Networking

If you want an expanded offer for your streaming service, in many ways, better than your average TV internet service, then the Fire TV Stick from Amazon is an excellent option. Hooking this small device to the HDMI slot does not only let you connect to the internet, but it also lets you access your favorite TV shows, movies, music, subscription services, and even video games. However, there's more to using the Fire TV Stick than just streaming content, having the impression that it's just like other devices like Roku and Chromecast. You can even utilize its receiver to mirror or cast what can be seen on your laptop. It's so easy that you could do it in no time at all. Here's how to mirror laptop PC to Firestick and getting the most out of your Amazon HDMI entertainment stick. Laptop PC to Firestick Security Concerns Just like any other device that's connected to the internet, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is susceptible to remote monitoring and discreet information sharing. This is common when it comes to tracing your activity, such as the websites you visit or the files you download. That is why many users out there opt to be safe by deploying a VPN service so that there's no data leak on their part. Having a Virtual Private Network service is the best solution to having your online traffic encrypted for safety and security. With the help of a VPN, all the data that goes out from your devices, even with the Fire TV Stick, are privately protected so that no trace would be identified by concealed software or online applications. With so many VPN providers out there, we recommend that you try ExpressVPN as it simply works and that it's trusted by many global customers, giving ratings that are close to perfect. So, whether you're using a Firestick, a laptop, or even a smartphone, all your devices are protected with a lightweight app that's easy to install and use. One click is all it takes, and your browsing activity's safe and sound. Wherever you are in the world, ExpressVPNs servers found in 160 locations across 94 countries, providing unlimited speeds, keeps you covered. With the VPN service accessible via download with the Fire TV App for free, your data protection is just a download away. Laptop PC to Firestick Mirroring Requirements One of the most basic needs to mirror your laptop into the Fire TV Stick is an operating system, which in this regard, is Windows. Though older recent versions work, the latest windows 10 is most recommended for better hardware and software support that would minimize issues during the pairing. It is also a requirement that your home Wi-Fi network should be fast and stable for both the laptop and the Firestick to work. Both these devices should be connected to the same network for the mirroring to work. Lastly, you need to install a mirroring app that's available for installation in both the laptop and Fire TV Stick. Though many apps offer such service, you have the option of lessening the selection by opting for a free or paid service – which of course, has a significant difference in features and offers available within the app. The same app would need to be active on both devices at the time the mirroring is to be executed. Laptop PC to Firestick Mirroring Procedures At the onset, you'll be initiating the mirroring through the Fire TV Stick that's already connected to the HDMI slot of your TV. With your remote control, press and hold the Home Button for about 5 seconds. As you do, you'll see a menu where it says Sleep, Change Settings, or Mirror. Once you click on the Mirror option, you'll see that the interface of the TV changes with a hint that the Fire TV Stick is ready to be connected to a mirroring device. Once that you confirm that the Firestick is ready to receive mirror data, go to your Windows laptop and look for a message notification icon on the lower right screen close to the time and date display. When successful, you'll see the options available, including “Connect,” which you can click. As you click “Connect,” your laptop would be looking for the Fire TV Stick as a method of connection. Seeing that the name of the Firestick is available, click the name, and Windows would process the link, changing the sub name “Video” to “Connecting.” After about 5 seconds, depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi and the processing of your laptop, “Connecting” changes to “Connected,” and you'll see your laptop screen mirrored on your TV. Laptop PC to Firestick Mirroring Tweaks There are times when completing the mirroring procedure does not display the kind of resolution you want for your screen to show. Either the fonts are too small, or the display is a little off proportion from your expectations. When this problem arises, changing the resolution of your display from the laptop PC should do the trick. You can access the display settings from your Windows laptop by right-clicking on an empty section of the desktop screen. When an option box appears, left click where it says “Graphic Properties,” and you'll be brought to the page where you could change the resolution. When you see the section of the “Display” page where the resolution is displayed, choose 1280x720. As you confirm the said resolution, the screen will flicker a bit, applying the resolution change, and will display the changes wanted. Laptop PC to Firestick Mirroring Alternatives If the primary solution offered does not work, there are other ways your laptop PC through a Firestick, and into your TV. Plex Media Server The Plex Media Server is a service that makes it possible to stream your content across different devices, including PC to Firestick to TV. This has been one of the go-to options for many users. Not only because of ease of use when it comes to streaming but also due to the customizations that customers can do when it comes to sorting their favorite content for their listening or viewing pleasure. Making the Plex Media Server work for you is as simple as downloading the app to devices that need working, setting up for connection, and you're good to go. Miracast Technology Another technology that's downright available in most devices, when it comes to streaming content, is the Miracast innovation. With most Windows 10 laptops and tablets already having Miracast embedded, along with other streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick, connecting to different devices is just as direct and straightforward as that of the basic solution. ScreenBeam When all else fails, and internal drivers and software do not connect your laptop PC to the Firestick, one of the most viable solutions is purchasing an external streaming stick that gives your laptop the ability to mirror and stream content. ScreenBeam is one of the most recognized transmitters when it comes to adding Miracast capabilities to devices that don't have Miracast streaming. This comes as one of the best alternative methods when it comes to mirroring as the ability to mirror your laptop screen is as easy as plugging in, clicking a few buttons, and you're done. Unlike some of the fixes stated earlier, where you need to download apps to have things going, it's a different story for ScreenBeam. You just need to plug it in one of your USB ports, and you'll stream and mirror content in no time. Laptop PC to Firestick Mirroring Troubleshooting As most technologies are not problem-proof, you'll also run into some issues when trying to mirror your laptop PC to the Fire TV Stick. When you're done turning on the mirroring option from your Firestick, and it's time to look for it on your PC, there are times when you won't see your Fire TV Stick's name after choosing to “Connect” from the laptop PC. In case this happens, what you could do is to remove the Firestick from the TV and unplug its power source. After 30 seconds, try plugging the power supply back to the Fire TV Stick and plug it back to the TV. There are also occasions when the “Connect” option in Windows 10 is grayed out even when your Firestick is ready for connecting to the laptop. This only means that the laptop is not casting or mirroring capable. Turn to alternative methods in case you encounter this problem. Mirroring from Laptop PC to Firestick is a Breeze Thanks to Amazon for making streaming technologies simple, you can enjoy your shows, music, and movies to your TV. Even greater, you also have the opportunity to mirror whatever's on your laptop to the TV without the need of connecting cables or worrying about adapters. Things are getting to be more exciting as innovations like the Fire TV Stick does wonders to your listening and viewing pleasure without the hassle.

Networking

How to Mirror Laptop PC to Firestick

8 Best Wireless Computer Monitor in 2020

How to fix Windows 10 Ethernet connection that keeps dropping [Troubleshooting Guide]

Motorola AC1900 vs Netgear Nighthawk Best Modem Router Combo in 2020

5 Best WiFi Routers for Streaming in 2020