How to Chromecast From a PC to Your TV

This guide covers casting from a Windows PC or Mac to a Chromecast device, a Google TV Streamer, or a television with Google Cast built in. You can show a browser tab, cast a supported video, or mirror your whole desktop. You’ll need Chrome and a working Cast-compatible receiver set up on your TV.

What You’ll Need

A PC or Mac with an up-to-date Google Chrome browser.
A Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, or TV with Google Cast built in, connected to power and set up.
A Wi-Fi network that the computer and receiver can both access. They usually need to be on the same local network.
A TV switched to the correct HDMI input, if your receiver uses an HDMI connection.

Step-by-Step

Set up the receiver. Plug the Chromecast or streaming device into the TV and power, then complete its on-screen setup. For a TV with Cast built in, make sure the feature is available and the TV is connected to your network.
Connect to the right network. Connect the PC and receiver to the same Wi-Fi network. If your router has separate network names or guest Wi-Fi, check that both devices are on a network that allows them to communicate.
Open Chrome. Start Google Chrome on the PC and open the website, video, or page you want to display. Casting works from Chrome; other browsers may not offer the same Cast controls.
Open the Cast menu. In Chrome, select the three-dot menu near the top-right corner, then choose Cast, save, and share and Cast. Menu wording and placement may differ slightly by Chrome version. If Cast is not listed, see Troubleshooting below.
Choose what to cast. In the Cast panel, select Sources if needed. Choose Cast tab to show the current Chrome tab, Cast screen or Cast desktop to mirror the computer display, or Cast file if that option is available and you want to open a local media file.
Select your TV or device. Click the name of the Chromecast, streaming device, or compatible TV. Wait for it to connect; the TV should show the selected tab, screen, or file. If a permission prompt appears when mirroring your desktop, approve it to share the display.
Stop casting when finished. Use Chrome’s Cast icon or reopen the Cast menu and select Stop casting. For desktop mirroring, you can also stop from the Cast controls. Closing the tab may end a tab cast, but use Stop casting to make sure the session ends.

For a supported video: Some video websites show a Cast button inside the player. Select it and choose your device; the video may play directly on the receiver rather than mirroring the browser tab. The exact controls depend on the website and its Cast support.

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong source: Cast tab shares one Chrome tab, not the whole desktop. Choose the desktop or screen source when you need to show another app or the full display.
Using different networks: A PC on guest Wi-Fi may not be able to find a receiver on the main network, even if both have internet access.
Expecting every video to cast the same way: Some sites support direct casting, while others only display properly when you cast the tab. Protected or restricted content may not mirror as expected.
Forgetting sound and privacy: A desktop cast can show notifications and other visible content. Close private windows and silence notifications before sharing. Audio behavior can vary by source and operating system.
Assuming the TV is ready because it is on: Check that the receiver has power and the TV is on the correct HDMI input.

Tips

Use tab casting for a single webpage or browser video, and desktop casting for presentations, documents, or apps outside Chrome.
Keep the PC reasonably close to the router and avoid a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection. Video may stutter if the network is congested.
For a presentation, open the material before casting and close unrelated tabs. If you mirror the desktop, check what is visible on screen first.
When a video player has its own Cast button, try it before mirroring the whole desktop; it can provide a cleaner playback experience when supported.
Chrome and device menus change between versions. If a label differs, look for the Cast icon or a similarly named Cast option rather than changing unrelated settings.

Troubleshooting

Your device does not appear in the Cast list: Confirm the receiver is powered on, the TV is using the right input, and both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Turn off guest-network isolation if your router provides that option, then reopen the Cast menu. Restarting Chrome, the PC, and the receiver can also refresh discovery.

Chrome has no Cast option: Update Chrome if an update is available, then check its three-dot menu again. The menu path may differ slightly by version. Make sure you are using Chrome rather than assuming another browser has the same feature.

The TV connects but shows a blank or frozen image: Stop casting and reconnect. Try casting just the Chrome tab instead of the desktop, or use the video player’s Cast control if available. Reload the webpage and check that the source itself plays on the PC.

Video stutters or disconnects: Improve the Wi-Fi connection by moving the PC or receiver closer to the router, if practical. Pause other heavy network activity and reconnect. If the issue continues, restart the router and receiver when convenient.

The picture appears but there is no sound: Check the PC’s selected audio output and the TV’s volume and mute controls. For a tab cast, check the tab is not muted. Audio support can differ for desktop mirroring, local files, websites, and operating systems.

The wrong screen is being shared: Stop the session, reopen Sources, and choose the intended tab or display. If you have more than one monitor, select the correct display when Chrome asks which screen to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Chromecast from a Windows PC?

Yes. Open Chrome, choose Cast from its menu, and select a compatible receiver on the same network. You can cast a tab, a supported video, or your desktop.

Can I Chromecast from a Mac?

Yes. The basic process is the same in Chrome on macOS. Desktop mirroring may require you to approve Chrome’s screen-sharing permission before the TV displays your screen.

Can I cast without Wi-Fi?

In the usual setup, the PC and receiver need a shared network connection for discovery and casting. A direct internet connection on both devices is not a substitute if network settings prevent them from communicating.

Can I cast a video file saved on my PC?

Chrome may offer Cast file under Sources, but file formats and playback support vary. You can also open a compatible file in Chrome and try casting its tab. If it does not play, use a media player or casting method supported by your device.

Does casting a tab let me keep using my PC?

Yes. With Cast tab, you can use other tabs or apps, but only the selected tab is sent to the TV. With desktop casting, viewers can see what is displayed on the shared screen.

Sources: Google Cast Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.