How to Fix VLC Chromecast not working on Windows 11

Discover effective solutions to resolve VLC Chromecast not working on Windows 11. Troubleshoot and fix casting issues effortlessly with our comprehensive guide.

VLC is a popular media player known for its versatility and ability to play almost any media format. With the recent release of Windows 11, many users have reported issues with VLC not working with Chromecast. This can be frustrating for those who rely on VLC to stream their favorite videos to their TV using Chromecast. If you are facing this issue, don't worry, we have got you covered. In this article, we will discuss some simple steps to fix VLC Chromecast not working on Windows 11.

1. Ensure both VLC and Chromecast are up-to-date

The first step is to make sure that both your VLC media player and Chromecast device are running on the latest versions. Outdated versions can cause compatibility issues and result in VLC not working with Chromecast. To update VLC, go to the Help section in the menu bar and click on 'Check for updates'. For Chromecast, open the Google Home app on your mobile device and check for any available updates.

2. Power cycle your Chromecast device

Sometimes, simply power cycling your Chromecast device can solve the issue. Unplug the device from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. This will refresh the device and clear any temporary glitches.

3. Allow VLC through your firewall

If your Windows firewall is blocking VLC, it can prevent the media player from connecting to Chromecast. To fix this, go to the Windows Defender Firewall settings and click on 'Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall'. Make sure that both VLC and Google Chrome are checked in the list of allowed apps.

4. Try casting other videos

If you are only facing issues with a particular video, try casting other videos to see if the problem persists. Sometimes, the issue could be with the video file and not with VLC or Chromecast. If other videos cast successfully, then the issue is most likely with the problematic video file.

5. Switch to a 2.4 GHz network

VLC Chromecast might not work on a 5 GHz network as Chromecast only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your network is set to 5 GHz, switch to a 2.4 GHz network and try casting again.

6. Check VLC Chromecast settings

Make sure that the Chromecast extension is enabled in VLC. To do this, go to Tools > Preferences > Video and make sure the 'Always enable Chromecast support' box is checked. Also, check that the 'Use hardware acceleration when available' box is unchecked, as it can cause issues with casting.

7. Reinstall VLC

If none of the above steps work, you can try reinstalling VLC. This will reset all the settings and configurations, and it might fix the issue. To reinstall VLC, go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and select VLC media player. Then, download the latest version from the official website and install it.

VLC Chromecast not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it can be easily fixed by following the above steps. Make sure to keep your VLC and Chromecast updated, allow VLC through your firewall, and check the network settings. If the issue persists, try reinstalling VLC. With these simple steps, you can enjoy streaming your favorite videos from VLC to Chromecast without any hassle.