How to Use Google Chromecast?

While all of Google's support documents for Chromecast talk about connecting the dongle to your TV. 

Chromecast requires two connections to work: a power source and an HDMI connection. The HDMI connection is compatible with any display with an HDMI input. So, in addition to TVs, it also includes standalone monitors, projectors, and other similar devices. 

You can't use a Chromecast dongle to watch casts on an Android, iOS device, laptop, or any other device with an output-only port. And remember, if you're using Chromecast Ultra, you'll need a 4K TV and high-speed Internet connection.

If you're using Chromecast in your home or office, a logical first step is to connect the device to your local Wi-Fi network. 

To connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi, you'll need to make sure that the device you're using to set up software protection (such as Android or iPhone) is on the same Wi-Fi network that you want your Chromecast to be connected to. 

Note: You cannot set up Chromecast from a computer. To make a connection, download the free Google Home app from your device's app store. In the app, navigate to More > Device Setup > New Device and follow the onscreen instructions.

There are several different ways to use Chromecast with a PC. All methods involve using the Google Chrome web browser. 

Using Chrome, you can stream content from a tab, stream your entire screen, or stream content from a file on your machine. To make your selection, open Chrome and go to More > Cast. A new window will appear; it shows all Chromecast devices (video and audio) on your network. Click on a device to select it. Select Source to choose to cast your tab, file, or screen. 

If you stream a Chrome tab or you choose to stream a file, you can continue to use your other Chrome tabs and the rest of your computer without affecting the transfer and without revealing your screen content. 

The only requirement is that you leave Chrome open and running in the background, even while you're working in other apps. 

Conversely, if you decide to cast your entire screen, whatever is on your computer screen will also be displayed on the transfer destination. Before choosing this option, make sure you don't have any sensitive information lying around on your computer that you don't want to be made public. Again, you need to leave Chrome running for the transfer to continue. 

Note: Chromecast devices only work with Windows 7 or later.

In this article, we explained how to use Google Chromecast, which should be enough to get you up and running with your device and the apps that are compatible with it. Of course, you can do more with Google Chromecast. For example, you can start by using it to create a second monitor for your computer.