What casting means and which method works for you

Casting means sending video and audio from your computer to your TV wirelessly, so you see your screen on the larger display. You do not need cables between the devices — both connect to the same Wi-Fi network instead. The method you use depends on what hardware you own: Windows computers work best with Miracast or Chromecast, Macs work with AirPlay, and any computer works with a Chromecast device plugged into your TV.

The three main routes are built-in casting (if your TV supports it), a streaming device like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV, or casting software on your computer. Built-in casting is fastest if your TV has it. A streaming device costs $25 to $50 but works with almost any TV and any computer. Casting software is free but requires your computer and TV to be on the same network and sometimes needs setup on both ends.

Key Takeaways

  • Check whether your TV has built-in casting by looking in the settings menu for Miracast, AirPlay, or the TV brand's own casting feature — this is the fastest route if available.
  • A Google Chromecast or similar streaming device plugged into your TV's HDMI port works with any computer and costs between $25 and $50.
  • Windows computers use Miracast (built into Windows 10 and later), Macs use AirPlay to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV, and any computer can use Chromecast if you install the Google Cast extension.
  • Your computer and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work, and the TV must be powered on and set to the correct input.
  • Casting works best when your computer is within 30 feet of the TV and there are no thick walls or metal objects between them.

Check what your TV can do

Before you buy anything, look at your TV's settings to see if it already supports casting. Turn on your TV, press the Menu or Settings button on the remote, and look for options called "Miracast," "Screen Mirroring," "AirPlay," or the TV brand's own name (like "Samsung SmartThings" or "LG ThinQ"). If you find one of these, your TV can receive a cast without any extra hardware.

If your TV is older or does not have these options, you will need a streaming device. Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick are the most common choices. Both plug into an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV and cost under $50. Chromecast works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. Fire TV Stick works with all three as well, though Amazon's own software integrates more smoothly with Fire devices.

Set up your streaming device (if you need one)

If you bought a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick, plug it into an available HDMI port on your TV. Use the power cable that came with it — plug the USB end into the device and the other end into a power outlet or a USB port on your TV if it has one. Turn on your TV and use the remote to switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the device. You should see a setup screen on your TV.

Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the device to your Wi-Fi network. You will need to enter your Wi-Fi password using the remote or a phone app. Once the device is connected and updated (this can take a few minutes), you are ready to cast from your computer. Leave the device plugged in and powered on whenever you want to cast.

Cast from a Windows computer using Miracast

If your TV supports Miracast or you have a Miracast-compatible device plugged in, open the Windows Action Center by pressing Windows key + A on your keyboard. Look for a button called "Connect" or "Project." Click it, and Windows will search for nearby devices to cast to. Your TV or streaming device should appear in the list within 10 seconds.

Click your TV's name, and Windows will ask you how you want to project: "Extend" shows your full desktop on the TV, "Duplicate" shows the same thing on both screens, and "Second screen only" turns off your computer monitor. Choose what you need and click it. The first time you cast to a device, Windows may ask for permission — click "Yes" to allow it. After that, the same device will connect faster next time.

If your TV does not appear, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV's casting feature is turned on. Restart your TV and try again. If Miracast still does not work, use Chromecast instead (see the section below).

Cast from a Mac using AirPlay

Macs can cast to an Apple TV or to a TV that supports AirPlay (many newer Samsung, LG, and Sony models do). Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your screen, then click "Screen Mirroring." A list of nearby AirPlay devices will appear. Click your TV's name, and your Mac screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV does not support AirPlay, you can still cast using Chromecast (see below). AirPlay works best when your Mac and TV are within 30 feet of each other and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings and that both devices are on the same network.

Cast from any computer using Google Chromecast

If you have a Chromecast device or a TV with built-in Chromecast, you can cast from any computer using the Google Chrome browser. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Look for an option called "Cast" — if you do not see it, click "More tools" and then "Cast" to enable it. A window will open showing nearby Chromecast devices.

Click your TV's name to start casting. Chrome will ask what you want to cast: "Cast tab" sends only the current browser tab, "Cast desktop" sends your entire screen, and "Cast file" lets you pick a video or audio file. Choose what you need. Your TV will show what is on your computer within a few seconds. To stop casting, click the Cast button again and select "Stop casting."

Casting a tab uses less internet bandwidth than casting your entire desktop, so use "Cast tab" when you only need to share one window or video. Casting your desktop is useful when you want to show files, documents, or multiple windows at once.

Troubleshoot common casting problems

If your computer and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks, casting will not work. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the 2.4 GHz version — some older devices do not work well on 5 GHz.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your computer closer to the TV or router. Thick walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can interfere with the signal. Restart both your computer and TV, then try casting again. If you are casting video and it keeps stuttering or freezing, close other programs on your computer that use the internet, like downloads or video calls.

If your TV shows "No signal" or a blank screen after you start casting, check that you selected the correct HDMI input on your TV. Use your TV remote to cycle through the inputs until you see your computer's screen. If the screen appears but is very small or cut off, look in your computer's display settings to adjust the resolution or scaling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to cast from my computer to my TV?

Not necessarily. If your TV has built-in Miracast, AirPlay, or Chromecast, you can cast for free using software already on your computer. If your TV does not have these features, a Chromecast device or Fire TV Stick costs $25 to $50 and works with any computer.

Can I cast while using my computer for other things?

Yes. If you cast a single browser tab, you can use other programs on your computer at the same time. If you cast your entire desktop, anything you do on your computer will show on the TV, but you can still use your computer normally — the TV just mirrors what you see.

What if my TV is too far from my computer?

Casting works best within 30 feet and through one or two walls. If your TV is farther away, move your router closer to the TV or use a Wi-Fi extender. If you need to cast from a different room, a streaming device with a long HDMI cable can help — plug the device into the TV in one room and control it from your computer in another.

Can I cast audio only, without the video?

Yes, if you are casting a music or podcast app in your browser. Cast the tab to your TV, and the audio will play through your TV's speakers while the video stays on your computer screen. Some apps also let you send audio to smart speakers or soundbars using the same casting method.

Why does my cast connection keep disconnecting?

This usually happens when your computer or TV loses Wi-Fi signal. Check that both devices are still connected to the same network, move them closer together, and restart both devices. If you are casting video and the connection drops frequently, try casting a single tab instead of your entire desktop, as it uses less bandwidth.