Discover the most complete and simple way to Install Chromecast on your PC, set it up, and take full advantage of all its features to stream multimedia content, games, and even your computer's entire screen to your TV. Google's Chromecast is a revolutionary device that turns any HDMI-enabled TV into a powerful streaming receiver, allowing you to share videos, music, movies, presentations, and more from your computer or laptop wirelessly and seamlessly. Below, we'll guide you step-by-step and answer all the common questions, as well as share the best tips and solutions for common problems.
What is Chromecast and how does it work with a PC?
Chromecast is a Google device Designed to stream multimedia content from other devices—such as computers, laptops, phones, or tablets—to a TV or monitor using streaming technology over a Wi-Fi network. With Chromecast, you can transform your TV into a kind of smart TV to watch movies, series, music, games, presentations, video calls, and much more.
The process is very simple: Chromecast receives the signal from your PC (or any other compatible device) through the same WiFi network, and plays the content you send to it on the big screen. Therefore, it is not a matter of physically installing the Chromecast on the PC, but rather of use the computer as a content transmitter, taking advantage of the many possibilities offered by the Chrome browser and other compatible applications.
Requirements for installing and using Chromecast on PC
Before you begin, make sure you have the following essential items:
- A Chromecast device (any generation) or TV with Google Cast built-in.
- Television or monitor with an available HDMI port.
- Access a stable Wi-Fi network configured on the same frequency (2,4 or 5 GHz) for your PC and Chromecast.
- Computer or laptop with Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system, and updated Google Chrome browser.
- Power supply for the Chromecast (can be a USB cable to the TV or a power charger).
- Optionally, an Android/iOS mobile phone or tablet with the Google Home app for initial setup.
Getting Started: Connect and Set Up Chromecast
1. Connect Chromecast to your TV: Insert the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your TV or monitor. Connect the USB cable to an available port on your TV or use the included power adapter for a stable power supply.
2. Set up Chromecast from your mobile/tablet: Although most users will use their mobile phone for the initial configuration, if you have a laptop with WiFi, you can follow the entire process from Google Chrome, accessing the official Chromecast configuration website (chromecast.com/setup) or, in the case of recent versions, directly from the Google Home app on your mobile.
- Download and install the app Google Home on your mobile from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Make sure you have Bluetooth and location/GPS enabled on your phone to facilitate automatic detection.
- Open Google Home, sign in with your Google account, and tap “+” to add a new device.
- Select the detected Chromecast and follow the on-screen steps: compare the code on your TV and phone, associate the device with a room, and link it to the Wi-Fi network you plan to use.
- Complete the setup and wait for Chromecast to update if necessary. You'll see the Chromecast home screen on your TV, ready to use.
Note: If you're having trouble detecting the device, try restarting your Chromecast, checking your wiring, or resetting it by holding the physical button on the device for 25 seconds. Once the Chromecast is connected and set up on the network, you can use it from your PC at any time.
How to link your PC to Chromecast and start streaming
Controlling and using Chromecast from your PC is very simple, thanks to the Google Chrome browser. You don't need to install any additional apps, as Chrome natively incorporates the feature. To transmitThis way, you can share a tab, the entire screen, or media files to your TV.
Basic steps to stream from PC:
- Open Google Chrome on your computer. Make sure you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.
- Click on the three vertical dots menu at the top right.
- Select option Convey… (Cast…). Chrome will search for compatible devices on the network.
- Choose your chromecast from the list. You can select what to stream from the “Sources” button (Stream Tab, Desktop, or File).
- If you choose "Cast Tab," you'll only see that browser tab on your TV. If you choose "Cast Desktop," you'll see your entire PC screen. For files, select a video, photo, or music file you have locally.
- Cast Chrome Tab: Ideal for YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, social media, or even online presentations.
- Stream full desktop: Useful for showing presentations, PC games, tutorials, video calls, and more.
- Stream media files: Perfect for playing videos, music or images saved on your PC directly on your TV.
How to use Videostream and other apps to extend your Chromecast experience
In addition to the official Google Chrome method, there are applications and extensions Free apps that allow you to stream local content from your PC with greater control and format compatibility. Videostream is one of the most popular, but it's not the only one:
- Videostream for Google Chromecast: A Chrome extension and standalone app. It lets you play videos in AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, and other formats directly from your PC to your Chromecast, with subtitle options, playlists, and more.
- VLC Media Player: The cross-platform media player allows you to send videos and audios directly to Chromecast using the “Play on Device” or “Renderer Output” function.
- plex: Turn your PC into a complete multimedia server to organize and stream your video, music, and photo library to any screen, including Chromecast.
Install and use Videostream:
- Open Chrome and search for “Videostream extension” or go directly to the Chrome Web Store.
- Install the extension and accept the permissions.
- Open Videostream, select the folders on your PC where you have the videos.
- Select the files to stream and choose your Chromecast.
- You can use the Videostream mobile app as a remote control to conveniently play, pause, control volume, and switch files.
Streaming from PC: Tips, Advanced Steps, Compatibility, and Tricks
Chromecast is highly versatile and supports a wide variety of uses from your PC. Here are the main options to get the most out of it:
- Streaming videos online and on streaming platforms: Use the Cast feature in Chrome to directly stream content from YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Movistar+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, DAZN, Twitch, TikTok, or any other supported service. To expand your options, you can also check out how to set up chromecast.
- Cast your entire PC screen: Ideal for presentations, meetings, online classes, displaying spreadsheets, browsing the internet, working from home, or showing anything you see on your desktop.
- Send local media files: In addition to Videostream, you can drag and drop videos, photos, and music into a Chrome tab, then use “Cast” to send them to your Chromecast.
- Games on TV: Enjoy web games from Chrome, play Chromecast-enabled titles, or use Steam Link/Plex/Emulators that support screen sharing.
- Using your mobile phone as a remote control: Install Videostream Chromecast Mobile or similar apps to control playback from your mobile and search for files on your PC remotely.
Stream photos and videos with keyboard shortcuts
- Windows: press Ctrl + O in Chrome to directly open and stream any media file.
- Mac: Uses cmd + O from the Chrome browser.
- Drag and drop the file into a Chrome tab, click “Cast,” and select your Chromecast.
Casting options in the Chrome menu
- Cast tab: Displays only the current browser window.
- Stream desktop: It reflects everything you see on your monitor.
- Upload file: Play a video, photo, or song saved on your PC.
Advanced settings and common troubleshooting
- Chromecast does not appear as an available device: Make sure your PC and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Chromecast, your router, and your Chrome browser. If it doesn't appear, restart your router and try again. Make sure Chrome is updated.
- Transmission delay or lag: Reduce the number of devices connected to the network, place your router near your Chromecast, or use the 5 GHz band for faster speeds. Close unnecessary programs on your PC and make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable.
- Incomplete or cropped screen: Choose the correct option (Cast desktop or tab); set Chrome's zoom to 100%; check your TV's aspect ratio settings.
- No sound on TV: Make sure the sound is enabled on your PC and TV. Check that the volume isn't muted in either the app or the tab. Some apps only stream video, so try other sources.
- Reinstall or reset Chromecast: If all else fails, press and hold the Chromecast's physical button for about 25 seconds until the light blinks, then try setting it up with Google Home again.
Compatibility and recommended apps for Chromecast on PC
- Streaming platforms: YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Movistar+, DAZN, and many more have the Cast button integrated into their websites.
- Media Players: VLC Media Player, Plex, Kodi (with plugins), Videostream and similar allow you to play local content and control quality, subtitles and playlists.
- Productivity apps: Google Slides, Sheets, Docs, and other office suites let you present documents and collaborate directly on your TV via Chromecast.
- Games and entertainment: Supported web games, Chrome emulators, Cloud Gaming services (Stadia, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud), and Chromecast game apps.
Streaming without Wi-Fi: Alternatives to using Chromecast with a limited connection
In some situations—such as hotels, offices, or homes with Wi-Fi issues—you may want to use Chromecast without conventional internet access. Although Chromecast is primarily designed to work with Wi-Fi, there are alternatives such as:
- Connecting via portable router or hotspot mode from your mobile: Create a shared local Wi-Fi network from your phone and connect both your Chromecast and PC to that network.
- Using an Ethernet adapter: Some Chromecast models allow you to connect an optional Ethernet adapter for wired networking.
Warning: Features may be more limited without internet access, but streaming local files between your PC and Chromecast is possible if both are on the same local network and you have the appropriate software (such as Videostream or VLC Media Player).
Additional tips for better performance
- Place the Chromecast in an easily accessible HDMI port and if possible, use the power charger instead of the TV's USB port for more stable power.
- Disable unnecessary extensions or plugins in Chrome if you experience performance issues during streaming, especially on older computers.
- Always update the firmware of your Chromecast and the Chrome browser to ensure maximum compatibility and security.
- Make sure the PC is connected via 5 GHz WiFi for smoother, higher-quality streaming, especially with HD videos.
- Configure audio and video options directly from the Google Home app, if you need to customize the resolution or screen format.
Alternatives to Chromecast for streaming from your PC to your TV
- Devices with Google Cast built-in: Some modern TVs and smart speakers already include Google Cast, so you can stream directly from your PC without an external Chromecast.
- Other streaming devices: Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Roku, and Miracast also allow similar screen mirroring and streaming features, although each has its own requirements and compatible apps.
- Direct HDMI cables: If you prefer maximum stability and minimum latency, you can always connect your PC to your TV with an HDMI cable, although you lose the wireless convenience of Chromecast.
As you can see, Install and use Chromecast on your PC It's a simple, versatile, and expandable option for transforming any TV into a powerful multimedia hub. Take advantage of multiple streaming options, from local videos, music, and photos to streaming platforms, presentations, video calls, and games. Whether you're looking to share a simple browser tab or turn your computer into a full-fledged media server, Chromecast is the ideal solution for users of all computing experience levels.
