How to cast from Windows Media Player to Chromecast (2022)

How to cast from Windows Media Player to Chromecast (2022)

Did you know that there’s an easy and wireless way to project local media files from your Windows PC to your TV? You don’t need to install or buy new software. With Windows Media Player (WMP), the default media player on Windows OS computers, you can Chromecast content from your computer to your TV.

If you’re a Windows user, you’d know that WMP is the most convenient way to access images, videos, and audio files. You can also use WMP to organize local files, burn CDs, and sync to mobile devices.

Windows Media Player on Windows 10 has a pre-built Cast function to stream content to another Bluetooth or Wireless device. However, if you don’t have a smart TV, you will need to use a Google Chrome and a Chromecast device to cast your PC screen onto your TV. 

Most users rely on Google Chromecast devices to convert their standard TV into a Smart TV to access streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Youtube. Not many people know that it works great for casting videos, movies, audio, and photos directly from your PC hard drive to your TV.

In this article, learn how to set up Google Chromecast to cast the contents of WMP from your desktop or laptop to your TV.

Note: If you have a Windows laptop and want to cast content to your TV, but don’t want to use Windows Media Player – then you can try the VLC media player which is a free alternative. We have a guide on how to cast VLC to your Chromecast.

 

Table of Contents

How to cast Windows Media Player to TV?

For those who have a Smart TV, you’re in luck. You can automatically connect Windows Media Player to your display device using the Cast function as shown in this video:

Thankfully, it’s still possible to screencast WMP to your standard TV with a Chromecast device.

By clicking on the Cast button on Google Chrome, you can cast your entire desktop and access local files on your TV through Windows Media Player Classic on your desktop or laptop.

 

Requirements for Windows Media Player Classic to Chromecast

To successfully Chromecast local media files from your PC to your TV, you will need the following devices and system specifications:

  1. Original Chromecast: Get the original Google Chromecast or the new Chromecast with Google TV. Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra have been discontinued.
  2. Windows PC or Laptop: To connect Windows Media Player (WMP) with Chromecast, you will need a Windows OS-based PC. (Note: WMP is only available on the Windows operating system)
  3. Google Chrome browser: Since you can’t use Cast/Streaming function on standard TVs, you need to connect your PC to your TV with the Chromecast via Google Chrome. Make sure to update Google Chrome to the latest version to avoid complications.
  4. Stable Internet Connection: Your PC and Chromecast need to share the same network so you can cast your screen. WiFi is the most convenient way for most users, but using a wired internet will ensure a faster and more stable connection.
  5. TV with HDMI port: Chromecast devices can only be plugged into your TV via the HDMI port. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can use an  HDMI adapter.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Chromecast Windows Media Player

In this section, you will find the easiest way to Chromecast local media files from your PC to your TV.

 

Step 1: Install Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player Classic is a free Microsoft tool that’s pre-installed into all Windows OS PCs. However, if you don’t find the software on your desktop or laptop, you may have uninstalled it in the past.

Note: If you already have WMP on your computer (host device), you can skip this step.

  1. Access Settings by clicking on the Windows icon. Select Apps.
  2. Click Apps and Features from the sidebar. Click on Optional features from the main menu.
  3. Under Optional features, click Add a feature. Scroll through the list and select Windows Media Player app. You can also use the search bar to select WMP.
  4. Click Install and wait for the program to the installation process to complete.
  5. After the installation, close all applications, then launch WMP.

Step 2: Set Up Chromecast on your TV

Here’s how to connect your Chromecast device to your TV:

  1. Attach the Chromecast device to your TV via the HDMI port. Again, you can use an HDMI adapter if you have an older TV without an available HDMI port.
  2. Press the Source or Input button on your TV’s remote control. Choose the correct source input (HDMI 1, 2, and so on) where the Chromecast is connected to.
  3. Then, connect the TV to the same internet connection as your Windows PC (host device). Press the Menu button on the TV remote control, then navigate to Settings > Network/Connection Settings. Follow the instructions to set up either a Wired or Wireless connection. To connect your TV over WiFi, you’ll need to enter the password. 

Step 3: Chromecast from Windows Media Player via Google Chrome Browser

Here’s how to cast Windows Media Player using Chromecast:

    1. Connect your host device to the same WiFi network that your Chromecast is connected to. 
    2. Open the Google Chrome browser on your host device. 
    3. Click on the Menu button (three stacked) dots on the upper right-hand corner of the window. From the dropdown menu, select Cast. Google Chrome will start searching for available Chromecast devices.
  • Once Google Chrome detects your Chromecast device, click on the Source dropdown menu and click Cast desktop.
  1. Minimize Google Chrome, then open Windows Media Player. Any file you play and open on WMP will be cast on your TV.

 

Problems?

The most common issue is that the casting function is not working on the chrome browser. You will get the “Chromecast Only Available For Specific Video Sites” error if that is the case. The linked guide has a few solutions to fix the error.

 

Conclusion

Windows Media Player is the easiest way to cast local media files from your PC to a display device. 

However, the built-in Windows Media Player Chromecast plugin is only available on Windows 10 for Smart TVs. Fortunately, users without a Smart TV can still cast movies, videos, images, and music from MPC using a Chromecast device and Google Chrome.

By navigating to Menu > Cast, then selecting Cast Desktop on Google Chrome, you can Chromecast any local media files on your TV from your Windows PC.