ChestnutBearProjectorCast: free app to cast your Windows PC to a projector
Send videos to your projector over Wi-Fi, or put any window on the projector screen over HDMI, without mirroring your whole desktop. Free, no install, under 100 KB.
Two ways to cast
Send video over Wi-Fi (DLNA)
Pick a projector or smart TV on the same Wi-Fi, drag videos into the playlist and double-click to play. Works with local files and direct video links (.mp4, .m3u8). Play, pause, seek, volume and auto-play next are all controlled from your PC.
Screen cast over HDMI
Connected by cable in Extend mode? Choose a single app window, such as a slideshow, a browser or a video player, and show it full screen on the projector while you keep working on your laptop. Or cast an entire display.
Why use it
- Tiny and portable. A single file under 100 KB. It uses the .NET Framework that already ships with Windows, so there is nothing to install.
- Show one window, not your whole desktop. Your notes, chats and notifications stay on your laptop screen.
- Works even when the window is covered. Window casting uses Windows' own compositor, so the projector picture stays live when other windows are on top.
- Private. No account, no ads, no tracking. Everything stays on your local network.
- English and Chinese. Follows your Windows language automatically; switch any time from the bottom-right corner.
How to use it
Send a video over Wi-Fi
- Connect the PC and the projector to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open ProjectorCast. It searches for devices automatically; if none appear, click "Enter IP…" and type the projector's IP address.
- Drag video files or folders into the playlist and double-click one to play.
- The first time, Windows asks to allow the app through the firewall (TCP ports 18650–18659) so the projector can read the file. Click Yes.
Cast a window over HDMI
- Connect the projector and press Win + P, then choose Extend.
- Open the "Screen cast" tab, pick a window or a display, and choose the projector as the output.
- Click Start casting. Press Ctrl + Shift + F9 at any time to stop.
Compatibility
- Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Wi-Fi mode: projectors and smart TVs that support DLNA / UPnP media playback, such as many XGIMI models. Some Android-based projectors only support Google Cast; Google Cast support is planned.
- HDMI mode: any projector or display connected to your PC.
- Formats: common video, audio and image files (MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, TS, MP3, FLAC, JPG, PNG and more). What actually plays depends on the projector's own decoder.
FAQ
Windows says "Windows protected your PC". Is it safe?
The app is new and not yet code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen shows this warning for unknown publishers. Click "More info", then "Run anyway". You can compare the file's SHA-256 checksum with the one listed on this page.
My projector is not found.
Make sure the projector is on and on the same Wi-Fi network (both on 2.4 GHz or both on 5 GHz on some routers). Guest networks often block devices from seeing each other. You can also enter the projector's IP address manually.
The video starts loading and then stops.
Check that the firewall rule was added, and that the projector supports the file format. Try an MP4 (H.264) file first.
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no trial or time limit.