The basic steps to cast from Windows or Mac

Casting from your PC to a Chromecast device means sending video, audio, or your entire screen wirelessly to a TV or speaker. Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The method depends on whether you are using Windows, Mac, or a web browser.

On Windows 10 and later, open the Action Center (click the icon in the bottom right corner), select "Cast" or "Connect", choose your Chromecast device, and pick whether you want to mirror your whole screen or cast a single app. On Mac, use AirPlay through the menu bar at the top of the screen — your Chromecast will appear as an available device if both machines are on the same network. In any web browser on any computer, you can cast a Chrome tab or your entire screen by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting "Cast", and choosing your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users access casting through the Action Center; Mac users use AirPlay from the menu bar; all browsers can cast through the Chrome menu.
  • Your PC and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
  • You can cast a single browser tab, an entire app window, or your whole screen — each option uses different amounts of bandwidth and battery.
  • Casting stops if your PC goes to sleep, so disable sleep mode in your power settings before starting a long cast.
  • Lag and stuttering usually mean your Wi-Fi signal is weak; moving closer to the router or reducing other network traffic often fixes the problem.

Casting a Chrome browser tab

Casting a single tab is the lightest option and works on any computer with Google Chrome installed. Open Chrome, navigate to the page or video you want to cast, click the three-dot menu in the top right, and select "Cast". A window will appear listing all Chromecast devices on your network. Click the one you want to use.

The tab will now play on your TV while you continue to use your computer for other tasks. The audio and video stay synced even if you switch to a different browser tab or minimize Chrome — only the tab you selected is sent to the TV. To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting".

Casting your entire screen or desktop

Screen mirroring sends everything on your monitor to the TV in real time, including your cursor and any notifications. On Windows, press the Windows key and P together, click "Connect to a wireless display", and select your Chromecast. On Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (top right of the screen) and choose your Chromecast device.

Full-screen casting uses more bandwidth and battery than casting a single tab, and you will notice a slight delay between what you do on your PC and what appears on the TV. This delay is normal and usually one to two seconds. If you need to type passwords or view sensitive information, be aware that everything on your screen will be visible on the TV.

Casting audio from music apps and websites

Many music and podcast apps — including Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora — have built-in Chromecast support. Open the app, start playing audio, and look for a speaker icon or "Cast" button, usually in the playback controls. Click it and select your Chromecast device. The audio will stream to your TV or speaker while your computer screen remains unchanged.

If an app does not have a native Cast button, you can cast the browser tab instead. Open the app in Chrome, start playing, and use the Cast menu as described above. This method works for any website with audio, including streaming services and online radio.

Fixing connection and performance problems

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Cast menu, restart both your PC and the Chromecast device, then check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some networks separate devices into different bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same one. If you are unsure, check your router settings or ask your network administrator.

Stuttering, freezing, or audio that drops out usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move your PC or router closer to the Chromecast, or pause other downloads and streaming on your network. Casting a single tab uses less bandwidth than mirroring your entire screen, so switching to tab casting may improve performance. If problems persist, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your PC may be going to sleep. Open your power settings, find the "Sleep" or "Screen timeout" option, and set it to "Never" while you are casting. Remember to change it back afterward to save battery.

Keeping your PC awake during casting

By default, most computers will sleep after 10 to 30 minutes of inactivity, which stops the cast. Before you start casting a long video or presentation, disable sleep mode. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep and set "Sleep" to "Never". On Mac, go to System Preferences > Energy Saver and uncheck "Put the display to sleep after" and "Put the computer to sleep after".

Some casting apps, like Netflix or YouTube, will prevent your PC from sleeping automatically while they are playing. Others will not, so it is safer to disable sleep mode yourself before starting. Do not forget to re-enable it when you are done casting.

Casting from different browsers and apps

Google Chrome has the most complete Chromecast support and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Microsoft Edge, which is built into Windows 10 and later, also supports casting through the same three-dot menu. Firefox does not have native Chromecast support, but you can use a browser extension like Casty or install Chrome alongside Firefox if you need to cast from Firefox.

Desktop apps like VLC media player, Plex, and Kodi have built-in Chromecast buttons. Open the app, start playing your content, and look for a Cast or speaker icon in the playback controls. If you do not see one, check the app's settings or help menu — some apps require you to enable Chromecast support in preferences first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be logged into a Google account to cast?

No. Casting works on any Wi-Fi network without a Google account. However, some apps like YouTube may require you to be logged in to cast from them. Your Chromecast itself does not need a Google account to receive a cast from your PC.

Can I cast if my PC and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network, make sure both your PC and Chromecast are connected to the main network, not the guest network. Some routers allow you to connect both to the same network name even if they broadcast separately.

What is the difference between casting a tab and casting my whole screen?

Casting a tab sends only that browser window to the TV; you can use other apps on your PC without them appearing on the TV. Casting your whole screen mirrors everything, including your desktop, notifications, and cursor. Tab casting uses less bandwidth and battery but only works for browser content.

Why is there a delay when I cast my screen?

A one- to two-second delay is normal and happens because your PC has to compress the video, send it over Wi-Fi, and the Chromecast has to decompress and display it. This delay is usually not noticeable for watching video but can be annoying for gaming or typing. Casting a single app or tab instead of your whole screen may reduce the delay slightly.

Will casting drain my PC battery faster?

Yes. Casting uses your Wi-Fi radio and processor continuously, which drains battery faster than normal use. Casting a single tab drains less battery than mirroring your entire screen. If you are using a laptop, plug it in before casting for long periods.