The simplest way to cast from Windows to Apple TV

You can cast from a Windows PC to Apple TV using AirPlay, but only if your PC is running Windows 11 and your Apple TV is a 4K model (3rd generation or newer). Windows 11 has built-in AirPlay support that lets you mirror your entire screen or stream video and audio from compatible apps without needing extra software.

If you have an older Windows version or an earlier Apple TV model, you'll need a third-party app. The most reliable option is 5KPlayer (free version available) or Reflector (paid), both of which turn your PC into an AirPlay sender. These apps work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 with any Apple TV model that supports AirPlay.

Before you start, make sure your PC and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. They won't connect if one is on your main network and the other is on a guest network.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 PCs can cast directly to Apple TV 4K (3rd gen or newer) using built-in AirPlay without installing anything.
  • Windows 10 users and owners of older Apple TV models need a third-party app like 5KPlayer or Reflector to cast.
  • Your PC and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
  • You can mirror your entire screen, stream from specific apps, or extend your display to use your TV as a second monitor.
  • If casting drops or won't start, restart both devices and check that they're still on the same network.

Casting from Windows 11 using built-in AirPlay

Open the Action Center by pressing Windows key + A on your keyboard. Look for the Cast button in the quick settings panel. If you don't see it, click All settings and then System > Display > Advanced display to confirm your graphics drivers are up to date.

Click the Cast button and wait a few seconds for your Apple TV to appear in the list. Select your Apple TV by name. Windows will ask you to choose between Extend (use your TV as a second monitor) or Mirror (show the same thing on both screens). Pick the option that fits what you're doing, then click Connect.

Your PC will display a PIN on your screen. Enter this PIN on your Apple TV remote using the on-screen keyboard, then press Select. Once paired, future casting won't require a PIN — your devices will recognize each other.

Casting from Windows 10 or older Apple TV models

read 5KPlayer from the official website (not from a third-party app store) and install it on your PC. Open the app and look for the AirPlay icon in the top menu bar. Click it and select your Apple TV from the list.

5KPlayer will mirror your screen by default. To stream only video or audio from a specific app instead of your whole screen, use the app's File menu to open a video or audio file, then select your Apple TV as the output device. This method uses less bandwidth and battery than full-screen mirroring.

If 5KPlayer doesn't detect your Apple TV, restart both devices and make sure they're on the same network. Some routers isolate devices on guest networks, so check that you're both on your primary Wi-Fi.

Troubleshooting when casting won't start or keeps dropping

The most common fix is to restart both your PC and Apple TV. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot before trying to cast again. On your PC, restart the Action Center or close and reopen 5KPlayer.

Check your Wi-Fi connection. Open your PC's network settings and confirm you're connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Apple TV. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with the same name, try connecting your PC to the 5 GHz band — it's faster and more stable for casting.

If your PC has a firewall or antivirus software, it may be blocking AirPlay. Temporarily disable it to test whether that's the problem. If casting works with the firewall off, add 5KPlayer or your PC's AirPlay service to the firewall's allowed apps list.

Older Apple TV models sometimes have outdated firmware. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates on your Apple TV and check for updates. Install any available updates and restart the device before trying to cast again.

Using your TV as a second monitor instead of mirroring

If you want to use your Apple TV as an extended display rather than a mirror, choose Extend when Windows asks you how to cast. This lets you drag windows and apps to your TV while keeping your PC monitor for other work — useful if you're presenting while also checking notes on your main screen.

To adjust how Windows treats your TV display, right-click on your desktop and select Display settings. Scroll down to Multiple displays and choose whether you want to extend, mirror, or show content only on your TV. You can also rearrange the display order to match your physical setup.

Extended display mode uses more network bandwidth than mirroring, so you may notice lag if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. If this happens, move your PC closer to your router or Apple TV, or switch to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band if available.

Casting video and audio files directly from your PC

If you're using 5KPlayer, you can drag a video or audio file directly into the app window, then click the AirPlay icon and select your Apple TV. The file will stream to your TV without mirroring your entire screen, which saves bandwidth and keeps your PC free for other tasks.

5KPlayer supports most common formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV for video, and MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC for audio. If you have a file in an unsupported format, the app will usually offer to convert it — this takes time but works reliably.

For Windows 11 users, you can also cast video from the Movies & TV app or Windows Media Player by opening a file and looking for an AirPlay or cast button in the playback controls. Not all apps support this, so check the app's menu if you don't see the option when ready.

When to call for help

If you've restarted both devices, confirmed they're on the same network, and updated your Apple TV's software but casting still won't work, the problem is likely a network configuration issue that your router's settings control. Contact your internet provider or router manufacturer for help — they can check whether your network is blocking AirPlay traffic.

If your PC's graphics drivers are very old, AirPlay may not work even on Windows 11. Visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and read the latest drivers for your specific card model. After installing them, restart your PC and try casting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from a Mac to Apple TV the same way?

No — Macs use a different system called AirPlay Receiver that works differently. Macs can send video to Apple TV, but the process is built into macOS and doesn't require the same steps as Windows. If you need to cast from a Mac, check Apple's support pages for Mac-specific instructions.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Full-screen mirroring uses moderate bandwidth — roughly 10 to 50 Mbps depending on your screen resolution and refresh rate. Streaming a single video file uses less. If you have a standard home internet connection (50+ Mbps), you won't notice a difference. If your Wi-Fi is slow or crowded, mirroring may lag.

Can I cast while my PC is locked or asleep?

No — your PC must be awake and unlocked for casting to work. The moment you lock your screen or put your PC to sleep, the cast connection stops. If you want to leave a video playing on your TV, stream the file directly instead of mirroring your screen.

What if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi network than my PC?

Casting won't work across different networks. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your router has a guest network, make sure both your PC and Apple TV are on the main network, not the guest one.

Is there a way to cast without using Wi-Fi?

No — AirPlay requires a Wi-Fi connection. There's no wired or Bluetooth alternative for casting from Windows to Apple TV. If your Wi-Fi is unreliable, try moving your PC and Apple TV closer to your router or switching to the 5 GHz band.