TV trouble

Howdy all ! I just bought a chromecast device I want to play my stored video files to the TV . Set up went smooth and it works on the stuff it says that it will.
But I have been told it will play local files and followed the steps I found on line but it still wont open and play my stuff. I have A toshiba laptop with windows 8 and I put chrome on as required . Can anyone give me instructions on doing this?
The simpler the better Im old and not grate at his stuff.
I alway get the best advise here THANKS!:wave