Looking to enjoy your PC content on a bigger screen? Whether you’re streaming your favorite movies, sharing photos, or extending your workspace, mirroring your Windows PC to a Roku device can enhance your viewing and productivity experience. Today, I’m excited to show you how to mirror your Windows PC to your Roku, turning your TV into a smart display for everything from presentations to gaming. In this article I’ll show you how to mirror your Windows PC to Roku.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku
First, you have to make sure screen mirroring is enabled on the Roku device you want to mirror your Windows computer to. Let’s walk through the steps to do that.
- Select “Settings” in the menu on the left side of your Roku home screen.
- Choose “System” on the Settings screen.
- Select “Screen Mirroring” on the System screen.
- Highlight “Screen Mirroring Mode” and then choose the screen mirroring mode for this Roku device.
- Choose “Prompt” if you want to receive a prompt whenever someone tries to mirror a device to this Roku. Additionally, you can choose “Always Allow” to always let devices mirror to this Roku automatically. Finally, you can choose “Never Allow” which won’t let anyone mirror a screen on your Roku device.
Steps to Mirror Windows PC to Roku
Now, with screen mirroring enabled on your Roku device, let’s walk through the steps to mirror to Roku from your Windows PC.
- Click the “Notifications” icon in the notifications area on the lower right side of your Windows home screen. The Notifications icon looks like a speech bubble. The Notifications window appears on the right side of the screen.
- Click “Connect” in the table on the bottom part of the Notifications menu. The Connect window appears. Available Roku devices will populate in the Connect menu.
- Click the name of the Roku device you want to mirror your Windows screen to. A pairing screen appears briefly on your Roku screen, and after a few seconds your Windows PC screen appears on your Roku screen.
- Click “Disconnect” in the bar along the top of the screen at any time to stop mirroring your Windows PC to your Roku.
5 Reasons to Mirror Windows PC to Roku
1. Stream Videos and Movies on a Bigger Screen
Who doesn’t love watching movies on a big screen? Mirroring your PC to Roku lets you stream your favorite videos and movies directly on your TV. This means you don’t have to crowd around a small laptop or monitor. It’s perfect for movie nights or binge-watching TV shows with family and friends. You can enjoy high-quality streaming without the need for additional cables or expensive smart TVs. Plus, setting up is simple. Just a few clicks and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to make the most out of your existing devices.
2. Enhance Presentations with Ease
Presenting directly from your laptop to a TV via Roku can dramatically improve how you share presentations. Whether it’s for business meetings, classroom settings, or casual gatherings, this setup allows everyone to see your presentation clearly. You can show detailed graphs, sharp images, and easy-to-read text without technical difficulties. This approach ensures that you don’t have to rely on small screens or portable projectors. It’s particularly helpful in larger rooms where viewing a laptop screen from a distance can be challenging. With Roku, your audience can focus more on the content rather than squinting at small displays.
3. Play PC Games on a Larger Display
Gamers can greatly benefit from mirroring their PC to Roku. This configuration allows you to play your favorite PC games on your TV. Imagine playing high-speed racing games or immersive RPGs on a large screen! The enhanced visual scale can improve your gaming experience, making gameplay more exciting and visually captivating. This setup also allows for easier multiplayer sessions in your living room. Additionally, you avoid the cost of a high-end gaming monitor. While there might be a slight delay, for many games, the trade-off is worth it for the sheer size and comfort of your living room setup.
4. Share Photos and Videos with Family
Mirroring to Roku is an excellent way to share photos and videos with family and friends. You can easily show your latest vacation photos or home videos on a big screen. This avoids having everyone huddle around your phone or computer screen. It’s much more comfortable and makes for a more engaging experience. Everyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. This method is also ideal for revisiting memories during family gatherings or holidays. It’s simple, effective, and brings life to your photos and videos, making them more enjoyable to watch together.
5. Utilize Your TV as a Second Monitor
If you need more screen real estate, mirroring your PC to your Roku can effectively double your workspace. This is particularly useful for those who multitask extensively or work from home. You can open multiple windows or applications simultaneously. For instance, you could manage emails on one screen while working on a project on the other. It’s a cost-effective way to expand your visual workspace without buying another monitor. Plus, it can help reduce desktop clutter and increase productivity by spreading out your tasks across two screens. It’s a practical and straightforward solution for anyone looking to boost their efficiency.
