How to Cast Your PC to Your TV in Four Steps

The fastest way to cast your PC to your TV

The simplest method depends on what's already plugged into your TV. If your TV has a Miracast receiver built in (most modern smart TVs do), you can cast wirelessly from Windows 10 or 11 in under a minute. If your TV doesn't have Miracast, a Chromecast device or Fire TV Stick plugged into an HDMI port will do the same thing. The wired option—an HDMI cable directly from your PC to your TV—works on any TV and has zero lag, but you lose the freedom to move around.

Your choice comes down to three things: whether you want wireless or wired, whether your TV already has the right hardware, and whether you're streaming video or mirroring your entire screen. Most people find wireless casting more convenient once it's set up, but wired is faster to get working the first time.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 can cast wirelessly to any TV with Miracast support, which includes most smart TVs made in the last five years.
If your TV doesn't have Miracast, plug a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick into an HDMI port and cast to that device instead.
An HDMI cable from your PC to your TV works on any television and has no wireless lag, but limits where you can sit.
Casting your entire screen is slower than streaming video from an app, so use screen mirroring only when you need to show something that isn't in a streaming app.

Casting wirelessly from Windows to a Miracast TV

Open the Windows Action Center by pressing Windows key + A on your keyboard. Look for a button labeled "Cast" or "Project" near the top of the panel. Click it, then select your TV from the list that appears. Windows will ask your TV to accept the connection—look at your TV screen and confirm the pairing if prompted.

Once connected, your PC screen will appear on your TV. You can now open any app, video, or website on your PC and it will show on the big screen. To stop casting, press Windows key + A again and click "Disconnect".

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and try again. Some older smart TVs need Miracast turned on in their settings menu—check your TV's manual or settings under "Display" or "Wireless".

Casting to a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick

Plug the Chromecast or Fire TV Stick into an HDMI port on your TV and power it on. On your PC, open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select "Cast" from the dropdown menu. A window will appear showing available devices—click your Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.

You now have two options: "Cast your screen" mirrors everything on your PC, while "Cast tab" streams only the current browser tab. Use "Cast tab" for video streaming (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) because it's faster and uses less bandwidth. Use "Cast your screen" only when you need to show something that isn't in a web browser.

To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting". The device will stay plugged in and ready for the next time you want to use it.

Using an HDMI cable for a wired connection

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your PC. Plug the other end into any available HDMI port on your TV. Turn on your TV and use the remote to switch to that HDMI input. Your PC screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If nothing appears, right-click on your PC's desktop and look for an option like "Display settings" or "Graphics options". You may need to tell Windows to extend or duplicate your display to the TV. Some PCs require you to press Windows key + P to bring up display options.

A wired connection has no lag and works with any TV, but you're limited by the cable length. This method is best for presentations or gaming where responsiveness matters, or when you're sitting close to the TV.

What to do if casting is slow or keeps disconnecting

Wireless casting depends on your Wi-Fi signal. If your PC and TV are far apart or separated by thick walls, move them closer or move your Wi-Fi router closer to both. A weak signal will cause stuttering, freezing, or dropped connections. If you're casting video from a streaming app, the problem may be your internet speed rather than the casting itself—check your internet connection speed on a speed test website.

If casting works but lags, you're probably using "Cast your screen" instead of "Cast tab". Screen mirroring compresses and sends everything your PC is doing, which takes more bandwidth and processing power. Switch to casting just the browser tab if you're watching video, or use a wired HDMI connection if you need to show your entire screen without lag.

Restart both your PC and TV if casting stops working suddenly. Unplug the TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try casting again. If a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick is involved, unplug that device too.

Casting from specific apps like Netflix or Spotify

Most streaming apps have a built-in Cast button that's faster and easier than casting your entire screen. Open Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, or another streaming app on your PC. Look for a Cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) somewhere on the screen—it's often in the top right or bottom right corner.

Click the Cast icon and select your TV or Chromecast device. The app will stream directly to your TV without mirroring your PC screen. This method uses less bandwidth, has less lag, and lets you keep using your PC for other things while video plays on the TV.

If you don't see a Cast button in an app, that app may not support casting. In that case, use "Cast your screen" from the Windows Action Center or your browser instead.

Choosing between wireless and wired casting

Wireless casting (Miracast, Chromecast, or Fire TV Stick) is convenient because you don't need cables and you can move around. It works well for streaming video and showing presentations from across the room. The trade-off is that it depends on Wi-Fi, which can be slower or less stable than a direct cable connection.

Wired casting with an HDMI cable is the most reliable option and has zero lag. It works with any TV and any PC. The downside is that you need a cable long enough to reach from your PC to your TV, and you can't move your PC without unplugging it. This method is best if your PC is close to your TV or if you're doing something where lag matters, like gaming or live presentations.

Many people use both: wireless casting for everyday streaming, and an HDMI cable for situations where they need reliability or speed. An HDMI cable costs $10 to $20 and lasts for years, so it's worth having one on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast to my TV if it's not a smart TV?

Yes. Plug a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or other streaming device into an HDMI port on your TV. These devices add wireless casting to any television. If you don't want to buy a device, use an HDMI cable to connect your PC directly to the TV instead.

Why does my screen look blurry or stretched on the TV?

Your PC may be sending the wrong resolution to the TV. Right-click on your desktop, select "Display settings", and look for the resolution dropdown. Try changing it to match your TV's native resolution (usually 1920 x 1080 for older TVs, or 3840 x 2160 for 4K TVs). If the image is stretched, look for an aspect ratio or zoom setting in your TV's menu.

Can I cast audio only, without the video?

Yes, if you're using a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick. Open Spotify, YouTube Music, or another audio app on your PC, click the Cast icon, and select your device. The audio will play on your TV's speakers while your PC screen stays dark. This doesn't work with Miracast, which always mirrors your screen.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Casting a browser tab or streaming app uses moderate bandwidth—similar to watching video on your phone. Casting your entire screen uses more bandwidth because it's compressing and sending everything your PC displays. If your internet is slow, stick to casting individual apps rather than your whole screen.

What if my PC doesn't have an HDMI port?

Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, depending on what ports your PC has. These adapters cost $15 to $30 and plug directly into your PC. For wireless casting, use Miracast (if your TV supports it) or a Chromecast device instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.