The Basic Steps to Send Your Computer to Chromecast
To cast from your computer to a Chromecast device, open Chrome browser, 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 your entire screen or just a single tab. Your computer's display will then appear on the TV connected to your Chromecast within a few seconds. The connection stays active until you stop the cast or close the browser tab.
The process works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers — you only need Chrome browser and a Chromecast device already set up on your home network. Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.
Key Takeaways
- You need Chrome browser open on your computer and a Chromecast device already connected to your TV and Wi-Fi network.
- The Cast button is in the Chrome menu (three dots) in the top right corner, not in a separate app or toolbar.
- You can cast your entire desktop or just a single browser tab — choose the option that fits what you're doing.
- Your computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or the device won't appear in the Cast menu.
- The cast connection uses your Wi-Fi, not a cable, so you can move your computer around the room while casting.
Finding and Clicking the Cast Button
Open Chrome and look for the three horizontal dots (called the menu button) in the top right corner of the browser window. Click it, and a dropdown menu will appear. Scroll down until you see the word Cast — it usually appears near the bottom of the menu. Click on it.
A small window will pop up showing available Chromecast devices on your network. If you don't see your Chromecast listed, check that both your computer and the device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Wait a few seconds and try clicking Cast again — sometimes it takes a moment for the device to appear.
Choosing What to Cast: Screen or Tab
After you click Cast and select your Chromecast device, Chrome will ask you to choose between Cast tab and Cast entire screen. These are two different options with different uses.
Cast tab sends only the current browser tab to your TV. This is useful when you're watching a video, looking at photos, or presenting a website — anything that fits in one tab. If you switch to a different tab on your computer, the TV still shows the original tab. Your other browser windows and desktop stay private on your computer.
Cast entire screen sends everything on your computer display to the TV, including your desktop, all open windows, and any notifications that pop up. This is better for presentations, demonstrations, or when you want to show multiple programs at once. Everything you see on your monitor appears on the TV in real time.
Troubleshooting When Your Chromecast Doesn't Appear
If you click Cast and your Chromecast device isn't in the list, the most common reason is that your computer and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you're connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. You can find which network your Chromecast is on by checking the Google Home app on your phone or by looking at your router's connected devices.
If both devices are on the same network and the Chromecast still doesn't appear, try restarting your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then wait 30 seconds for it to fully boot up before trying to cast again. If Chrome itself is outdated, it may also fail to find your device — check for Chrome updates by clicking the three-dot menu, going to Help, and selecting About Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically update if a new version is available.
What Happens During a Cast Connection
Once you've selected your device and chosen what to cast, your TV will show your computer's screen or the selected tab within a few seconds. The cast connection runs over your Wi-Fi network, so your computer doesn't need to be plugged into anything or positioned near the TV. You can move your laptop to another room and the cast will continue as long as both devices stay on the same Wi-Fi.
While casting, your computer screen may dim slightly or show a notification that casting is active. This is normal. You can continue using your computer normally — if you're casting a tab, you can open other tabs or windows and they won't appear on the TV. If you're casting your entire screen, everything you do on your computer will show on the TV, including typing passwords or opening private files, so be aware of what's visible.
Stopping a Cast and Disconnecting
To stop casting, click the Cast button again in Chrome. The same small window will pop up, but now it will show your Chromecast device with a Stop casting button or option. Click it, and your TV will return to its normal display within a few seconds. The cast connection will end when ready.
You can also stop casting by closing the Chrome browser entirely, though this will close all your tabs. If you're casting a tab and you close just that tab, the cast will stop but Chrome will remain open. Unplugging your Chromecast or turning off your TV will also end the cast, though this is less graceful than using the Stop button.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent mistake is forgetting to check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your computer is on your main home network but your Chromecast is on a guest network, they won't see each other. Check your router settings or the Google Home app to confirm they're connected to the same network.
Another common error is looking for a Cast button in the wrong place. It's only in the Chrome menu (three dots), not in the toolbar or address bar. If you don't see it, make sure you're using Chrome browser — casting doesn't work from Safari, Firefox, or Edge, even though those browsers can visit websites.
Some people also try to cast from a browser tab that's loading or has an error. If the tab shows a blank page or a loading spinner, wait for it to fully load before casting. Videos and websites sometimes take a moment to start playing on the TV after you begin the cast, so give it 5 to 10 seconds before assuming something went wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from my phone or tablet instead of a computer?
Yes, but the process is different. On Android phones and tablets, open the app you want to cast (YouTube, Chrome, Google Photos, etc.), tap the Cast icon, and select your device. On iPhones and iPads, only certain apps support casting — check the app itself for a Cast or AirPlay button. This article covers computer casting only.
Do I need to install anything on my computer to use Cast?
No. Chrome browser has casting built in — you don't need to read an extension, app, or driver. If you already have Chrome installed, you're ready to cast. Your Chromecast device must be set up first using the Google Home app on a phone or tablet, but after that, your computer can cast to it without any additional software.
What if I want to cast audio only, not video?
Casting your screen or tab will send both video and audio to your TV. If you want to send audio to a speaker or sound system instead, you can cast to a Google Home speaker or other Cast-enabled audio device using the same Cast button — just select the audio device instead of your TV's Chromecast. The process is identical.
Can I cast while my computer is locked or asleep?
No. Your computer must be awake and unlocked for casting to work. If your computer goes to sleep, the cast will stop. You can adjust your computer's sleep settings to prevent it from sleeping while you're casting — on Windows, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep, and on Mac, go to System Preferences > Energy Saver.
Why is my cast lagging or freezing?
Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move your computer closer to your router, or reduce the number of other devices using Wi-Fi. If you're casting your entire screen, casting a single tab instead may reduce lag because it uses less bandwidth. Restarting your router and Chromecast can also help.