How to Use Chromecast From Laptop or PC

A discreet yet effective gadget, Google Chromecast is devised to directly play shows and music from your smartphones, tablets, PC, and laptops. Thanks to its tiny dongle, you can enjoy all sorts of media content wherever there is an HDMI port and a Wi-Fi connection.

However, at times, setting up the Google Chromecast and the casting process may baffle you. That’s why we are here with this article to  recount both of these processes in detail and discuss how to use Chromecast from a laptop and PC. But first, let us get to know Google Chromecast a little bit more. 

What is Google Chromecast?

In simpler terms, the Chromecast is a range of TV dongles that can be connected to the HDMI connection on your TV to add smart features to it. Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV are the two models of Google’s video streaming gadget that is now available for purchase. With the addition of remote control and an on-screen menu, the latter provided Google’s dongle a much-needed makeover.

Why Choose Google Chromecast?

Chromecast has expanded a lot in popularity and compatibility since its launch in 2013. And, the reason is that Chromecast has proven itself better than its competition, regarding streaming technologies, in quite a lot of ways.

• It doesn’t require any unique HDMI conversion cords.
• The portability of Chromecast is another attribute that makes it stand out.
• Its easy-to-use feature makes it an obvious choice. Just plug it in and connect to Wi-Fi, and begin streaming a bunch of portals right away like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Spotify, HBO Max, and many more both from your phone or computer. You can also use Chromecast to access music, fitness, and sports apps.
• Chromecast also offers the option of configuring the Guest Mode function which works perfectly for presentations and similar tasks. 
• It  is compatible with a vast array of apps and streaming providers. Live television, gaming, social media, and music.

You can connect to any suitable TV or monitor as long as it can be watched from the internet. The possibilities with Google Chromecast are numerous. 

Having raved so much about its exciting features, let us now see how to explore this fascinating medium of video, music, and game streaming.

Getting Started with Chromecast for PC and Laptop

To begin with, ensure you have access to these:

• A device with Chromecast (preferably 3rd Gen or older).
• A display device having an HDMI input
• A tablet or a phone.
• A Google account.
• Access to a secure wireless network. 

Things to Keep in Mind While Setting up Chromecast

• Make sure that your Chromecast and your computer are on the same Wi-Fi to continue.
• Accessibility and the interpretation of some of the features, services, and applications are device as well as network-dependent.  These might not function everywhere. Certain additional subscription(s), charges, terms, and conditions may be required. 

Setting up a Google Chromecast on Laptop or PC  

Let us proceed with the process of using a new Chromecast: 

1. Plug your Chromecast into the HDMI port on the TV of your preference. Now get the power cable plugged into a spare USB port. In the case of Chromecast Ultra, the power cable goes into a power outlet.

2. Turn on the TV and tune it to the correct HDMI input for the Chromecast.

3. The next step is to download the Google Home app on your selected Chromecast-supported device (either from the App Store or Google Play Store). 

4. Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device.

5. Follow all the instructions which are displayed on the screen to select your preferred Google account. If you encounter an issue viewing the instructions, tap Add > at the top left of the Google Home app home screen, followed by Set up device > New device. Proceed by following the rest of the instructions.  

Note: Allow all kinds of permissions when prompted, like location data and nearby devices. 

6. While looking for local devices, the app will check for local devices. Select Chromecast from the presented list of devices, if prompted. 

7. After successfully finding Chromecast, select Next.

8. A four-character code will appear on the TV. Check out that it is the same as the one received on your phone. Choose next and agree to the legal terms. 

9. Set up a Wi-Fi connection, by selecting your Wi-Fi network and proceed by entering the password. 

10. You will be presented with an optional tutorial. You can choose either to take it or just select Next to finalize the setup.

Streaming from a PC or Laptop

As mentioned earlier, casting your desktop on TV via Chromecast, the Windows computer, and Chromecast device are essentially required to be on the same Wi-Fi network. After ensuring this crucial setting, follow the next set of steps as listed below: 

• There’s a three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner of Chrome. Click on it and select Cast.

  

• You will be presented with a list and can see Sources at the bottom of the list. 

  

• Click on Sources to activate the dropdown list. Now select the option most suitable for you: 

• Cast tab, which shows the active tab you are working on 
• Cast desktop, which will show your entire desktop or laptop screen, even when not browsing
• Cast the file of your choosing.
• Select Cast desktop. Then find your Chromecast’s nickname in the device list and select it.

• Your desktop will start casting after a little while. 
• When dealing with the multi-monitor display set-up all of the screens or devices within range will be displayed, select the screen you want and press Share.
• To stop casting the desktop, click on the blue Chromecast icon located in the browser. You will see the Chrome Mirroring window. Now select Stop and this will cease the Chromecasting.

Connecting Chromecast to a TV

This is a very easy procedure. Simply plug your Chromecast into an accessible HDMI port and then attach the power cable to the proper outlet to connect it to your TV. 

This outlet can be a simple spare USB port on the TV while using a basic Chromecast or a power outlet if you’re using a Chromecast Ultra.

Although the setup does require a bit more work, abiding by the above protocols will get your Chromecast ready for streaming in a jiffy.

Connecting Chromecast to Wi-Fi

Just like linking to a TV, connecting to a wireless network is also a hassle-free task. All you have to do is read and carefully follow all the instructions displayed on the screen.

Keep the name of your network and your Wi-Fi password handy, and insert these details as and when prompted. Heeding these simple and fast instructions will enable your Chromecast to immediately connect and also stay connected.

Cast Your Computer Screen

You also get the option of casting your complete computer screen with Chrome on Windows, Mac, or Chrome OS.

Note: While casting the screen, there’s a chance that the audio might play on the computer rather than your TV speaker. For playing audio on your TV instead, cast the suitable tab.

• Launch Chrome on your computer.
• In the top right corner, there are 3 vertical dots.

  

• Click on the dots which will present a drop-down menu.

  

• Select Cast.
• You will see Sources. Click on the downward arrow beside it and select the one you want from Cast tab, Cast desktop, and Cast file.

  

• Select the Chromecast device you want to cast your screen on.
• If your device has the built-in Chromecast option, select that.

  

Final Thoughts

A WiFi connection and a relatively recent computer are all you need to connect to your Chromecast from your PC without any issues. See photos, watch videos, or browse social networking platforms and news sources. Just a few clicks here and there and you access Chromecast to see minute details more vividly. 

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