How to Cast to Roku from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to enjoy your favorite movies, YouTube videos, photos, or even presentations from your Windows 11 PC directly on your Roku TV or streaming device? You’re in the right place! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to cast to Roku from Windows 11, explain different casting methods, troubleshoot common issues, and help you get the best screen mirroring experience possible.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

🖥️ What Does “Casting to Roku” Mean?

Casting (or screen mirroring) allows you to project your Windows 11 screen wirelessly to your Roku device using Wi-Fi and Miracast technology. Think of it as turning your Roku TV into a wireless monitor for your PC — so you can:

Watch Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube on a bigger screen.
Present slideshows or business presentations.
Play PC games on your TV.
Show photos, videos, or any other on-screen content.

💡 Why Cast to Roku from Windows 11?

You might wonder, “Why not just plug in an HDMI cable?” While that’s a solid option, casting offers more flexibility and less clutter. Here are some key benefits:

Benefit	Description
Wireless Convenience	No need for HDMI cables or adapters — everything happens over Wi-Fi.
Multi-Device Access	Easily switch between your PC, tablet, and phone when casting to Roku.
High Quality	Miracast supports HD and even 4K video transmission on compatible devices.
Real-Time Projection	View and control your PC content in real-time on your Roku screen.

🔧 What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before jumping into the steps, make sure you have the following:

✅ A Roku device (Roku Streaming Stick, Roku TV, or Roku Ultra) that supports screen mirroring.
✅ A Windows 11 PC or laptop with built-in Wi-Fi and Miracast support.
✅ Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
✅ Updated software on both Roku and Windows 11 to avoid compatibility issues.

Tip: To check if your Windows 11 PC supports Miracast, press Windows + R, type dxdiag, press Enter, and click Save All Information. Open the saved file and look for “Miracast: Available” in the notes section.

⚙️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cast to Roku from Windows 11

Let’s get to the fun part! Follow these steps carefully to connect your Windows 11 PC to your Roku TV wirelessly.

🔹 Step 1: Turn On Screen Mirroring on Your Roku

Using your Roku remote, press the Home button.
Go to Settings → System → Screen mirroring.
Choose Screen mirroring mode.
Select one of the following options:
- Prompt: Roku will ask for your permission each time a device tries to connect.
- Always allow: Automatically allows all devices to cast without asking.
- Never allow: Blocks all screen mirroring attempts (not recommended).

💡 Recommended: Choose Prompt for security and flexibility.

🔹 Step 2: Connect Your PC to the Same Wi-Fi Network

Make sure your Windows 11 PC and Roku are on the same wireless network.
To verify on your PC:

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.
Connect to the same network your Roku device is using.

🔹 Step 3: Open the “Connect” Panel in Windows 11

Now, let’s start casting from your computer.

Press Windows + K on your keyboard.
A sidebar will appear showing all available wireless displays.
Find your Roku device name in the list.
Click on it to connect.

🎥 Your PC screen should now appear on your Roku TV within a few seconds.

🔹 Step 4: Adjust the Projection Mode (Optional)

Windows 11 allows you to choose how you want your screen to appear on Roku. Press Windows + P to see options:

Mode	Description
Duplicate	Shows the same screen on your PC and Roku.
Extend	Turns your Roku TV into a second monitor.
Second screen only	Displays only on Roku and turns off your PC screen.

💡 Use Extend if you want to multitask — for example, watching a movie on Roku while browsing on your PC.

🧠 Alternative Method: Cast from the Windows Settings Menu

If the shortcut method doesn’t work or you prefer a manual route:

Open Settings (press Windows + I).
Go to System → Display.
Scroll down and click Multiple displays.
Select Connect to a wireless display.
Choose your Roku device from the list and connect.

🎬 How to Cast Specific Content (Not the Whole Screen)

Sometimes, you don’t want to mirror your entire desktop — just a video or photo. Windows 11 supports media casting directly from supported apps.

Here’s how:

✅ Cast from Microsoft Edge Browser

Open Microsoft Edge.
Go to the menu (three dots) in the top right corner.
Select More tools → Cast media to device.
Choose your Roku device.

Perfect for streaming YouTube or Netflix tabs to your TV.

✅ Cast from Windows Media Player

Open Windows Media Player.
Play your video or music file.
Click the Cast to Device button (a small TV icon).
Choose your Roku device.

Your media will start playing on Roku instantly.

🧰 Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Cast to Roku from Windows 11?

Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. If you can’t connect or the screen won’t show up, try these fixes:

🔸 1. Check Network Connection

Ensure both your PC and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi. Even slight differences (like 5GHz vs. 2.4GHz) can cause issues.

🔸 2. Restart Both Devices

Rebooting often solves temporary connection problems.

🔸 3. Update Roku and Windows

On Roku: Go to Settings → System → System update → Check now.
On Windows: Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

🔸 4. Disable VPN or Firewall Temporarily

VPNs can interfere with Miracast connections. Try disabling them during casting.

🔸 5. Check for Display Drivers

Make sure your graphics driver is up-to-date:

Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Display adapters.
Right-click your GPU → Update driver.

📶 How to Improve Casting Performance

For smoother playback and fewer lags, use these tips:

Tip	Description
Strong Wi-Fi Signal	Place both devices close to the router.
Use 5GHz Wi-Fi	Offers faster, more stable connections than 2.4GHz.
Close Background Apps	Free up system resources for better performance.
Lower Display Resolution	Reduces lag if your PC or network is slow.

🧩 How to Stop Casting to Roku

When you’re done, disconnect easily:

Press Windows + K.
Click Disconnect next to your Roku device.

Alternatively:

Click the Action Center (notification area) → Project → Disconnect.

🧭 Bonus Tip: Add “Connect” Shortcut to Quick Settings

Want faster access to screen mirroring?

Click the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Volume icons on the taskbar.
Click the pencil icon (Edit quick settings).
Click Add → Cast.
Now, you can start casting with one click anytime!

🧩 Differences Between Casting and Screen Mirroring

Feature	Casting	Screen Mirroring
What it shows	Only specific apps or media	Entire PC screen
Control	Controlled from PC app	Full control from PC
Performance	Usually smoother	May lag depending on Wi-Fi
Use case	Watching videos, streaming	Presentations, browsing, gaming

🧭 Casting to Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Fire Stick

Device	Compatible With	Casting Method	Ease of Use
Roku	Windows, Android	Miracast	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chromecast	Windows (via Chrome), Android	Google Cast	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fire Stick	Windows (limited), Android	Miracast	⭐⭐⭐

Roku is the most versatile option for Windows users due to its Miracast support and seamless Windows 11 integration.

🛠️ Common Error Messages & Fixes

Error Message	Possible Cause	Quick Fix
“Device not found”	Roku and PC on different Wi-Fi networks	Connect both to same SSID
“Couldn’t connect”	Firewall blocking connection	Disable temporarily
“Mirroring failed”	Outdated drivers or software	Update Windows and Roku
“No sound on Roku”	Audio output misconfigured	Set “Playback device” to Roku

🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

Step	Action
1	Enable screen mirroring on Roku
2	Connect PC and Roku to same Wi-Fi
3	Press Windows + K to find Roku
4	Select Roku device and connect
5	Adjust projection mode as needed
6	Troubleshoot network or driver issues if casting fails

Casting from Windows 11 to Roku is simple once everything is set up — and it makes streaming, gaming, and sharing so much easier!

🧠 Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to cast to Roku from Windows 11 — step by step!
Whether you’re mirroring your desktop for a presentation, streaming your favorite videos, or enjoying games on the big screen, this feature brings flexibility and convenience without any cables.

If you encounter connection hiccups, remember: most issues can be solved with updates or quick network checks. Once everything’s configured, you can cast in seconds — just press Windows + K and enjoy your Roku-powered display.

❓ FAQs About Casting to Roku from Windows 11

1. Can I cast to Roku without Wi-Fi?

No — Roku and your Windows 11 PC must share the same Wi-Fi network to establish a Miracast connection.

2. Why isn’t my Roku showing up on Windows 11?

Check your Roku’s screen mirroring settings and ensure both devices are on the same network. Updating your Wi-Fi drivers also helps.

3. Can I cast Netflix from Windows 11 to Roku?

Yes! Open Netflix in Microsoft Edge or the Netflix app, then use the Cast or Project feature to stream directly.

4. Does screen mirroring support sound?

Yes, Roku mirrors both video and audio automatically. If you don’t hear sound, check your playback device in Windows sound settings.

5. Can I cast in 4K quality?

If both your Roku and Windows 11 device support 4K Miracast streaming and your Wi-Fi is strong enough, you can enjoy Ultra HD casting.

⚡ Key Takeaways:

Enable screen mirroring on Roku.
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi.
Use Windows + K to find and connect to Roku.
Choose Duplicate, Extend, or Second screen only mode.
Update software regularly for smooth casting.