Cast Your Desktop to Your TV in Three Steps

To cast your desktop 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 then click Cast desktop. Your entire screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. The connection stays active until you stop the cast or close the browser tab.

This works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. You do not need any special software beyond the Chrome browser, and your computer and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The cast will continue even if you minimize Chrome or switch to another window on your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your computer and Chromecast device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you begin.
  • You cast from the Chrome browser menu, not from your computer's system settings or display options.
  • Casting your entire desktop shows everything on your screen, including notifications and password fields, so be aware of what is visible.
  • The cast connection works over Wi-Fi only and will drop if your computer loses connection to the network.
  • You can cast a single Chrome tab instead of your whole desktop if you want to keep other work private.

What You Need Before You Start

Your computer must have the Chrome browser installed. If you do not have it, read it from google.com/chrome. The installation takes a few minutes and works on Windows 7 and newer, macOS 10.11 and newer, and most Linux distributions.

Your Chromecast device must be plugged into your TV and set up already. If you have not done this yet, follow the setup process on the Chromecast itself — it will guide you through connecting to Wi-Fi and naming your device. Both your computer and your Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your computer is on a guest network and your Chromecast is on the main network, they will not see each other.

Check that your TV is turned on and set to the correct input. If your Chromecast is plugged in but the TV is on a different input (like HDMI 1 instead of HDMI 2), you will not see anything appear.

How to Open the Cast Menu in Chrome

Open Chrome and navigate to any webpage or open any tab. In the top right corner of the browser window, click the three vertical dots (called the menu button). A dropdown menu will appear with several options.

Look for the word Cast in that menu. Click it. A small window will pop up showing available Chromecast devices on your network. If you see your device listed, move to the next section. If you do not see your device, check that both your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, then close and reopen the Cast menu.

On some older versions of Chrome, the Cast option may not appear in the menu. If this happens, update Chrome by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting Help, then About Google Chrome. Chrome will check for updates automatically and install them.

Selecting Your Chromecast Device and Starting the Cast

In the Cast window that opened, you will see a list of available devices. Click on the name of your Chromecast device. A second menu will appear with two options: Cast desktop and Cast tab.

Click Cast desktop to send your entire screen to the TV. Your desktop, all open windows, and everything you do on your computer will now appear on the TV. If you want to cast only one Chrome tab instead — for example, if you are watching a video and do not want to show your email or other windows — click Cast tab and select the specific tab you want to share.

The cast will begin within 2 to 5 seconds. You will see a blue bar at the top of your Chrome window that says "Casting to [device name]" to confirm the connection is active. Your TV screen will now mirror your computer screen.

What Happens While You Are Casting

While casting your desktop, everything on your computer screen appears on the TV in real time. If you open a new window, type something, or click a button, the TV shows it when ready. This includes notifications, password fields, and any private information you might have on your screen, so be mindful of what is visible.

You can continue using your computer normally while casting. Open new applications, switch between windows, or adjust your screen brightness — all of it will show on the TV. The cast does not slow down your computer or use much processing power.

If you move your mouse or type, there is a slight delay (usually less than one second) before the action appears on the TV. This is normal and happens because the video is being sent over Wi-Fi. For watching videos or presentations, the delay is not noticeable. For playing games or doing precise work, you may notice it.

How to Stop Casting to Your TV

To stop casting, click the blue "Casting to [device name]" bar at the top of your Chrome window. A menu will appear with a Stop casting button. Click it. The connection will end when ready and your TV will return to whatever it was showing before you started the cast.

You can also stop casting by closing the Chrome browser entirely, but using the Stop button is cleaner. If you close Chrome without stopping the cast first, the cast will end after a few seconds anyway.

If you want to cast again to the same device, open the Cast menu and select your device again. You do not need to set anything up a second time.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Your device does not appear in the Cast menu: Make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your computer is on 5 GHz and your Chromecast only supports 2.4 GHz, they will not connect. Check your router settings or move your computer closer to the router. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

The cast starts but the picture is choppy or freezes: This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your computer or Chromecast closer to your router, or reduce the number of other devices using the network. Casting uses a lot of bandwidth, especially if you are watching video. Restarting your router can also help.

The cast works but the audio is very quiet: Check the volume on your TV remote first. If the TV volume is normal, adjust the volume in Chrome or in the process you are using (like a video player). Some applications have their own volume controls separate from the system volume.

You want to cast only one tab, not your whole desktop: Open the Cast menu, select your device, and click Cast tab instead of Cast desktop. Only that one Chrome tab will appear on the TV. Other windows and tabs on your computer will stay private.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but the process is different. On Android, open the app you want to cast, look for a Cast icon (usually in the top right), and tap it. On iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top right to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Chromecast. Phone casting works the same way as desktop casting — everything on your screen appears on the TV.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to cast?

You need to be connected to Wi-Fi, but you do not need internet access. Your computer and Chromecast just need to be on the same local network. If your Wi-Fi router is not connected to the internet, casting will still work.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No, one computer can only cast to one Chromecast device at a time. If you want to cast to a different TV, stop the current cast and start a new one with the other device.

What if my computer goes to sleep while I am casting?

The cast will stop if your computer enters sleep mode. Adjust your computer's power settings to prevent sleep while you are casting, or keep your computer awake by moving the mouse occasionally.

Is casting find, or can other people on my Wi-Fi see what I am casting?

Casting is encrypted, so other people on your Wi-Fi network cannot see what you are casting. However, anyone with access to your Chromecast device can stop the cast or start their own cast to the same TV.