Recommended Free Tools
To cast from a Windows 11 PC, start with Google Chrome: it can send a browser tab or your whole screen to Chromecast-compatible hardware or a TV with Google Cast. For streaming services, use the service’s own Cast control when available; for a local file, open it in Chrome first. The nine choices below are a mix of websites and Chrome workflows—not nine separate Windows apps.
What you need to cast from Windows 11
- An up-to-date version of Google Chrome on the PC.
- A Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Google TV Streamer (4K), or TV with Google Cast.
- The PC and receiver connected to the same Wi-Fi network, with a strong connection.
Google’s Chrome casting instructions cover tab and screen casting, plus opening local files in Chrome. The available route depends on whether you are casting a supported website, a whole screen, or media from a server.
Top 9 Chromecast choices for a Windows 11 PC
1. Chrome tab casting
Use Chrome’s Cast menu to send a browser tab to the receiver. This is the broadest option for web content that does not expose its own Cast button. Google says most web content can be cast, but some plugins do not work.
2. Chrome screen casting
When the content is not a Cast-enabled website, mirror the entire computer screen. In Chrome, open More → Cast, save, and share → Cast…, then choose Sources → Cast screen and select the receiver. This mirrors what is on the PC rather than handing playback to the website’s own Cast workflow.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
3. YouTube in Chrome
Google lists YouTube as a Cast-enabled site. When the player offers its Cast control, use that for the site’s native casting workflow. Casting the Chrome tab is a separate fallback if needed.
4. Netflix in Chrome
Google lists Netflix among Cast-enabled sites, and Netflix documents Chromecast use with Chrome. Use the site’s Cast control when available; device and account behavior can vary, so check Netflix’s current Chromecast help information for your setup.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
5. YouTube Music in Chrome
YouTube Music is another Cast-enabled website named by Google. It is a browser-based service choice, not a standalone Windows Cast app.
6. Spotify Web Player
Spotify provides a desktop web player and lists Chromecast among its wireless playback options. Its support material identifies Chromecast as a supported destination but does not provide a Windows-specific setup sequence. See Spotify’s supported TV and device information.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
7. Plex Web App in Chrome
Plex is suited to a personal media library when Plex Media Server is configured. Plex says media streams from the server directly to Chromecast, and its documented computer method is the hosted Plex Web App in Chrome, with secure connections allowed. Plex’s Cast from Browser or Desktop guidance says its Windows Store app and Plex Media Player cannot initiate Chromecast casting, and that casting is not supported from other browsers.
8. A local music or video file opened in Chrome
Open a local media file in a Chrome tab, then cast that tab. This is a convenient one-off route and does not require setting up a Plex library. Google warns that some plugins do not work with Chrome casting, including Silverlight, QuickTime, and VLC; it does not identify VLC as a supported Chrome casting plugin.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
9. Another Cast-enabled website
Google’s Cast-enabled site guidance gives examples including YouTube, Netflix, YouTube Music, and Google Play Movies & TV. Because current naming and availability for Google Play Movies & TV may differ by market, treat this as a general slot for another site whose player currently provides a Cast control rather than assuming a legacy service is available in your region. See Google’s Cast-enabled sites information.
Which casting method should you choose?
| What you want to play | Best starting point | How playback is sent |
|---|---|---|
| A supported streaming website | The site’s own Cast control, such as YouTube or Netflix | The website’s Cast-enabled workflow; a Chrome tab is a distinct fallback. |
| A web page without its own Cast control | Chrome tab casting | The browser tab is sent to the receiver. |
| Something displayed on the whole PC | Chrome screen casting | The computer screen is mirrored. |
| A one-off local video or music file | Open the file in a Chrome tab and cast the tab | Chrome tab casting; plugin compatibility may limit playback. |
| Media in a personal Plex library | Plex Web App in Chrome | Plex says the server streams content directly to Chromecast. |
Why sound may stay on the PC
Chrome tab casting sends tab audio to the TV. Other apps and tabs can continue to play on the computer. Full-screen screen casting is different: audio may remain on the PC rather than move to the TV. Google documents this distinction in its casting instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
