If the “Cast” feature is not working on a Windows computer, it usually comes up with “Cast to Device not working” or “No Devices Found” error message.
The reason for “Cast to device” not working on a Windows computer could be due to the Network Discovery feature not being enabled, Media Sharing Service being stuck or disabled and other reasons.
Cast to Device Not Working in Windows 11/10
If you are unable to Cast media from computer to TV due to “Cast to device not working” error message, you should be able to fix the problem using the following steps.
1. Enable Network Discovery
In order to use Cast to Device, the Network Discovery feature needs to be enabled on your computer.
Enabling Network Discovery makes your computer visible to the Cast Device and your computer will also be able to see other devices on the network.
1. Type Control Panel in the Search bar > click on Control Panel Desktop App in the search results.
2. From the Control Panel screen, go to Network & Sharing Center and click on Change Advanced Sharing Settings link in the left-pane.
3. On Advanced Sharing Settings screen, select Turn ON Network Discovery and Turn On File and printer sharing options.
4. Make sure you click on the Save changes button.
After enabling Network discovery, check to see if Cast to Device feature is now working on your computer.
2. Restart Media Sharing Service
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to Media Sharing service being stuck or not working on your computer.
1. Press Windows + R keys.
2. Type services.msc and click on OK.
3. On the services screen, right-click on Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service and select the Restart option.
Note: If the Service is not running, click on the Start option.
4. After this, you should find the Cast feature working properly on your computer.
3. Allow Cast to Device Functionality Through Windows Firewall
Make sure that Cast to Device functionality is not being blocked by the Firewall Settings on your computer.
1. Type Windows Defender in the Search bar > click on Windows Defender Firewall in the search results.
2. On Windows Defender Firewall settings screen, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option.
3. On the next screen, click on Change Settings button and make sure Cast to Device functionality enry is selected.
4. Click on OK to save this setting on your computer.
4. Disable Bonjour Service
If you are using an iPhone or iPad, the problem might be due the iTunes related Bonjour Service interfering with proper functioning of the Cast to Device feature
1. Open Run Command > type services.msc and click on OK.
2. On the Services screen, double-click on Bonjour Service.
3. On the next screen, disable Bonjour Service by changing the Startup Type to Disabled.
5. Enable Required Media Services
In certain cases, the problem is due to Media Services getting disabled by optimization tools running on the computer.
1. Open Run Command > type Services.msc and click on OK.
2. On the Services screen, check and make sure that the following services are running.
- DNS Client: Automatic
- Function Discovery Resource Publication – Manual
- SSDP Discovery – Manual (Used by XBOX)
- UPnP Device Host – Manual
If any service is not running, double-click on the Service and click on Start.
6. Check the Casting Device
If above methods did not help, it is most likely that the problem lies with the Casting Device that you are using to Cast Media from computer to TV.
If you are using Google Chromecast to project media to TV, you can refer to this guide: Fix: Google Chromecast Not Working Issue.