The fastest way to send your PC to a TV

Casting from your PC to a TV means sending your screen or a single app to display on your television. The method depends on what hardware you have: if your TV has a Chromecast built in, or you own a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port, you can cast directly from Windows or a web browser. If your TV does not have Chromecast, you will need to buy a Chromecast device (usually $30 to $50) or use an HDMI cable as a backup.

The actual casting takes seconds once everything is set up. Your PC and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. From there, you open the Chrome browser or a compatible app, click the cast button, pick your TV, and your screen appears on the television.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PC and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
  • Google Chrome browser has a built-in cast button that works on any Chromecast device or TV with Chromecast built in.
  • Windows 10 and 11 can cast to Chromecast through the system settings, though the Chrome browser method is more reliable.
  • If your TV does not have Chromecast, you can buy a standalone Chromecast device or use an HDMI cable to connect your PC directly.

Casting from Google Chrome on any PC

Open Google Chrome and go to any webpage or video you want to watch on your TV. In the top right corner of the browser window, click the three vertical dots (the menu button). Scroll down and select "Cast". A window will pop up showing all Chromecast devices on your network. Click the name of your TV or Chromecast device.

Your PC screen or the current tab will now display on your TV. The Chrome window on your PC will show a blue cast icon in the top right, indicating an active connection. You can close the Chrome window and your TV will keep playing — the cast continues in the background. To stop casting, click the cast icon again and select "Stop casting".

If you do not see your TV in the cast list, make sure both your PC and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Chromecast device by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.

Casting from Windows 10 or 11 settings

Windows has a built-in cast feature that works with Chromecast devices. Press the Windows key and the K key at the same time to open the "Connect" panel on the right side of your screen. Click "Connect" and wait a few seconds for your TV or Chromecast to appear in the list. Select your device.

Your PC screen will mirror to the TV. This method sends your entire desktop, not just one app or browser tab. To disconnect, open the Connect panel again and click "Disconnect". The Windows cast feature can be slower than Chrome casting and sometimes drops the connection, so if you have trouble, use the Chrome method instead.

What to do if your TV does not have Chromecast

If your TV is older or does not have Chromecast built in, you have two options. The first is to buy a Chromecast device (a small stick or box that plugs into an HDMI port). Plug it in, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and then use the Chrome or Windows casting methods above. Chromecast devices cost between $30 and $50 depending on the model.

The second option is to use an HDMI cable to connect your PC directly to your TV. This is the most reliable method and requires no Wi-Fi. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your PC and the other into an HDMI port on your TV. Your PC screen will appear on the TV when ready. You may need to press the TV's input button to switch to the HDMI source. HDMI cables cost $10 to $20 and are available at any electronics store.

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

The most common reason casting fails is that your PC and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If your home has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your PC to the 2.4 GHz band, as some Chromecast devices work better on that frequency.

If your TV or Chromecast does not appear in the cast list, restart both devices. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up (usually one to two minutes). On your PC, restart the Chrome browser or close and reopen the Windows Connect panel. If the problem persists, check that your firewall is not blocking the connection — some corporate or school networks block casting.

If casting starts but the picture is choppy or keeps disconnecting, move your PC closer to the router or Chromecast device. Wi-Fi interference from other devices can weaken the signal. You can also try switching to the 2.4 GHz network if you are on 5 GHz, as 2.4 GHz has better range, even though it is slower.

Casting specific apps instead of your whole screen

Some apps, like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, have their own cast buttons built in. Open the app on your PC, look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), and click it. Select your TV from the list. The app will send only itself to your TV, not your entire desktop. This uses less bandwidth and is often more stable than screen mirroring.

Not all apps support casting. If an app does not have a cast button, you can still cast it by using the Chrome browser method or by mirroring your entire screen through Windows settings. Casting individual apps is faster and smoother because it sends only the video or audio stream, not your whole screen.

Casting from a web browser on your PC

If you are watching a video on a website in Chrome, you can cast just that tab instead of your entire screen. Open Chrome, go to the website, and click the three-dot menu in the top right. Select "Cast". In the cast window that opens, look for an option that says "Cast tab" or "Cast screen". Choose "Cast tab" to send only that browser tab to your TV. This is useful if you want to keep working on other things on your PC while the video plays on your TV.

To switch back to casting your entire screen, open the cast window again and select "Cast screen". You can toggle between these options at any time without disconnecting and reconnecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chromecast device if my TV already has Chromecast built in?

No. If your TV has Chromecast built in, you can cast directly to it without buying a separate device. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm it has Chromecast. Most newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brands include it.

Can I cast from my PC if I am on a different Wi-Fi network than my TV?

No. Your PC and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast. If you are on a guest network and your TV is on the main network, move your PC to the main network first. Some routers allow you to connect both devices to the same network name even if they broadcast on different frequencies.

What is the difference between casting and HDMI?

Casting sends your screen wirelessly over Wi-Fi, so you can move around and do not need a cable. HDMI is a physical cable that plugs directly into your TV and is more reliable, but you are tethered to the cable. HDMI also works on any TV, while casting requires Chromecast or a compatible device.

Will casting slow down my internet or my PC?

Casting uses your Wi-Fi network but does not affect your internet speed for other devices. It may use some of your PC's processing power, especially if you are casting your entire screen, but most modern PCs handle it without noticeable slowdown. If your PC is old or your Wi-Fi is weak, you may see lag or stuttering.

Can I cast audio only, without the video?

Yes, if you are using an app like Spotify or YouTube Music, you can cast the audio to a Chromecast Audio device or a smart speaker with Chromecast built in. For web browsers, casting sends both audio and video. If you want audio only from a website, use the app version instead.