How to cast from your PC to Chromecast

Casting from your PC to a Chromecast device works through Google Chrome or the Windows built-in casting feature. The simplest method is to open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast", choose your Chromecast device from the list, and then pick whether you want to cast a tab, your entire screen, or just audio. Your PC and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.

If you're using Windows 10 or 11, you can also cast without Chrome by opening Settings, going to System > Display, scrolling down to "Multiple displays", and clicking "Connect to a wireless display". This method works with Chromecast but may take a few extra seconds to find your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Chrome is the most direct way to cast from a PC—open the browser, click the menu, select Cast, and choose your device.
  • You can cast a single tab, your entire screen, or audio only, depending on what you're trying to send to your TV.
  • Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in wireless display feature that works with Chromecast without needing Chrome open.
  • Your PC and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and your Chromecast must be powered on and set up.
  • Casting a tab uses less bandwidth than casting your entire screen and is better for streaming video or music.

Casting a single tab from Chrome

Casting a tab is the most common approach because it sends only what's on that one browser tab to your TV, leaving your other windows and notifications private. Open the website or video you want to watch, then click the three vertical dots (menu button) in the top right corner of Chrome. Look for "Cast" in the dropdown menu—it usually appears near the top.

A panel will open on the right side of your screen showing available Chromecast devices. Click the device you want to use. Chrome will ask whether you want to cast the tab or your entire screen; select "Cast tab". The video or content will now play on your TV, and you can minimize Chrome or switch to other windows on your PC without interrupting playback.

To stop casting, click the Cast button again and select "Stop casting". The content will stop playing on your TV when ready.

Casting your entire PC screen

Screen casting sends everything on your monitor to your TV in real time—every window, every click, every notification. This is useful if you're giving a presentation, showing someone how to do something on your computer, or playing a game. Open Chrome, click the menu, select Cast, choose your device, then select "Cast screen" instead of "Cast tab".

Be aware that screen casting uses more bandwidth and may have a slight delay (usually less than a second) between what you do on your PC and what appears on the TV. If you're watching a video this way, the audio and video may drift slightly out of sync. For video streaming, casting a tab is more reliable.

Your mouse cursor will appear on the TV, and any sound from your PC speakers will play through your TV's speakers. To stop, click the Cast button and select "Stop casting".

Casting audio only

If you want to send music or a podcast to your TV or speaker without displaying anything on screen, use audio-only casting. This is useful when you're playing Spotify, YouTube Music, or a podcast and want the sound to come through your home theater system instead of your PC speakers.

Open Chrome, click the menu, select Cast, and choose your Chromecast device. Instead of selecting "Cast tab" or "Cast screen", look for an audio option or straightforward start playing music—Chrome will automatically detect that audio is playing and give you the option to cast audio only. The TV screen will remain dark or show a static image while the audio plays.

Troubleshooting when your PC won't find your Chromecast

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Cast menu, first check that both your PC and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your PC's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you're connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. Your Chromecast's network name is shown on the TV screen when it first powers on, or you can check it in the Google Home app on your phone.

Next, make sure your Chromecast is powered on and fully set up. If you see a setup screen on your TV, the device isn't ready yet. Power it off and back on by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to fully boot.

If the device still doesn't appear, restart Chrome completely—close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser. If you're using the Windows wireless display feature instead of Chrome, go to Settings > System > Display > Connect to a wireless display and wait 10 to 15 seconds for the list to refresh.

Using Windows wireless display casting

Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in casting feature that doesn't require Chrome. Press the Windows key + K on your keyboard to open the "Connect" panel. Your PC will search for nearby Chromecast devices and wireless displays. When your Chromecast appears in the list, click it to connect.

This method casts your entire screen by default and works well for presentations or sharing content. The connection may take 5 to 10 seconds to establish. Once connected, you'll see a notification in the bottom right corner of your screen. To disconnect, press Windows key + K again and click "Disconnect".

The Windows casting feature sometimes has compatibility issues with certain Chromecast models or older Wi-Fi routers. If it doesn't work, fall back to using Chrome, which is more reliable.

Improving casting performance and stability

If your casting connection keeps dropping or the video stutters, move your PC closer to your Chromecast or Wi-Fi router. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices (microwaves, cordless phones) can interfere with the signal. Casting works best when your PC is within 30 feet of your Chromecast and there are few obstacles between them.

Close other programs that use your internet connection—downloads, cloud backups, or video calls will reduce bandwidth available for casting. If you're casting your entire screen, close unnecessary browser tabs and background applications on your PC to reduce the amount of data being sent.

Make sure your Chromecast firmware is up to date. Open the Google Home app on your phone, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings gear, and check for updates. Similarly, keep Chrome updated by clicking the menu button and looking for a version number—if an update is available, it will show there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my PC if I'm not using Chrome?

Yes. Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in wireless display feature—press Windows key + K and select your Chromecast from the list. Some other browsers like Edge also have casting built in, though Chrome is the most reliable option.

Will casting drain my PC's battery?

Casting uses your Wi-Fi radio and processor, so it will drain a laptop battery faster than normal use. If you're casting for long periods, plug your laptop into power. Casting a single tab uses less power than casting your entire screen.

Can I use my PC while casting?

Yes, if you're casting a tab. You can switch to other windows, check email, or browse without affecting what's playing on your TV. If you're casting your entire screen, anything you do on your PC will appear on the TV.

Why is there a delay between my PC and the TV?

Screen casting has a built-in delay of 0.5 to 2 seconds because the data has to travel over Wi-Fi. Tab casting has less delay. If you're watching video, the delay is usually not noticeable. For gaming or real-time interaction, the delay may be too much.

Do I need a special cable to cast from my PC?

No. Casting is wireless and works over your home Wi-Fi network. Your PC and Chromecast just need to be on the same network. No cables, adapters, or special software are needed beyond Chrome or Windows's built-in feature.