Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11To enable or disable Google Cast in Microsoft Edge on Windows, configure the Enable Google Cast policy, whose Registry value is EnableMediaRouter. Set it to 1 to enable Cast or 0 to disable it, then restart Edge; this policy does not apply to profiles signed in with a Microsoft account.
You can set the policy with Group Policy or the Registry. Separate policies control whether the Cast toolbar icon is forced to appear and whether DIAL is used for Cast device discovery.
Enable or disable casting with Group Policy
This method is available on Windows editions that include the Local Group Policy Editor. Microsoft Edge administrative templates must be installed; the relevant template file is MSEdge.admx. The policy is supported in Edge 77 and later.
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Choose Computer Configuration or User Configuration.
- Open Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Cast.
- Double-click Enable Google Cast.
- Choose Enabled to allow casting, or Disabled to remove Edge’s Cast features.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Close every Edge window and start Edge again.
The policy is mandatory-only, with no separate recommended-policy setting. If Enable Google Cast is missing, install or update Microsoft’s Edge administrative templates and confirm that the template version matches your Edge deployment. Microsoft documents the EnableMediaRouter policy.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall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
Enable or disable casting through the Registry
Use the Registry method if Group Policy Editor is unavailable or if you are deploying the setting with a script or management tool. Consider exporting the affected key before editing it.
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
- If the Edge key does not exist, create it under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft.
- Create or edit a DWORD (32-bit) Value named EnableMediaRouter.
- Set its value to 1 to enable Google Cast, or 0 to disable it.
- Exit Registry Editor and restart Microsoft Edge completely.
| Registry value | Data | Result |
|---|---|---|
| EnableMediaRouter | 1 | Google Cast is enabled |
| EnableMediaRouter | 0 | Google Cast is disabled |
These are computer-level policy settings and normally require administrator privileges.
Show or hide only the Cast toolbar icon
EnableMediaRouter controls the Cast feature itself. If casting is allowed but you want to force the button to appear, use the separate ShowCastIconInToolbar policy. It is supported in Edge 77 and later on Windows.
Using Group Policy
- Open gpedit.msc.
- Go to Computer Configuration or User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Cast.
- Open Show the cast icon in the toolbar.
- Set it to Enabled to force the icon to appear on the toolbar or in the overflow menu.
- Restart Edge.
If this policy is not configured or is disabled, users can pin or remove the Cast icon through its context menu. It does not disable Google Cast. See Microsoft’s policy documentation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #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
Using the Registry
At HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge, create or edit the REG_DWORD value ShowCastIconInToolbar:
- 1 forces the Cast icon to appear.
- 0 turns off the forced-display setting and lets the user pin or remove the icon.
Restart Edge after changing the value. If EnableMediaRouter is set to 0, this icon policy is ignored and the Cast icon remains unavailable.
Disable Cast device discovery without disabling Google Cast
Edge 121 and later on Windows supports the EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery policy. It disables discovery through the DIAL protocol while leaving the broader Google Cast feature enabled.
In Group Policy, open Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Cast > Disable DIAL protocol for cast device discovery. Set the policy to Enabled to disable DIAL discovery, then restart Edge.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
For the Registry method, create or edit a REG_DWORD named EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge. Set it to 1 to disable DIAL discovery. This policy has no effect when EnableMediaRouter is already disabled. Unlike the other two Cast policies, it also applies to profiles signed in with a Microsoft account. Microsoft documents the DIAL discovery policy.
Important profile limitation
EnableMediaRouter and ShowCastIconInToolbar apply per profile, but Microsoft documents that they do not apply to an Edge profile signed in with a Microsoft account. A correctly configured policy can therefore appear ineffective in that profile.
If a setting does not work:
- Open Edge’s profile menu and identify the active profile.
- Test the policy in a work or school profile, or a local profile that is not signed in with a Microsoft account.
- Open edge://policy and click Reload policies to check whether Edge received the policy.
- Close all Edge windows, including background Edge processes if necessary, and reopen the browser.
Do not confuse Cast policy with Local network access
Edge also has a website permission called Local network access. Find it under Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Local network access. The page includes an Ask before accessing (recommended) toggle.
This permission controls whether websites can access devices or services on the local network. It is separate from the Edge Google Cast policy. Changing Local network access will not enable a Cast button when EnableMediaRouter is disabled, and enabling Google Cast does not automatically change that website permission. Learn more about Local network access in Edge.
Rank #4
- 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
Why the old CastMediaToDeviceEnabled instructions are misleading
Many older guides recommend creating a Registry value called CastMediaToDeviceEnabled. That is not the current Microsoft-documented Edge policy method. The current Cast policy catalog lists EnableMediaRouter, ShowCastIconInToolbar, and EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery. To enable or disable Google Cast, use EnableMediaRouter under SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What is the current Edge policy for enabling or disabling Cast?
Use EnableMediaRouter. In Group Policy, it appears as Enable Google Cast under Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Cast. Set it to Enabled to allow Cast or Disabled to turn it off.
Why does the Cast icon still not appear after enabling it?
Restart Edge first. Then check edge://policy and confirm that EnableMediaRouter is not disabled. To force the icon onto the toolbar or overflow menu, configure ShowCastIconInToolbar as well. That policy is ignored when Google Cast is disabled.
Does changing a Cast policy take effect immediately?
No. These policies have no dynamic refresh, so close and reopen Edge after changing EnableMediaRouter, ShowCastIconInToolbar, or EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 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.
Can I use CastMediaToDeviceEnabled instead?
It is not the current Microsoft-documented policy for Edge. Use the EnableMediaRouter DWORD under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
Why does the policy work in one Edge profile but not another?
EnableMediaRouter and ShowCastIconInToolbar apply per profile but do not apply to profiles signed in with a Microsoft account. Test the setting in a supported local, work, or school profile.
How do I stop Edge from discovering Cast devices while keeping Google Cast enabled?
On Edge 121 or later, enable Disable DIAL protocol for cast device discovery, which sets EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery to 1. This does not help if EnableMediaRouter is already disabled.
The Bottom Line
For Edge on Windows, use EnableMediaRouter: 1 enables Google Cast and 0 disables it. Restart Edge after changing the policy. Use ShowCastIconInToolbar to control the button’s visibility, or EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery to stop DIAL-based discovery without disabling Cast entirely.
Quick Recap
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.
