How to Cast From Your Computer to Your TV

The fastest way depends on what you own

Casting from your computer to your TV works differently depending on whether you have a Chromecast device, an Apple TV, a Roku, a smart TV with built-in casting, or an older TV with an HDMI cable. The method also depends on your computer's operating system — Windows, Mac, or Linux each have different native options. Most modern setups use either wireless casting (which sends video over your home network) or a physical cable connection.

If you own a Chromecast or Roku, casting is usually the fastest route because these devices are designed specifically for it. If you have an Apple TV, AirPlay is built into Mac computers and some Windows machines. If your TV is older or you want the most reliable connection, an HDMI cable works with any computer and any TV, though it requires you to sit closer or run a cable across the room.

Key Takeaways

Chromecast and Roku devices cast wirelessly from Windows, Mac, and Linux computers using built-in browser or screen-mirroring features.
Apple TV works with Mac computers through AirPlay, which is built into the system and requires no additional software.
An HDMI cable is the most reliable option for any computer and TV combination, and it works when ready without setup.
Smart TVs often have built-in casting receivers, so you may not need a separate device if your TV is newer than 2018.
Casting over Wi-Fi works best on a 5 GHz network, and performance depends on your router's distance from both devices.

Casting to Chromecast from any computer

Chromecast works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. The easiest method is to cast a browser tab: open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast", choose your Chromecast device from the list, and then click the tab you want to send. Your TV will show whatever is on that tab in real time. This works for YouTube, Netflix, web pages, and anything else you can view in Chrome.

To cast your entire screen instead of just a tab, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast", then click "Cast desktop" at the bottom of the menu. Your whole screen will appear on the TV, including your cursor and any window you open. Screen casting is slower than tab casting and uses more network bandwidth, but it lets you show anything on your computer.

Before you cast, make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your Chromecast does not appear in the Cast menu, restart both devices and wait 30 seconds, then try again. Chromecast devices cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model.

Casting to Roku from Windows or Mac

Roku devices support screen mirroring on Windows 10 and later, and on Mac computers running macOS 10.15 or later. On Windows, open the Settings app, go to "System", then "Display", scroll down to "Multiple displays", and click "Connect to a wireless display". Select your Roku from the list. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

On Mac, open System Settings, click "Displays", then "AirPlay Display" (if your Mac supports it), and select your Roku. Not all Macs support Roku mirroring — if you do not see the option, your Mac model may not be compatible. Check Roku's support page for your specific Mac model.

Roku also works with the Roku mobile app on phones and tablets, which can cast to the TV. If you prefer to use your computer, screen mirroring is the most direct route. Roku devices range from $30 to $150 depending on features.

Using AirPlay on Mac to Apple TV

If you have a Mac and an Apple TV, AirPlay is built in and requires no setup beyond connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Click the Control Center icon in the top right of your Mac's menu bar, click "Screen Mirroring", and select your Apple TV from the list. Your Mac screen will appear on the TV when ready.

You can also use AirPlay to send audio only — click the volume icon in the menu bar, then click the AirPlay icon and select your Apple TV. This is useful if you want to play music or a podcast through your TV's speakers without mirroring the screen.

Some Windows computers can also use AirPlay if you install third-party software, but this is not a native Windows feature. Apple TV devices start at $99 for the base model.

Casting to a smart TV with built-in casting

Many TVs made after 2018 have built-in Chromecast, Roku, or Samsung SmartThings receivers. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if casting is supported. If it is, you do not need a separate device — your computer can cast directly to the TV using the same methods described above for Chromecast or Roku.

To find out whether your TV supports casting, look in the TV's settings menu for "Cast", "AirPlay", "Miracast", or "Screen Mirroring". If you see any of these options, your TV can receive a cast. If you are not sure, search online for your TV model and "casting support".

Built-in casting is convenient because it eliminates the need for an extra device, but the performance depends on your TV's processor and Wi-Fi chip. Older smart TVs sometimes have slower casting than dedicated Chromecast or Roku devices.

Using an HDMI cable for a wired connection

An HDMI cable is the most reliable method and works with any computer and any TV. Plug one end into your computer's HDMI port (or USB-C to HDMI adapter if your computer does not have HDMI) and the other end into an HDMI port on your TV. Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote. Your computer screen will appear on the TV when ready, with no setup or Wi-Fi required.

HDMI cables are inexpensive — a good quality cable costs $10 to $20. The main drawback is that you need to be close enough to the TV to run the cable, or you need a long cable (which can be 50 feet or more if you buy an active cable). HDMI also locks your computer to that one TV, so you cannot move around the room.

If your computer does not have an HDMI port, you will need an adapter. USB-C to HDMI adapters cost $15 to $40. Thunderbolt to HDMI adapters for Mac cost $20 to $50. Make sure the adapter supports video output before you buy it.

Troubleshooting casting problems

If your computer cannot find your TV or casting device, restart both devices and wait 30 seconds. Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network — if your computer is on 5 GHz and your TV is on 2.4 GHz, they may not see each other. Check your router's settings to see which networks are available, and connect both devices to the same one.

If casting starts but the video is choppy or keeps stopping, move your computer or TV closer to the router, or switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel. Walls and other electronics can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. If the problem continues, try casting just a browser tab instead of your whole screen, which uses less bandwidth.

If you are using an HDMI cable and the TV shows "No Signal", try a different HDMI port on the TV, or restart your computer. Some computers need a few seconds to detect the TV after you plug in the cable. If you still see no signal, the cable or adapter may be faulty — try a different one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from a Linux computer?

Yes, Linux computers can cast to Chromecast using Google Chrome (the same method as Windows and Mac). You can also use Miracast if your Linux distribution and graphics card support it, though this is less common. Casting to Roku or Apple TV from Linux is not officially supported, but some third-party tools exist for advanced users.

Do I need to pay for casting?

No. Casting itself is free once you own the device (Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, or HDMI cable). Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube require their own subscriptions, but the casting feature does not add any cost.

Will casting work if my internet is slow?

Casting uses your home Wi-Fi network, not your internet speed. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your router is far away, casting will be slow or unreliable. Internet speed only matters if you are streaming content from the internet (like YouTube or Netflix). Local casting of files on your computer works fine on slow internet.

Can I cast while using my computer for other things?

Yes, if you are casting a browser tab or a specific app. You can continue to use other windows and programs on your computer. If you are casting your entire screen, anything you do on your computer will appear on the TV, so you cannot browse privately or use other programs without the TV seeing them.

What if my TV does not have Wi-Fi?

An HDMI cable is your only option for an older TV without Wi-Fi. You can also buy a Chromecast or Roku device and connect it to an HDMI port on the TV — the device has its own Wi-Fi and does not depend on the TV's network capabilities.

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.