The fastest way to cast from your PC to a TV with Chromecast

To cast your PC screen to a TV with Chromecast, open Chrome on your computer, 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 your entire screen or just a single tab. Your TV will show your PC's display within a few seconds. The connection stays active as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

You do not need any extra software or apps beyond the Chrome browser. If you are using a different browser like Firefox or Edge, you will need to use a different method — those browsers do not have built-in casting to Chromecast.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's Cast feature works from the menu in the top right corner and requires both your PC and Chromecast to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • You can cast your entire desktop or just a single Chrome tab, depending on what you want to show on the TV.
  • Casting a tab uses less bandwidth and battery than casting your whole screen, which is useful if you only need one window visible.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the Cast menu, restart both devices and check that they are connected to the same network.

Cast your entire screen versus casting a single tab

When you open the Cast menu, you will see two options: Cast screen and Cast tab. Casting your entire screen sends everything on your monitor to the TV — every window, notification, and cursor movement. This is useful when you want to show someone your full desktop or run a presentation from multiple programs.

Casting a single tab sends only that one Chrome window to the TV and keeps everything else on your PC private. The tab will continue to play audio and video on the TV even if you switch to a different window on your computer. This method uses less data and battery power, which matters if you are on a laptop or have a slow internet connection.

Step-by-step casting from Chrome

Open Chrome and make sure you are signed into your Google account. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the browser window. Scroll down and click Cast. A small window will pop up showing all Chromecast devices on your network.

Select the Chromecast device you want to use. If you see a message that says "No cast devices found," both your PC and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network — check your network settings and try again. Once you pick a device, choose whether to cast your screen or your tab. Your TV will show a connecting animation for a few seconds, then display your PC.

What to do if your Chromecast does not show up

If the Cast menu shows no devices, restart your Chromecast first. Unplug it from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot. While it is restarting, check that your PC is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast — open your network settings and confirm the network name matches the one your Chromecast is using.

If the device still does not appear, restart your PC and try again. Sometimes the Cast feature needs a fresh connection to detect nearby devices. If you have restarted both and they are on the same network and the Chromecast still does not show, try opening a different website in Chrome or closing and reopening the Cast menu — occasionally the list takes a moment to refresh.

Controlling playback and stopping the cast

While you are casting, a blue Cast icon will appear in the top right of your Chrome window. Click it at any time to see casting controls or to stop the cast. You can also pause, play, or adjust volume for content that is running on the TV. The TV will show your PC's screen until you click the Cast icon and select Stop casting.

If you close the Chrome window while casting, the cast will stop when ready. The same happens if your PC goes to sleep or loses its Wi-Fi connection. Your TV will return to its normal input or home screen.

Using Chromecast with non-Chrome browsers

Firefox and Microsoft Edge do not have a built-in Cast feature like Chrome does. If you use one of those browsers, you have two options: switch to Chrome for casting, or use your TV remote to switch to a screen mirroring input if your TV supports it. Some newer TVs have built-in screen mirroring that works with Windows PCs without needing Chromecast.

If you want to cast from Firefox or Edge, the simplest route is to open Chrome, navigate to the same website or content, and cast from there. This takes less time than learning a workaround.

Tips for a stable cast connection

Keep your PC and Chromecast within reasonable distance of your Wi-Fi router — thick walls or distance can weaken the signal and cause the cast to stutter or drop. If you are casting video or playing games, a strong Wi-Fi connection matters more than when you are just showing a document or web page.

Close other programs that use a lot of bandwidth, like downloads or video calls, before you cast. If your cast keeps disconnecting, move your router closer to the Chromecast or switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel using your router's settings. You can also try casting a tab instead of your whole screen, which sometimes performs better on weaker connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my phone to the TV using the same Chromecast?

Yes. Android phones and iPhones can both cast to Chromecast. On Android, open the app you want to cast, tap the Cast icon, and select your device. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Chromecast. The process is the same as casting from a PC.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Casting a tab uses very little bandwidth because it only sends the content you are watching. Casting your entire screen uses more because it is sending everything on your monitor, but it is still much less than streaming video separately. If your internet is slow, casting a tab is the better choice.

What if I want to cast but my PC and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks?

They must be on the same network to cast. Connect your PC to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. If you do not have access to that network, you will not be able to cast until both devices are on the same connection.

Can I use my PC while something is casting to the TV?

Yes, but it depends on what you are casting. If you are casting a tab, you can switch to other windows and the tab will keep playing on the TV. If you are casting your entire screen, everything you do on your PC will show on the TV, including opening new windows or checking notifications.

Does casting work if my PC is plugged in with an HDMI cable?

No. Chromecast is wireless and does not use HDMI cables. If your PC is already connected to the TV with an HDMI cable, you do not need Chromecast — you can just use that connection instead. Chromecast is useful when you want to cast wirelessly from across the room.