Yes, you can cast your PC to your TV with Chromecast, but the method depends on what you're trying to send

Chromecast works with Windows and Mac computers, but not in the same way it works with phones. Your PC won't mirror to the TV like an Android phone does. Instead, you send specific apps and browser tabs to your Chromecast device. Google Chrome browser, certain Windows apps, and some third-party programs support casting — but not every window on your screen will go through.

The simplest route is casting a Chrome browser tab, which works on any PC with Google Chrome installed. If you want to cast video from other apps or play games, you'll need either a different tool or a workaround. This guide covers what actually works and when you'll need to try something else.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cast Chrome browser tabs to Chromecast from any Windows or Mac computer by clicking the cast button in Chrome's menu.
  • Casting a browser tab sends only that tab's audio and video, not your entire screen or other open windows.
  • Some Windows apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify have built-in cast buttons, but many desktop programs do not.
  • If you need to send your full screen or use apps without cast support, you'll need a different tool like Miracast or a third-party app.
  • Your PC and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast.

Casting a Chrome browser tab to your TV

This is the most straightforward method and works on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac. Open Google Chrome and navigate to the website or video you want to watch. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, then select Cast. A small window will pop up showing available Chromecast devices on your network. Click the one connected to your TV.

Once you select your Chromecast, the tab's video and audio will stream to your TV while you can still use your computer for other things. The tab itself stays open on your screen — you're not sending your entire desktop, just that one tab. You can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from either your computer or a Chromecast remote if you have one. To stop casting, click the cast button again and select Stop casting.

Using built-in cast buttons in Windows and Mac apps

Some apps on your computer have their own cast button built in, separate from Chrome's casting feature. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and a few others let you click a cast icon directly within the app to send video or music to your Chromecast. Look for a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner — that's the standard cast icon.

These app-based cast buttons often give you more control than casting a browser tab. You can usually adjust quality settings, see what's playing on the TV without looking at your screen, and sometimes control playback from your phone at the same time. Not every app has this feature, though. If you don't see a cast button in an app you use, check the app's settings menu or help section to confirm it's not available.

What doesn't work: full-screen casting and desktop mirroring

Chromecast cannot mirror your entire PC screen the way it mirrors an Android phone or tablet. You cannot send your full desktop, open multiple windows, or cast apps that don't have built-in cast support. If you try to cast a tab from an app that doesn't support it — like a web-based game or a streaming service without a cast button — you'll only get the browser tab, not the full app experience.

This is a real limitation. If you need to cast your whole screen, play PC games on your TV, or use apps without cast support, Chromecast is not the right tool. You would need to use Miracast (built into Windows), a Roku or Amazon Fire TV device instead, or connect your PC directly to your TV with an HDMI cable.

Troubleshooting when your PC doesn't find your Chromecast

The most common reason casting fails is that your PC and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network — not a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz). Some routers split these into separate networks, and Chromecast may only see one of them.

If they're on the same network and the cast button still doesn't show your Chromecast, restart both devices. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. On your PC, close Chrome completely and reopen it. If you're still not seeing the device, check that your router isn't blocking communication between devices — this is rare but happens on some corporate or heavily secured networks.

When to use a different casting method instead

If you regularly need to cast apps without built-in cast support, or if you want to play PC games on your TV, Chromecast will frustrate you. Miracast is built into Windows 10 and 11 and mirrors your entire screen wirelessly — it's not as polished as Chromecast, but it works for full-screen casting. Some third-party apps like Vysor or Scrcpy can cast Android phones to your PC, which you could then cast to your TV, but that's a workaround, not a solution.

For streaming video and music, Chromecast is excellent. For everything else — games, presentations, full-screen apps — you're better off with a different tool or a direct HDMI connection. Know what you're trying to do before you buy, because Chromecast does one thing very well and doesn't do much else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my PC while someone else is using the Chromecast?

No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone is already casting from a phone or another computer, you'll have to wait for them to stop. The device currently casting has full control.

Do I need to keep my PC on while casting?

Yes. Your PC is sending the video or audio stream to the Chromecast, so if you close the app, put your computer to sleep, or shut it down, the casting stops. The Chromecast itself doesn't store or play the content — it just receives it from your PC.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at once from my PC?

No. Chromecast only supports one-to-one casting. You can cast to one Chromecast device at a time. If you have multiple Chromecast devices in your home, you can switch between them, but not send the same content to two TVs simultaneously.

Why does my casting keep stopping or buffering?

Casting stops when your PC loses connection to the Wi-Fi network or when the app crashes. Buffering usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move your PC closer to the router, reduce the number of devices using Wi-Fi, or switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi band if your router supports it.

Can I cast from a web browser other than Chrome?

Not directly. Chromecast casting is a Chrome feature. Firefox, Safari, and Edge do not have built-in cast buttons. However, some websites and apps work with Chromecast through their own cast buttons, regardless of browser — Netflix and YouTube are examples.