Guide8 min read

How to Stream PC Audio to Google Nest Speakers (Windows Guide)

The complete guide to streaming full Windows system audio to your Google Nest speakers - not just browser tabs.

If you've ever tried to play full PC system audio through Google Nest speakers, you've probably hit a wall.

Spotify works. YouTube tabs work. But games, system sounds, Discord, DAWs, or desktop apps? Not so much.

This guide explains what actually works, what doesn't, and how to reliably stream all Windows audio to Google Nest speakers.

Windows PC workstation with speakers - streaming audio to Google Nest

The Problem: Google Nest Wasn't Designed for PC System Audio

Google Nest speakers are built for:

  • Cloud streaming (Spotify, YouTube Music)
  • Browser-based casting
  • Voice-controlled playback

They are not designed to receive:

  • Raw Windows system audio
  • Desktop app sound
  • Game audio
  • Mixed audio sources

That's why most "solutions" feel unreliable or laggy.

Common Methods (And Why They Fail)

1. Bluetooth (Works, But Poorly)

Bluetooth is the most obvious option.

Pros

  • Easy to pair
  • No setup

Cons

  • High latency (noticeable delay)
  • Dropouts
  • Poor sync for video or games
  • One speaker at a time (no stereo)

Verdict: Bluetooth is fine for background music. It's bad for anything time-sensitive.

2. Chromecast from Chrome (Limited)

Casting a Chrome tab can send tab audio to Nest speakers.

What it can't do:

  • System sounds
  • Desktop apps
  • Games
  • Audio outside the browser

You're streaming the tab, not the PC. This is why Chrome casting feels half-broken for real use cases. Learn why Chromecast fails for PC system audio →

3. HDMI / TV Workarounds (Overkill)

Some people route PC audio through a TV, an HDMI capture path, or a soundbar.

This technically works, but it's expensive, adds latency, and defeats the point of Nest speakers.

The Real Requirement (Most Guides Miss This)

To stream PC audio properly, you need:

  • Access to Windows system audio
  • Local audio capture (not cloud relays)
  • Low-latency network streaming
  • Proper Nest / Chromecast device handling
  • Stereo group support

Most tools fail at least one of these.

A Practical Solution: Dedicated PC Audio Streaming

The only reliable way to stream all Windows audio to Google Nest speakers is to use a tool that:

  • Captures audio locally on your PC
  • Streams it directly over your local network
  • Treats Nest speakers as audio endpoints
  • Avoids browser limitations and cloud buffering

This is exactly what PC Nest Speaker is designed to do.

Audio production and streaming setup for PC to Nest speakers

How PC Nest Speaker Works (High Level)

  1. Captures full Windows system audio
  2. Streams audio over local Wi-Fi (no cloud servers)
  3. Sends audio directly to Google Nest / Chromecast devices
  4. Supports speaker groups and stereo pairing
  5. Minimises latency compared to Bluetooth or browser casting

No Chrome tab hacks. No cloud relay. No login sharing.

Step-by-Step: Streaming PC Audio to Google Nest

1

Install the App

Download PC Nest Speaker and install on your Windows PC.

2

Select Your Audio Source

Choose your system audio or specific output device.

3

Choose Your Nest Speaker or Group

Select a single speaker or a stereo group.

4

Start Streaming

Your entire PC audio now plays through your Nest speakers. That includes games, system sounds, desktop apps, media players, and Discord calls.

Latency: What to Expect

No wireless solution is zero-latency. But compared to Bluetooth, Chrome tab casting, or TV routing, a dedicated local streaming approach delivers:

  • Significantly lower delay
  • More consistent sync
  • Better stability over long sessions

For casual gaming, video, and general use, it's the most usable option available today. Read more about fixing audio delay →

Is This Safe?

Yes — if done locally. PC Nest Speaker:

  • Runs on your machine
  • Uses your local network
  • Does not upload audio to external servers
  • Does not store recordings

This matters if you care about privacy or work audio.

Who This Is For

This setup is ideal if you:

  • Want PC audio throughout your home
  • Use Nest speakers as your main speakers
  • Need better quality than Bluetooth
  • Want stereo or grouped playback
  • Care about privacy and local control

Final Thoughts

Google Nest speakers are excellent — but Google never intended them to be PC speakers.

Browser casting and Bluetooth only go so far.

If you want reliable, full Windows audio streaming, you need a solution built specifically for that job. PC Nest Speaker exists because the obvious options don't work well enough.

Want your PC audio to just work with Google Nest speakers?

Download PC Nest Speaker

10-hour free trial • No cloud • Windows only