How to chromecast Powerpoint/Photo/Videos from laptop

The latest device from Google is Google Chromecast v3. This device is very cheap simple yet very useful to stream web-based content (video and audio).  This 30$ device has a capability to turn your dumb TV into a smart TV. It allows you to stream video content right to your TV from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Google Play etc. very easily on Android and iOS (iPhone and iPad) devices.


Although Google Chromecast v3 is designed for streaming web-based content, it also can be used to stream your local media files from your windows or Mac laptop or desktop to Chromecast. Its only matter of knowing what applications and tools are needed. Following are the Chromecast tricks for Windows and Mac.

How to chromecast from laptop in Windows 10

Method 1: Recommended for playing local video files

1.1 Videostream for Google Chromecast to chromecast from laptop/desktop

At present Videostream for google chromecast is the best freeware for streaming local video files from your laptop or desktop to your TV via Chromecast.

To use this first of all you need to install this plugin from the Chrome Web Store. After installing plugin open this plugin in Google Chrome and there you will see an option Choose a Video, Click on it and selected the video file you wish to Chromecast from laptop. This plugin is very efficient and the videos play smoothly without any lag/ stuttering and audio-video synchronization issues. The preferred format is MP4 as it is supported by chromecast natively, however, Videostream supports practically any media file format file type. The Videostream will automatically transcode the file as it streams it to chromecast if necessary.Also, subtitles are supported.

1.2 How to stream VLC to chromecast: Cast VLC to Chromecast

The VLC media player also can be used to stream local media files saved on your hard disk, here is how to cast VLC to Chromecast from the laptop.

1. To stream VLC to Chromecast first you need to download and install latest VLC player (32 or 64 bit nightly build)
   
2. After installing the nightly built version of VLC ensure your Chromecast in turned ON. In this version of VLC you won't see "Cast" icon at present, to cast VLC to Chromecast you need to navigate to click video>Renderer>Scan
   
3. VLC will now scan for the nearby Chromecast device click video>Renderer>Chromecast. This will connect your Chromecast to VLC.
   
4. Drag a video file on VLC and click "Play" button
5. After you drag a video file and click Play button you will see a popup "Insecure site" Click on View certificate to view your Chromecast security certificate.
   
6. Click "Accept Permanently" to accept your device certificate.
   
7. After you agree the video file should immediately start playing. You can also chromecast from vlc on mac VLC version.The VLC Chromecast plugin for chrome can also be one option. In this way, you can chromecast from VLC easily.

Method 2: Recommended for casting photos or Microsoft powerpoint presentations, website etc.

2.1 Cast Browser Tab (recommended to cast desktop to Chromecast)

1. Google Chrome has an inbuilt feature to cast Browser tab or full desktop. To use this feature go to Chrome Settings Menu and click on Cast...
2. You will see option Cast to and your Chromecast name click on the Chromecast name 

2.2 Cast desktop to Chromecast (recommended to Chromecast powerpoint from laptop, Chromecast photos from laptop or PC)

1. Go to Chrome Settings Menu and click on Cast...
2. Click on Cast to
3. Click on Cast desktop and choose Chromecast device

These methods are not recommended for streaming local video files. Although streaming is possible, the videocast on TV will not be crispy and clear in addition the video will show lag and stuttering. Hence this method should be used for Chromecast powerpoint (cast powerpoint) from the laptop, Chromecast photos from the laptop, cast desktop mac to Chromecast or cast desktop windows to Chromecast.

How to chromecast from mac: stream video from Mac to Chromecast

The solution to the question How to stream video from mac to Chromecast or to stream movies or watch local content is Airflow which is the best video streaming software for mac. This Airflow app is one of the best yet simplest app which can cast from mac to TV. This application support many features like audio, video customization and additionally it also supports subtitles. you just have to drag and drop you store video files from mac in this software and select your Chromecast device. This software is the simplest software to stream video from mac to chromecast and has a limitation of 20 mins play time for the demo version.

These were the simplest ways on how to Chromecast from laptop in mac and windows. If you have any question drop down your comment below.