The PC does not need Wi-Fi.
“Same local network” does not mean both devices must use the same radio connection. A typical setup has the Windows desktop connected to the router by Ethernet and the iPad connected to that router over Wi-Fi. As long as the router allows devices on those paths to communicate, Slate can discover and connect them.
- Windows PC: Ethernet or Wi-Fi on the local router.
- iPad: Wi-Fi on the same local network.
- Internet: not required for screen streaming.
- Display mode: a real Windows extended display, up to 1080p at 60fps.
A guest network may share internet access while blocking devices from seeing each other. Use the main network when possible.
A six-digit check protects the first connection.
On the first wireless connection, Slate shows a six-digit code on both devices. Compare the codes and approve the connection on the iPad and Windows PC. This step confirms that you are pairing the devices in front of you rather than accepting an unknown computer on the network.
After approval, each side remembers the trusted device. Later sessions authenticate that saved relationship automatically, so normal reconnection does not require entering a code every time. You can forget saved PCs from Connection help on the iPad if you want to remove that trust.
The screen stream stays local.
Slate sends the Windows display and touch input directly between your PC and iPad over the local network. The stream is not routed through a Slate internet server. After mutual authentication, the network video, touch, and control records are protected with AES-256-GCM encryption.
The internet may still be used separately for App Store purchases, updates, or release checks. Those services are not part of the live screen-streaming path. Read the privacy policy for the product’s data-handling details.
When the PC does not appear on the iPad.
Slate uses local service discovery, so a network setting can prevent the devices from finding each other even when both have internet access. Check these conditions in order:
- Open Slate on Windows and the iPad, and allow Local Network access in iPad Settings.
- Confirm that both connect through the same router or local network segment.
- Disable a VPN temporarily; some VPNs redirect or filter local traffic.
- Leave guest Wi-Fi and disable router features named client isolation, AP isolation, or device isolation.
- Check the Slate local discovery rule in Windows Firewall, then refresh discovery from the Windows tray and iPad Connection help.
If discovery still fails, use the detailed Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps in Slate Support.
USB-C is the fallback when the network is not.
Public venues, managed offices, and hotel networks often isolate devices or carry unpredictable traffic. Connect a USB-C data cable in those environments. Slate automatically prioritises the wired path while it is available, without changing the extended-display workflow.
For a side-by-side decision, read Wi-Fi vs USB-C for an iPad second monitor. For the complete first-time flow, start with the Windows second-monitor setup guide.