Roku setup

[Kbrooks402]

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. 

[AvsGunnar]

@Kbrooks402 

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).

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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.

[JWS9518]

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.