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To connect a laptop to a Roku, use wireless screen mirroring on Windows or AirPlay on a compatible Mac. On Windows 11, press Win + K and select your Roku; on Windows 10, open Action Center > Connect. On a Mac, choose the Roku in AirPlay controls. The Roku and laptop need wireless access, and the TV may ask you to approve the connection.
Choose the connection method for your laptop
The right method depends on your laptop’s operating system and what you want to show. Windows connects through wireless display mirroring. A compatible Mac uses AirPlay, which can mirror the display or share supported content. These are wireless connections to a Roku streaming device attached to the TV—not instructions for plugging a laptop into the Roku player with an HDMI cable.
| Laptop | Method | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Wireless display mirroring; press Win + K | Choose the Roku and approve the request shown on the TV. Roku’s Windows screen-mirroring instructions |
| Windows 10 | Wireless display mirroring; Action Center > Connect | Choose the Roku and approve the request shown on the TV. Roku’s Windows screen-mirroring instructions |
| Mac | AirPlay | Confirm Mac and Roku compatibility, use the same wireless network, and turn on AirPlay on the Roku. Roku’s AirPlay and HomeKit guidance |
Mirror a Windows laptop to Roku
Windows 11
- Press Win + K to open the wireless display list.
- Select your Roku from the available devices.
- When the Roku displays a screen-mirroring request on the TV, choose an approval option.
Windows 10
- Open Action Center > Connect.
- Select your Roku from the wireless display and audio devices.
- Approve the connection request on the TV.
If Action Center is unavailable, Roku lists this alternate route: Settings > System > Display > Connect to a wireless display. Menu wording can vary with Windows updates.
Choose how Roku handles the request
The TV’s prompt lets you control whether the laptop can mirror:
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- Allow: permits the current connection.
- Always allow: saves the device as allowed for future connections.
- Block: rejects this attempt.
- Always block: rejects future attempts without prompting.
If the Roku does not prompt you again, a previous Always block choice may be the reason. Review the Roku’s screen-mirroring device permissions using Roku’s official instructions.
Connect a Mac to Roku with AirPlay
Roku’s guidance specifies macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later for AirPlay 2, but AirPlay support also depends on the Roku model and its software. Check the Roku’s model and software version at Settings > System > About, then compare them with Roku’s current AirPlay compatibility information.
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- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Make sure the Mac and Roku are connected to the same wireless network.
- On the Roku, open Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit and check that AirPlay is on.
- On the Mac, open the AirPlay controls and select the Roku. Use the Mac’s available AirPlay options to mirror the display or share supported content.
If the Roku does not appear, first verify compatibility, the shared network, and the Roku’s AirPlay setting. AirPlay availability is not guaranteed for every Roku model or software version.
Fix a Roku that does not appear or connect
- Use the route for your operating system. Windows 11 uses Win + K; Windows 10 uses Action Center > Connect or the display-settings alternative. Mac uses AirPlay.
- Check the TV. For Windows mirroring, watch for the Roku approval prompt and allow the request. A saved block can prevent another prompt.
- For AirPlay, confirm compatibility. Check the Roku model and software at Settings > System > About against Roku’s compatibility information.
- For AirPlay, confirm the basics. Put both devices on the same wireless network and turn AirPlay on at Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit on the Roku.
If you meant a wired laptop-to-TV connection
Roku’s HDMI setup guidance covers connecting a Roku player or Streaming Stick to a television; it does not describe connecting a laptop to a Roku player by cable. If your goal is to show the laptop directly on the TV over HDMI, that is a separate laptop-to-TV setup. See Roku’s pages on setting up a Roku streaming player and TV requirements for the Roku-player-to-TV connection—not for mirroring a laptop to Roku.
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- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
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