The Basic Steps to Cast From Your Computer

Casting from your computer to a TV with Chromecast works through your web browser on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast", choose your Chromecast device from the list, and pick whether you want to cast a single tab or your entire screen. Your computer's display will then appear on the TV within a few seconds.

The process is the same whether you're casting a single browser tab (like a YouTube video or Google Slides presentation) or mirroring your whole desktop. If you're casting just one tab, only that tab's audio and video go to the TV—you can keep working in other browser windows without them showing on screen. If you mirror your entire screen, everything on your monitor appears on the TV, including your cursor and any notifications.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Google Chrome browser installed on your computer and a Chromecast device connected to your TV and the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Casting a single tab sends only that tab to your TV, while screen mirroring sends your entire desktop, including notifications and open windows.
  • Audio plays through your TV speakers by default, but you can change this in Chrome's audio settings before you cast.
  • If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Cast menu, restart both your computer and Chromecast device and check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

What You Need Before You Start

Your computer must have Google Chrome browser installed—casting doesn't work in Firefox, Safari, or Edge. You also need a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port on your TV and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Both devices must be powered on and within range of your router.

Check that your Chromecast is set up and working by looking at your TV—you should see the Chromecast home screen with a clock, weather, or photo background. If you see a setup screen instead, finish the Chromecast setup on your phone or tablet first using the Google Home app. Your computer and Chromecast don't need to be on the same Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), but they do need to be on the same network.

Casting a Single Tab vs. Your Entire Screen

Casting a single tab is the best choice for watching videos, presenting slides, or sharing one website. Only that tab's content and sound go to the TV. You can browse other tabs, check email, or switch windows on your computer without any of that appearing on your TV. This is useful if you're presenting and want to keep notes or speaker notes hidden on your computer screen.

Screen mirroring sends your entire desktop to the TV, including your cursor, all open windows, and system notifications. Use this when you want to show your whole computer to someone else, troubleshoot a problem together, or use an process that doesn't work well with tab casting. Be aware that any notification that pops up—a message, calendar reminder, or system alert—will appear on the TV.

Controlling Audio When You Cast

By default, audio from your cast plays through your TV's speakers. If you want sound to come from your computer instead, open Chrome's settings before you cast. Click the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Microphone or Camera (depending on what you're casting), and adjust the audio output there. Some websites also have their own audio controls that override Chrome's settings.

If you're casting a video and the audio is out of sync with the picture, or if you hear no sound at all, check that your TV's volume is turned up and that the correct HDMI input is selected on your TV remote. If you're casting a tab and the audio still doesn't work, try restarting Chrome or refreshing the webpage before casting again.

Troubleshooting When Your Chromecast Doesn't Appear

If you click Cast and don't see your Chromecast device in the list, the most common cause is that your computer and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you're connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. You can see which network your Chromecast is on by opening the Google Home app on your phone and tapping the Chromecast device.

If both devices are on the same network and your Chromecast still doesn't appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it's restarting, also close Chrome completely and reopen it. If the device still doesn't show up after both restarts, check that your router isn't blocking communication between devices—some guest networks or security settings prevent devices from finding each other.

If you see your Chromecast in the list but the cast fails to connect, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your computer closer to the router or Chromecast, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If casting works sometimes but not always, your Wi-Fi may be dropping packets—try moving your router to a more central location or switching to the 5 GHz band if your router supports it.

What to Do If the Cast Keeps Disconnecting

If your cast disconnects after a few minutes or keeps dropping, the problem is usually Wi-Fi interference or a weak signal. Move your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices that use the 2.4 GHz frequency. If you have a dual-band router, try connecting your computer to the 5 GHz band instead—it's faster and less crowded, though it doesn't travel as far.

Another common cause is that your computer is going to sleep. Open your computer's power settings and set it to never sleep while plugged in, or at least set the sleep timer to longer than you plan to cast. On Windows, search for "Power settings" and click "Change when the computer sleeps". On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Energy Saver, and uncheck "Put the display to sleep after" while you're casting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Chromecast casting?

No. Casting from Chrome to a Chromecast device is free. You only pay for the Chromecast hardware itself and for any streaming services (like Netflix or YouTube Premium) whose content you want to watch.

Can I cast from my phone or tablet instead of my computer?

Yes. Android phones and tablets can cast through Chrome or through individual apps like YouTube and Netflix. iPhones and iPads can cast through some apps like YouTube, but not through the browser. The steps are similar—look for a Cast icon in the app and select your Chromecast device.

What happens to my computer when I'm casting?

Your computer stays in control. You can pause, rewind, or stop the cast from your computer at any time. If you close the browser tab or turn off your computer, the cast stops when ready. Your computer doesn't need to stay awake if you're only casting audio, but it does need to stay on if you're casting video or your screen.

Can I cast from multiple computers to the same Chromecast at the same time?

No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you're already casting, their cast will take over and yours will stop. You can switch back and forth, but you can't have two computers casting simultaneously.

Why is the picture on my TV blurry or pixelated?

This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move closer to your router, reduce the number of devices using Wi-Fi, or switch to the 5 GHz band if available. You can also try lowering the resolution of your computer display temporarily—right-click your desktop, select Display Settings, and lower the resolution before casting.