Recommended Free Tools
Chromebook’s redesigned Global Media Controls bring casting actions into the media player, but the right route depends on what you want to share: a Chrome tab, your desktop, or supported website media. Google documents all three options, so there is no single Cast button for every task.
What changed in Chromebook Global Media Controls?
The redesign brings casting into the Chromebook media-controls experience. Google described a player with larger buttons and wallpaper-matched colors that appears in Quick Settings while audio or video is playing. It can control media already being cast and start casting web media to speakers or screens on the local network. Google announced those plans in its Chrome 119 Enterprise and Education release notes, which said the redesign was expected “as early as ChromeOS 121.” That wording was a forecast at the time, not a current rollout schedule.
A contemporary report from Chrome Unboxed described the change as moving a Cast action that had opened a plain in-app box into the updated Global Media Controls widget. The report reflects the interface change at that time; the exact appearance and available controls can vary by ChromeOS version.
The distinction matters: Global Media Controls are useful for managing playback and supported casts, but Google’s current Chromebook instructions still offer separate workflows for casting a tab, desktop, or website media.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
Choose the casting route for what you want to share
| What you want to cast | Where to start | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| A Chrome tab | Chrome More menu > Cast | Choose Cast tab, then select a receiver. |
| Your desktop | Chrome More menu > Cast, or system tray > Cast devices available | Select Cast desktop in Chrome, or choose a Chromecast in the system tray, choose what to share, and select Share. |
| Supported website media | System tray media player | Select the media, open the media player, choose Cast, and select a device. Google specifically documents YouTube-to-TV support for this route. |
| Media already being cast | Global Media Controls / media player | Use the player to control the active cast, where the controls are available in your ChromeOS build. |
These routes and labels come from Google’s Chromebook casting instructions. The media-player method is not a guarantee that every site or app can send its media to a TV.
Cast a Chrome tab or your desktop
From Chrome’s Cast menu
- Open Chrome and select the More menu (the three-dot menu).
- Select Cast.
- For a single browser tab, select Cast tab. To share the Chromebook screen, select Cast desktop.
- Select the receiver you want to use.
From ChromeOS system-tray controls
- Open the system tray.
- Select Cast devices available.
- Choose a Chromecast.
- Choose what to share, then select Share.
To end a desktop share, select Stop next to “Casting screen.” Google’s media-player instructions also refer to “Stop Casting” for stopping a cast.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Cast supported website media from the media player
- Select the media on the website.
- Open the Chromebook media player from the system tray.
- Select Cast and choose a device.
Google’s instructions specifically call out casting YouTube to a TV through this website-media route. Do not assume the same control will appear for every website or media app.
Set up the receiver and troubleshoot missing devices
Google’s setup guidance names Chromecast or Android TV as receivers. Chromecast setup requires the newest ChromeOS version and a TV with an HDMI input; complete the on-screen setup. If a receiver does not appear, check that it is compatible and set up on your local network, and update ChromeOS if the documented controls are missing. Menu labels can differ by version, and not every TV or media app supports every casting route.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Why these controls are called Global Media Controls
Chromebook’s unified media-control idea predates the casting redesign. In August 2019, Google announced system-menu controls for tabs and apps playing audio, allowing people to manage those sources from one place. Alex Kuscher, then Director of ChromeOS Software, wrote: “Starting this month, you can open your system menu and see all of the tabs or apps on your Chromebook that are playing audio tracks and control them from one place.” Google’s 2019 announcement describes that earlier audio-control feature.
Chromium’s source distinguishes browser Global Media Controls from ChromeOS tray controls and includes flags related to showing Cast sessions in Global Media Controls and allowing those controls in the system tray. Those source-level implementation details do not guarantee identical behavior across Chromebook versions or builds: Chromium media switches.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
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.
