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

You can send your PC screen to a TV with Chromecast, but not every app or browser works the same way. Google Chrome browser has built-in casting that works on any Windows or Mac computer. If you want to cast from other applications or your entire desktop, you'll need either a Chromecast with Google TV device (the newer model with a remote) or to use a workaround through Chrome itself.

The simplest route is casting from Chrome, which takes about 30 seconds to set up. Casting your full desktop or specific apps requires either the newer Chromecast hardware or a second method using Chrome's tab casting as a middleman. Both your PC and your Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Chrome browser can cast to any Chromecast device from Windows or Mac, and this is the fastest method for most people.
  • Casting your entire desktop requires a Chromecast with Google TV device (the model with a remote control), not the older Chromecast Audio or basic Chromecast.
  • Your PC and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and both devices must be powered on and in the same room or nearby.
  • Chrome casting uses your Wi-Fi connection, not an HDMI cable, so your TV must have an HDMI port with a Chromecast plugged in.

Casting from Google Chrome browser

Open Google Chrome on your PC and go to any website or video you want to watch. In the top right corner of the Chrome window, click the three vertical dots (the menu button). Scroll down and click Cast. A small window will pop up showing available Chromecast devices on your network. Click the name of your Chromecast device, and the content will begin streaming to your TV within a few seconds.

Once casting starts, you can minimize Chrome or even close it—the stream will keep playing on your TV. You control playback from your PC keyboard or mouse, or from your TV remote if your Chromecast device has one. To stop casting, click the Cast button again and select Stop casting.

This method works for websites, YouTube, Netflix, and most streaming services that run in Chrome. It does not work for applications installed on your PC outside of the browser—for those, you need a different approach.

Casting your entire desktop or specific apps

If you want to send everything on your screen—or a specific process window—you need a Chromecast with Google TV device. This is the newer model that comes with a remote control. Older Chromecast devices (including Chromecast Audio and the basic Chromecast without a remote) do not support full desktop casting.

With a Chromecast with Google TV, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, and select Cast. At the bottom of the Cast window, click Cast entire screen or Cast a window. Choose your Chromecast device, and your full desktop or selected window will appear on your TV. The audio will play through your TV speakers.

If you have an older Chromecast model and need to cast an process, you can open that process in a Chrome tab or window, then cast that tab instead. This is slower and uses more bandwidth than casting the app directly, but it works with any Chromecast device.

Setting up your network and checking compatibility

Before you start casting, make sure your PC and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your Chromecast by looking at the TV screen—it should show the network name it's connected to. On your PC, open your Wi-Fi settings and confirm you're connected to the same network. If they're on different networks, your PC won't see the Chromecast device.

Your PC must have Google Chrome installed. If you don't have it, read it from google.com/chrome. Windows PCs running Windows 7 or later and Mac computers running OS X 10.9 or later can cast. Chromebooks have casting built in and don't need Chrome installed separately.

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Cast menu, restart both devices. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully load (you'll see the Google logo on your TV). Then try the Cast menu again on your PC.

Common problems and how to fix them

The Cast option doesn't appear in Chrome. Make sure you're using the latest version of Chrome. Click the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then About Chrome. It will automatically check for updates and install them. Restart Chrome after updating.

Your PC finds the Chromecast but casting fails or stops. This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Move your PC closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you're casting video, a weak connection will cause buffering or disconnection. Wired internet (if your router has an Ethernet port) is more stable than Wi-Fi.

Audio plays from your PC speakers instead of your TV. Check your TV volume and make sure it's not muted. If you're casting a tab, right-click the tab in Chrome and select Mute site to toggle it off. Some websites have their own volume controls—check the video player on the website itself.

The picture is choppy or lags behind the audio. This is a sign your Wi-Fi is overloaded. Close other applications using the internet on your PC, or move closer to your router. Casting uses bandwidth, so if someone else is downloading large files on the same network, it will affect your stream.

Casting from specific applications and services

Many apps have their own Cast button built in, separate from Chrome's casting feature. If you're using Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, or other streaming services, look for a Cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) in the app itself. Click it and select your Chromecast device. This method is faster and more reliable than casting through Chrome because the app talks directly to your Chromecast.

Not all applications have built-in casting. If an app doesn't have a Cast button, you can cast the Chrome tab that's running it instead. Open the app in Chrome, then use the Cast menu as described above. This works but uses more of your PC's processing power and may drain your battery faster if you're on a laptop.

Casting from a laptop on battery power

Casting uses your PC's processor and Wi-Fi radio, which drains battery faster than normal use. If you're casting from a laptop, plug it in or expect the battery to drop 20 to 30 percent faster than usual. Casting video uses more power than casting a static webpage or document.

If you're casting for more than an hour, keep your laptop plugged in. If you're casting to a TV in the same room, you can also just plug your laptop into the TV with an HDMI cable instead—this uses no Wi-Fi and no battery power. Chromecast is most useful when your TV is far from your PC or when you want to use your PC for other things while the video plays on the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chromecast device to cast from my PC?

Yes. Chromecast is a device you plug into your TV's HDMI port. If your TV has built-in Chromecast (some newer smart TVs do), you don't need a separate device. Check your TV's settings or manual to see if it has Chromecast built in.

Can I cast from my PC to a Chromecast Audio device?

Chromecast Audio is designed for music only, not video or desktop casting. You can cast audio from Spotify, YouTube Music, or other music apps to it, but not your full screen or video content. For video, you need a regular Chromecast or Chromecast with Google TV plugged into your TV.

What if my PC and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks?

They won't see each other. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, move both to the same one. Some routers let you connect to both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band—make sure both devices are on the same band.

Can I cast while using my PC for other things?

Yes. Once casting starts, you can minimize Chrome, open other applications, or even lock your screen. The video will keep playing on your TV. You can't turn off your PC monitor, but you can use your PC for email, browsing, or other work while casting.

Does casting work over a mobile hotspot?

No. Your PC and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. A mobile hotspot creates a separate network, so they won't connect. You need a home Wi-Fi router that both devices can join.