Chromecast lets you cast videos, music, and other content from your Windows 11 PC to a compatible TV or display. However, you may sometimes find that Chromecast is not showing up, Chrome cannot find the device, or casting fails to connect. The problem is often caused by a network connection issue, devices being connected to different Wi-Fi networks, an outdated Chrome browser, VPN or firewall interference, or a temporary Chromecast or Windows 11 problem.
In this guide, we’ll cover 8 practical ways to fix Chromecast not working on Windows 11, starting with simple network and connection checks, then moving on to Chrome and Windows settings.
Why Is Chromecast Not Working on Windows 11?
Chromecast discovery depends on your Windows 11 PC and Chromecast being able to communicate over the same local network. If Chrome cannot discover the device, casting may fail even though both devices appear to have internet access.
Common causes include:
- Your PC and Chromecast are connected to different Wi-Fi networks.
- Wi-Fi is temporarily unstable or the router is having a problem.
- Chrome is outdated or experiencing a temporary glitch.
- A VPN, proxy, or firewall is interfering with device discovery.
- Chromecast or the TV needs to be restarted.
- Network settings on Windows 11 are causing connectivity problems.
If Chromecast works from your phone but not from your Windows 11 PC, the problem is more likely related to Chrome, Windows, or the PC’s network connection.
1. Make Sure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
Chromecast discovery requires your Windows 11 PC and Chromecast to be connected to the same local network. If your PC is connected to a different Wi-Fi network, a guest network, or another access point, Chrome may not find the Chromecast.
Check the Wi-Fi network shown on your PC and compare it with the network used by Chromecast. If they are different, connect both devices to the same network and try casting again.
Also avoid using a guest Wi-Fi network, as some routers isolate connected devices from each other.
Quick Insight: Both devices can have internet access and still fail to connect if they’re on separate networks.
2. Restart Chromecast, PC, and Router
A temporary network or device glitch can prevent Windows 11 from discovering your Chromecast. Restarting the devices refreshes the network connection and can restore device discovery.
- Turn off your TV and disconnect the Chromecast from power.
- Restart your Windows 11 PC.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Wait for the router to reconnect to the internet.
- Turn the Chromecast back on and try casting from Chrome again.
If possible, keep the PC and Chromecast connected to the same Wi-Fi network after restarting.
Quick Insight: Restarting the router is particularly useful if Chromecast suddenly disappeared from Chrome even though it was working normally before.
3. Update Google Chrome
If Chrome is outdated, Chromecast discovery or casting may not work correctly. Updating Chrome ensures you’re using the latest casting and network-related fixes.
- Open Google Chrome on your Windows 11 PC.
- Select the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Go to Help → About Google Chrome.
- Chrome will automatically check for updates.
- If an update is available, allow it to install.
- Select Relaunch when prompted.
After Chrome restarts, open the page you want to cast and try Cast again.
4. Disable VPN and Proxy
A VPN or proxy can change how your Windows 11 PC connects to the network and may prevent Chrome from discovering Chromecast on your local network.
Temporarily disable your VPN and check the proxy settings:
- Disconnect your VPN if one is active.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Proxy.
- If you have manually configured a proxy, turn it off temporarily.
- Restart Chrome and try casting again.
If Chromecast works after disabling the VPN or proxy, the network configuration was likely preventing local device discovery.
5. Check Windows Firewall Settings
Windows Firewall can sometimes interfere with local network communication required for Chromecast discovery. If Chrome is blocked from communicating on your network, Chromecast may not appear when you try to cast.
- Press Windows + S and search for Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
- Open the result.
- Select Change settings.
- Find Google Chrome in the list.
- Make sure the appropriate Private network option is allowed.
- Click OK and restart Chrome.
If you’re connected to a public network, avoid changing firewall settings unnecessarily. For Chromecast, your trusted home network should normally be configured as a Private network in Windows.
6. Set Your Network to Private
Windows 11 treats public networks more restrictively, which can affect communication between your PC and devices on the same network. If your home Wi-Fi is set as a Public network, changing it to Private can help with Chromecast discovery.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Select your connected Wi-Fi network.
- Under Network profile type, select Private network.
- Restart Chrome and try casting again.
Only use Private for networks you trust, such as your home network. Keep unfamiliar or public Wi-Fi networks set to Public.
7. Restart Network Discovery Services
If Chromecast is on the same Wi-Fi network but still doesn’t appear in Chrome, Windows network discovery services may not be running correctly. Restarting them can refresh local device discovery.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find Function Discovery Provider Host.
- Right-click it and select Restart. If it isn’t running, select Start.
- Find Function Discovery Resource Publication and restart or start it as well.
- Restart Chrome and try casting again.
If these services are already running normally, simply restart them and check Chromecast again.
Quick Insight: This fix is particularly useful when your PC has internet access and both devices are on the same network, but Chrome still cannot discover the Chromecast.
8. Reset Windows 11 Network Settings
If Chromecast still doesn’t appear in Chrome, a problem with Windows 11’s network configuration may be preventing local device discovery. Resetting the network settings can restore the default network components.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Restart your PC when prompted.
- Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and try Chromecast again.
Keep your Wi-Fi password available because Windows may remove saved network information during the reset. You may also need to reconnect VPN software or other network tools afterward.
Quick Insight: Use network reset as a later step because it affects your saved network configuration, unlike the simpler connection checks above.
What to Do If Chromecast Still Doesn’t Work
If Chromecast is still not showing up or casting fails after these fixes, try to narrow down whether the problem is with Windows 11, Chrome, or the Chromecast itself.
- Try casting from another device, such as a phone, on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check whether another Chromecast-compatible device appears in Chrome.
- Make sure the Chromecast and TV are powered on and connected properly.
- Try Chrome’s Cast option again after restarting the PC and Chromecast.
- If casting works from other devices but not your Windows 11 PC, the issue is more likely related to Windows, Chrome, or your PC’s network configuration.
If Chromecast cannot be discovered from any device on the network, the problem may be with the Chromecast, router, or local network rather than Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chromecast may not appear if your PC and Chromecast are on different networks, network discovery is blocked, Chrome is outdated, or a VPN, proxy, or firewall is interfering.
Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, restart Chromecast and your PC, update Chrome, and check Windows network discovery and firewall settings.
If Chromecast works from your phone on the same network, the Chromecast and network are likely working. The problem may be related to Chrome, Windows network settings, firewall configuration, or VPN software on your PC.
It can interfere with local network communication if Chrome is not allowed through the firewall. Check that Chrome is allowed on your trusted private network.
A network reset can help if corrupted or incorrect Windows network settings are preventing Chromecast discovery. However, it should be used as a later troubleshooting step because it removes saved network configuration.
I discovered the reason my Chromecast suddenly became invisible on my Dell xps using Windows 10 – it was due to my AVG Firewall (so maybe an AVG update, and not a Windows one caused this?). I opened Web & Mail, then the Firewall, looked at my network setting, and discovered it was set to, “I don’t trust this network”. Once I changed it to “I trust this setting”, the problem was solved. My chromecast became visible when I click on casting.
I tried everything above to fix this, did not work. Finally, tried this it worked:
My WIFI setting for some reason had it as “Public” network. Changed it “Private”. The Chromecast started working!
Cheers.