The basic steps to send your PC to Chromecast

To cast from a Windows PC or Mac to a Chromecast device, you need three things: your PC and Chromecast on the same Wi-Fi network, the Chrome browser open on your PC, and the Chromecast plugged in and set up. The fastest method is to use Chrome's built-in cast feature, which takes about 30 seconds to connect once you start.

Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Cast from the dropdown menu. A small window will appear showing available Chromecast devices on your network. Click the device you want to use, and your PC screen will begin streaming to your TV within a few seconds. You can now control what appears on the TV from your PC keyboard and mouse.

If you do not see your Chromecast listed, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait 30 seconds for it to fully boot. Then try the cast menu again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PC and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast, and the Chromecast must be plugged in and fully set up.
  • The Chrome browser has a built-in Cast button in the three-dot menu that connects to Chromecast devices in seconds.
  • You can cast your entire screen or just a single Chrome tab, depending on what you want to display on your TV.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the cast menu, restart it by unplugging for 10 seconds and check that both devices share the same Wi-Fi network.

Casting your entire screen versus a single tab

Chrome gives you two casting options. Cast your entire screen sends everything on your monitor to the TV—your desktop, all open windows, and any notifications. This is useful when you want to show a presentation, browse the web together, or play a video game. Cast a tab sends only the content from one Chrome tab, leaving your other windows and desktop hidden from the TV.

To choose which option you want, look at the cast menu after you click the three-dot menu and select Cast. You will see a dropdown that says either "Cast your entire screen" or "Cast a tab". Click the dropdown to switch between them. Most people start with "Cast your entire screen" because it is the default, but switching takes one click.

Tab casting is helpful when you want to show only a specific website or video while keeping your email, messages, or other work private on your PC. The downside is that if you minimize the Chrome window or switch to another program, the TV screen goes blank until you return to Chrome.

Adjusting volume and stopping the cast

Once your screen is casting, you can control the volume from your PC. Look for the volume icon in the Windows taskbar or Mac menu bar—it will show a small Chromecast symbol next to it while casting is active. Click the volume icon and adjust the slider. The volume changes on your TV when ready.

To stop casting, click the three-dot menu in Chrome again and select Cast. The cast window will reappear. Click the device name you are currently casting to, and the connection will end. Your TV will return to whatever it was showing before you started casting. You can also stop casting by unplugging the Chromecast, though this is not necessary—just disconnect from the menu.

Troubleshooting when your PC does not appear on the cast menu

The most common reason your Chromecast does not show up is that your PC and the device are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your PC's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you are connected to the same network name (SSID) as the Chromecast. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your PC to the 2.4 GHz band—some Chromecast models work better on the older, slower frequency.

If both devices are on the same network and the Chromecast still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. While it restarts, also close Chrome completely on your PC and reopen it. Then try the cast menu again. If the device still does not show up after two minutes, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Another cause is that your PC's firewall is blocking the cast connection. If you have third-party antivirus or security software, temporarily disable it and try casting again. If casting works with the security software off, you may need to add Chrome to your firewall's allowed programs list. Check your security software's settings for this option.

Casting from different browsers and apps

Chrome is the easiest way to cast from a PC, but you can also cast from other browsers and programs. Microsoft Edge has a built-in cast feature in its three-dot menu, just like Chrome. Firefox does not have native casting, but you can cast a Firefox tab by opening it in Chrome instead.

Some apps—like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+—have their own cast buttons built in. Look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) in the app's player controls. Click it and select your Chromecast device. This method often works better than screen casting because the app streams directly to the Chromecast rather than sending your entire screen, which uses less internet bandwidth.

If you are using an older PC or a slow internet connection, casting a single app is faster and more reliable than casting your entire screen. The trade-off is that you can only control the app from your PC—you cannot show your desktop or switch between programs without the TV screen going blank.

Improving cast performance and reducing lag

Screen casting uses your Wi-Fi connection to send video from your PC to the Chromecast. If your Wi-Fi is slow or unstable, you may see stuttering, freezing, or a delay between what you do on your PC and what appears on the TV. Move your PC closer to your Wi-Fi router or Chromecast to strengthen the signal. If that is not possible, reduce interference by moving the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices that use the 2.4 GHz frequency.

Close unnecessary programs on your PC while casting. Each open program uses internet bandwidth and processing power, which can slow down the cast. If you are casting a video or playing a game, close your browser tabs, email, and messaging apps. Restarting your PC before casting can also help by clearing memory and stopping background processes.

If lag is still a problem, try casting a single Chrome tab instead of your entire screen. Tab casting is more efficient and usually has less delay. You can also lower your PC's screen resolution temporarily—this reduces the amount of data being sent to the Chromecast and can improve performance on slower networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my PC if I do not have a Chromecast?

No, you need an actual Chromecast device plugged into your TV. Some newer TVs have Chromecast built in, which works the same way. If your TV does not have Chromecast, you can buy a Chromecast device for under $40, or look for a Chromecast-compatible device like a Roku, Fire TV, or Android TV box.

What if my PC keeps disconnecting from the Chromecast?

Disconnections usually happen because of Wi-Fi interference or a weak signal. Move your PC and router closer together, or switch to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band if you are on 5 GHz. If disconnections continue, restart your router and Chromecast, then try casting again. Updating Chrome to the latest version can also fix connection problems.

Can I cast audio only without the video?

Yes, if you are using an app like Spotify or YouTube Music, click the cast icon in the app and select your Chromecast device. The audio will play on your TV speakers while your PC screen remains dark. For other audio, you can cast your entire screen but mute your TV and keep the volume low on your PC.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Screen casting uses more bandwidth than app casting because it sends your entire screen 30 to 60 times per second. On a typical home Wi-Fi network, this is fine for one or two devices. If you have many devices on your network or a slow internet connection, casting a single app instead of your entire screen will use less bandwidth.

Can I cast from my PC to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?

No, you can only cast to one Chromecast device at a time from a single PC. If you want to cast to multiple TVs, you would need to cast from different PCs or phones, or use a different casting method like Miracast or AirPlay.