When I plug my 4k Roku streaming stick in to the HDMI on my laptop nothing happens. Like it isn't there. I checked in the device list and there is nothing. No frickin' lights come on, no bells or whistles, nothing. The Roku has power, the light comes on.
Unfortunately, HDMI ports on computers and laptops are "outputs". (they send video/audio signals).
Will need to place the Roku stick into a television or monitor as their HDMI ports are "inputs" (receive video/audio signals).
----
For those that really want to use a laptop, the workaround is to attach a USB capture card with an HDMI input to the laptop and then use either the camera/webcam or open-source/free software like OBS Studio to view the content/stream.
However, since your laptop has a browser, it is almost easier and likely a better experience just to go to the different streaming sites and services. (of course not every every channel/app available via Roku is available online as a seperate website) but many are.
You wouldn't need a streaming device for a laptop or desktop computer, they are in themselves a streaming device and you should be able to watch most content via the channel's and/or provider's websites.
