This guide covers casting from a computer that already has Chromecast or a TV with casting built in.
Casting Your Desktop
Chromecast can mirror everything that’s on your screen, a lot like a wireless display or AirPlay.
How to Mirror Your Desktop in Chrome or Edge
Open Chrome or Edge. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu near your profile picture. In Edge, use the three-dot menu with horizontal dots.
In Chrome, choose “Cast…”. In Edge, select “More tools” then “Cast to media device”.
A list of available devices appears. If your TV isn’t powered on, it won’t show up.
Browsers try to cast the active tab by default. To mirror your desktop, click “Sources” at the bottom of the list, change it to “Cast screen”, then pick your device.
If you have more than one monitor, pick which screen you want to show. You’ll see a preview, an audio option, and a “Share” button. Click “Share” to start streaming.
Once your desktop is casting, you can minimize your browser and keep working. To stop, click the cast icon in your browser and select your device to disconnect.
You can always restart casting by repeating these steps.
When Desktop Casting Makes Sense
Try desktop casting if:
- You need to show apps outside your browser
- You want to display files or programs not available on the web
- You play a video file that doesn’t support casting
Skip desktop casting if:
- The service you’re using supports casting on its own (like Netflix)
- You need to cast a game or something that needs quick reactions (use a tool made for games)
Mirroring your desktop can feel laggy. It works well for presentations or slideshows but not for fast-paced games or real-time tasks.
Casting a Browser Tab
Casting a tab only shares the content inside that tab on your TV. Your desktop and other apps stay private.
How to Cast a Tab in Chrome or Edge
Open your browser and click the menu button. In Chrome, choose “Cast…”. In Edge, go to “More tools” then “Cast to media device”.
Select your TV or Chromecast from the list. Audio from the tab will play on the TV too. To stop, click the cast button in your browser and choose your device to disconnect.
Do this any time you want to show one tab on your TV.
Tab Casting Is Handy When
Tab casting works well if:
- You only need to display content from one web page
- You want to show a site that doesn’t have built-in casting
- You want your TV to show a single web app
You may not want tab casting if:
- You need to show things outside that tab (like another program)
- You want banners, desktop notifications or other features to show on the TV
- You’re using an app or site with its own cast button
Tab casting is simple for browser pages, but for Netflix, YouTube, and some others, it’s better to use their own cast tools.
Casting Directly from Supported Apps
Direct casting means the Chromecast fetches the content straight from the app or website (like Netflix or YouTube), not through your computer. Your device just tells the Chromecast what to play.
How to Cast Media Directly from Your Browser
Open Chrome or Edge and visit a service like Netflix or YouTube. Find a video, then look for the cast icon near the playback controls.
Select your Chromecast or TV. The video or music will play on your TV. To stop, tap the cast icon on the player and choose “Stop casting”.
You can pick and play other videos or tracks the same way.
When Direct Casting Is Best
Direct casting is ideal for:
- Streaming from Netflix, YouTube, Spotify and similar apps
- Working on your computer while a video plays on the TV
- Streaming from a media server like Plex
It’s not right if:
- You want to use extra features only on your computer (like a chat window)
- You need to stream using a VPN for regional access (Chromecast streams directly, so VPNs won’t work)
For streaming online videos and music, direct casting is the most stable option.
What You Need to Cast from PC to TV
Check you have the right gear and software before you start casting.
Chromecast Device or TV with Built-In Casting
You’ll need a Chromecast device or a TV that supports Chromecast built in. Many new TVs offer this feature, so check for terms like “Chromecast,” “Google Cast,” or similar in your TV’s manual.
Some older TVs only support casting from certain apps (like Netflix). Adding a Chromecast stick can give you more options.
Computer with Chrome, Edge, or Similar Browsers
Your computer should run Chrome, Edge, or another Chromium browser. You can also cast from some apps like VLC or Plex, but for desktop mirroring, Chrome or Edge works best. Other tools may not be reliable.
Fixing Common Chromecast Problems
Casting usually works well, but sometimes you’ll run into issues. Here are some common problems and fixes.
Chromecast Is Slow or Doesn’t Respond
If Chromecast isn’t working right, unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If problems keep happening, reset it by holding its button until the light blinks, then set it up again.
Can’t Find Chromecast as a Casting Option
Your casting device and your computer must be on and using the same Wi-Fi network. If your Chromecast doesn’t show up, check the power and Wi-Fi connection. Both devices need to be on the same home network, not guest networks, and features like “AP Isolation” should be off.
On hotel or public Wi-Fi, device discovery might not work. Bring a portable router for better luck.
Casting Is Laggy
Desktop and tab mirroring can lag, especially with weak Wi-Fi. Move closer to your router or improve your Wi-Fi for a better connection. If the lag is too much, try an HDMI cable.
Chromecast: Quick Answers
What Does Casting Mean?
Casting is sending videos, music, or your screen from your computer or phone to a TV or speaker using Google’s Cast system. The Chromecast device shows what you pick.
Do You Need a Fast Computer?
For direct casting, computer speed isn’t important since Chromecast does the work. For desktop or tab mirroring, your computer’s speed matters a little. Most modern computers can handle it, but lots of open programs might slow things down.
Will Older Chromecast Models Mirror Screens?
All Chromecast models can mirror tabs or the screen, but older ones might lag or stutter with big files and some videos.
Can You Cast from Mac or Linux?
Yes. As long as you use Chrome or a supported browser, you can cast from Windows, Mac, Linux, or even ChromeOS.
Does It Matter If You Cast from a Computer or Phone?
No. Chromecast streams straight from the web after you click cast. You can control playback from either device.
Do You Need Internet?
You’ll need internet for online videos and streaming apps. For mirroring or local files, both devices only need to be on the same Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling and Wi-Fi is tricky, a travel router can help connect your Chromecast.
Can You Cast from Browsers Besides Chrome?
Casting works in Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers. Firefox and some others do not have built-in casting. There are add-ons, but they’re not always reliable. Chrome and Edge give the best results.