and computer on the same network, plus the Samsung DeX app installed on your PC

Samsung DeX is a feature that lets you use your Samsung phone's screen and apps on a larger monitor or computer. On Windows 11, you can connect wirelessly without plugging in a cable — your phone and PC just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you need the DeX app running on your Windows machine.

The wireless connection works best when both devices are close to your router and connected to the 5GHz band if your router supports it. If you run into connection drops or lag, moving closer to the router or switching to a wired connection (USB-C cable) often fixes it.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Samsung DeX app from the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 PC before attempting to connect.
  • Both your phone and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your phone must have DeX wireless enabled in its settings.
  • Open the DeX app on Windows, then swipe down on your phone to find the DeX notification and tap it to start the connection.
  • If wireless connection fails, check that both devices are on the same network band and restart the DeX app on your PC.

Install the Samsung DeX app on Windows 11

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 PC. Search for "Samsung DeX" and select the official app published by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Click the "Get" button to download and install it — the app is free and takes about 30 seconds to install on most connections.

Once installed, open the DeX app. You will see a screen that says "Waiting for device" or shows a QR code. Leave this window open — your phone will connect to it in the next steps.

Enable wireless DeX on your Samsung phone

On your Samsung phone, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel. Look for a tile labeled "DeX" or "Samsung DeX" — if you do not see it, swipe right in the Quick Settings area to find more tiles, or search for "DeX" in your phone's Settings app under "Advanced features" or "Labs" depending on your phone model.

Tap the DeX tile to turn it on. Your phone will show a notification that says something like "DeX is ready" or "DeX wireless is on." Some phones ask you to confirm that you want to allow wireless connections — tap "Allow" or "OK" if prompted.

Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC

Make sure your phone and Windows 11 PC are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings by opening Settings, tapping "Connections," then "Wi-Fi," and confirming the network name matches the one your PC is using.

If your router broadcasts separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks with different names, connect both devices to the same band. The 5GHz band usually offers faster, more stable connections for DeX, but both bands work. If your router uses one name for both bands (band steering), both devices will automatically use the best available band.

Complete the wireless connection

With DeX enabled on your phone and the DeX app open on your Windows 11 PC, swipe down from the top of your phone screen to open the notification panel. You should see a notification that says "DeX is ready" or shows your PC's name. Tap this notification.

Your phone will ask "Connect to [PC name]?" — tap "Connect" to confirm. The connection usually takes 3 to 5 seconds. Once connected, your phone's screen will appear in the DeX app window on your PC, and you can use your phone's apps, files, and interface with your mouse and keyboard.

Troubleshoot wireless connection problems

If the connection fails or does not appear, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that the DeX app is fully open on your Windows 11 PC. Close the DeX app completely (right-click the window and select "Close," or use Alt+F4), wait 10 seconds, then reopen it.

If your phone does not show a DeX notification, open your phone's Settings, search for "DeX," and confirm the wireless option is turned on. Some Samsung phones require you to enable "Developer options" first — if you see a message about this, go to Settings > About phone, tap "Build number" seven times, then return to DeX settings and enable wireless.

Connection drops during use usually mean the devices have drifted off the same network band or are too far from the router. Move both devices closer to your router, or switch to a wired connection by plugging your phone into your PC with a USB-C cable — this bypasses Wi-Fi entirely and is more stable for extended use.

Switch between wireless and wired DeX

If you want to use a USB-C cable instead of wireless, simply plug your phone into your PC with a compatible USB-C cable. The DeX app will detect the wired connection and switch to it automatically — you do not need to change any settings. Wired connections are faster and do not drop, making them better for gaming, video editing, or long work sessions.

To go back to wireless, unplug the cable and make sure DeX wireless is still enabled on your phone. The DeX app will reconnect wirelessly within a few seconds if both devices are on the same network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to use wireless DeX?

No. Wireless DeX works on your local Wi-Fi network without requiring you to sign in to a Samsung account. You only need the DeX app installed on your PC and DeX enabled on your phone.

Can I use DeX if my phone and PC are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network to connect wirelessly. If you are on different networks, use a USB-C cable instead, which does not require Wi-Fi.

Why does my wireless DeX connection keep dropping?

Wireless connections drop when devices move too far from the router, switch between network bands, or encounter interference. Move closer to your router, check that both devices are on the same band, and restart the DeX app. For stable, long-term use, switch to a wired USB-C connection.

Which Samsung phones support wireless DeX?

Most Samsung Galaxy phones from the Galaxy S8 and newer support wireless DeX, as well as some Galaxy Tab models. Check your phone's Settings under "Advanced features" or "Labs" — if you see a DeX option, your phone supports it.

Can I use a keyboard and mouse with wireless DeX on Windows 11?

Yes. Once connected, your PC's keyboard and mouse control your phone's interface through the DeX app window. You can type, click, and drag just as you would on your phone's screen.