Connect Your PC to Chromecast in Three Steps

To use Chromecast with your PC, you need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device, open Chrome or Edge, and use the built-in cast button to send your screen or a single tab to your TV. The process takes less than a minute once everything is set up. Your PC does not need any special software beyond the browser you already have.

Chromecast works with Windows 10, Windows 11, and any Mac running a recent version of macOS. You will need a Chromecast device plugged into your TV and connected to your Wi-Fi network. If your Chromecast is not yet set up, use the Google Home app on a phone or tablet to connect it to Wi-Fi first — your PC cannot do this part.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PC and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
  • Chrome and Edge both have a cast button built in; you do not need to install anything on your PC.
  • You can cast your entire screen, a single browser tab, or audio from supported apps like Spotify or YouTube.
  • Casting a tab uses less bandwidth and battery than casting your whole screen and keeps your other windows private.
  • If casting fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

How to Cast Your Screen From Chrome or Edge

Open Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your PC. In the top right corner, click the three-dot menu button. Scroll down and select Cast. A small window will appear showing all Chromecast devices on your network. Click the one connected to your TV.

Your entire screen will now appear on your TV. Everything you do on your PC — opening files, typing, moving your mouse — shows up in real time. The cast window stays open in the corner of your screen so you can stop casting at any time by clicking the X button.

Casting your whole screen drains your PC battery faster than casting a single tab and uses more Wi-Fi bandwidth. If you are only watching a video or reading a webpage, casting just that tab is more efficient.

Cast a Single Tab Instead of Your Whole Screen

If you want to send only one browser tab to your TV while keeping the rest of your screen private, use tab casting instead. Open the tab you want to cast, then click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome or Edge. Select Cast, choose your Chromecast device, and then select Cast tab instead of Cast entire screen.

Tab casting is the better choice when you are watching YouTube, Netflix, or any other video service, or when you are browsing the web and do not want your other open tabs or windows visible on the TV. The video or webpage plays on your TV while you can use the rest of your PC normally. If you close the tab or navigate away from it, the video stops on your TV.

Cast Audio From Spotify, YouTube Music, and Other Apps

Many music and podcast apps on your PC can send audio directly to Chromecast without casting your screen. Open Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, or another supported app. Look for a speaker icon or cast button within the app itself — this is different from the browser cast button. Click it and select your Chromecast device.

Audio casting is useful because your PC screen stays dark and you can close the app window or use other programs while music plays on your TV. The app controls appear on your TV screen so you can pause, skip, or adjust volume from across the room. Not every app supports this feature; if you do not see a cast button in the app, use tab casting instead.

Troubleshoot When Casting Does Not Work

If your PC cannot find your Chromecast device, the most common cause is that they are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your PC's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the same network name as your Chromecast. You can see which network your Chromecast is on in the Google Home app on a phone or tablet.

If both devices are on the same network and casting still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the light on the device to stop blinking. Then try casting again from your PC.

If your PC has a firewall or antivirus program that blocks network connections, it may prevent casting. Temporarily disable the firewall or add Chrome or Edge to the list of allowed programs. If you are on a work or school network, the network itself may block casting — try connecting to a personal Wi-Fi network to test.

What Happens to Your PC While You Are Casting

When you cast your entire screen, your PC stays in control. You can move your mouse, type, open new windows, and everything appears on the TV in real time. This means if you receive a notification, open an email, or switch to another window, everyone watching the TV sees it. For this reason, tab casting is often a better choice when you are presenting or watching something with others.

Your PC does not slow down while casting. The video or audio is sent directly from your PC to your Chromecast device, so the quality depends on your Wi-Fi signal strength. If your Wi-Fi is weak, the picture may stutter or the audio may drop. Moving closer to your router or reducing the distance between your PC and Chromecast can improve the connection.

Cast From Google Chrome Extensions and Web Apps

Some websites and browser extensions have their own cast buttons built in. If you are using a web app like Google Photos, Google Drive, or a streaming service, look for a cast icon that looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Click it to send that content to your TV without using the main Chrome cast menu.

These built-in cast buttons often give you more control than the general screen cast feature. For example, Google Photos lets you start a slideshow on your TV while you browse other photos on your PC. You do not have to use the main cast menu for these apps — the app's own button is usually faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my PC if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network?

No. Your PC and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, move one of the devices to the same network as the other. Check the Google Home app on a phone to see which network your Chromecast is using.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Casting sends data between your PC and Chromecast over your local Wi-Fi network, not through the internet. You do not need a fast internet connection for casting to work. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, the picture may stutter, but this is a Wi-Fi problem, not an internet problem.

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

Yes. When you cast a tab, you can use other programs on your PC normally. When you cast your entire screen, everything you do appears on the TV, so you should avoid opening private windows or notifications. Close the cast window or press the stop button to stop casting at any time.

What if I want to cast from a program that is not Chrome or Edge?

Some programs like Spotify and VLC media player have their own cast buttons. Look for a speaker or cast icon within the program. If the program does not have a cast button, open it in a Chrome or Edge tab and use tab casting instead.

Will casting work if my PC is plugged in versus on battery?

Casting works on battery, but it drains your battery faster than normal use. Casting your entire screen uses more power than casting a single tab. If you plan to cast for more than an hour, plug your PC in to avoid running out of battery.