How to Use Chromecast on a PC or Laptop

Casting TV shows and music from your smartphone or tablet is great – and that's what the Chromecast is designed for – but you can also use Chromecasts to stream content from your PC or computer portable.

A few things make Chromecast superior to other streaming methods. The first is that you don't need to buy special HDMI converter cables. Another thing that makes Chromecast great is that you can take it wherever you go. And finally, Chromecast lets you set guest mode functionality, which is great for presentations and the like.

Since its unveiling, Chromecast has grown in popularity and compatibility. In this article, we will see how you can cast content from your PC or laptop to your Chromecast device.

Things to know

First, we'll cover some basic things you'll need to do before it works, and no, it doesn't require any specialized equipment. Just a web browser, an extension and a decent wifi connection.

First, it may be easier to do this from Google Chrome since the Chromecast is a Google device, but you can search for an extension for Mozilla Firefox or another browser to remove it.

If you're using Chrome, just tap the menu icon in the upper-right corner (it's either three vertical dots or an arrow icon depending on whether the browser is updated), then click with the right button on "Broadcast".

Now you will see the Cast button permanently in the upper right corner of Chrome.

Once your broadcast icon is ready to use, it's time to check your internet connection. In order to pair your PC or laptop with your Chromecast device, they will need to be on the same wifi network. While this may seem simple enough, be aware that many routers offer multiple bands, so make sure both devices are connected to the 2,4GHz or 5GHz band.

From your smartphone or tablet, open the Google Home app. Tap on “Settings”, then on “Wi-Fi network”. Now you can connect it to the internet band you want to use.

Note: You may need to forget the existing network to connect to the new one.

Now you need to connect your PC or laptop to the same network. Simply click on the Network icon in the lower right corner of your screen and a list of available networks will appear. Click on the one you used in the Google Home app and enter the necessary security information.

Performing these tasks before trying to connect will help you avoid both frustration and connectivity errors.

How to use Chromecast on your PC or laptop.

For services such as Netflix and Spotify, the process is the same as on your phone or tablet: just click on the "Cast" icon we looked at above.

Even though there's no Cast compatibility in the video player, you can still use your Chromecast to cast content, and there are a few ways to do that.

The easiest way is to cast a tab from the Chrome internet browser. The tab can contain video, audio, images – you can even use it to play back a presentation in an emergency. Anything on the Internet, in other words.

Here's how to do it:

1. Launch your Chrome browser and install the Google Cast extension from the Chrome Web Store.
   
2. Click the Google Cast icon to the right of the address bar and select your Chromecast from the list. The tab should now appear on the TV.
   
3. You can cast from another tab at any time by clicking the Cast extension and selecting Cast this tab, and finish by selecting Stop Casting.
   
4. It's even possible to stream a video file stored on your PC or laptop, simply by dragging the file onto a Chrome tab and clicking the video player's fullscreen button to fill your TV screen.

As soon as you complete these steps, mirroring begins. This means that there is nothing more to do, your content should appear automatically.

What to do if your computer won't connect

If your Chromecast isn't showing up on your computer, it's likely because your internet connection on one of the devices is the culprit.

Just use the Google Home app and your computer's network icon to make sure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi connection. pairing failed error.

But if not, you will need to reset your router. Depending on your router manufacturer, there may be a small pinhole reset button. If so, use a thin object like an earring to press and hold the button for 10 seconds. Allow the router to reset and reconnect.

Your Chromecast issues can also be traced to your power connection. Usually, this is easily spotted because your Chromecast won't turn on without power. But, if your PC or laptop can't find your device, check the wired connections and make sure your Chromecast is turned on.