Intel Compute Stick and Windows Digital Signage Setup

UPDATE: The Intel Compute Stick used to be a great option, but we no longer recommend it for digital signage due to operational and support issues. Our recommended devices for digital signage are our own PIXI and ScreenCloud OS/Station P1 Pro - or check our list of media player recommendations.

The Intel Compute stick was a popular and affordable media player dongle that was, at one point, a good option for digital signage. Powered by Windows, the Intel Compute Stick offered an accessible way for budget conscious teams to get started with digital signage. While there are now better options, and the Intel Compute Stick is long superceded, this guide will talk you though getting your displays up and running.

Part one: How to set up ScreenCloud digital signage on Windows 

1. Download the Windows app

On your computer open your browser and head to ScreenCloud's download link. From there, you can download the ScreenCloud player for Windows. 

Once the app has been downloaded, open the downloaded file, which looks something like ScreenCloudPlayer.setup(version number).exe

2. Pair ScreenCloud

Once you’ve downloaded the ScreenCloud Windows app, the ScreenCloud player will start up. You’ll see a pairing code similar to the one below on the screen. Make a note of this - you’ll need it in a second. 

3. Set up a ScreenCloud account

Once you have your pairing code, visit screencloud.com on your laptop or PC. If you haven’t already, set up a free trial by selecting “try it now” or login to your account using the Login button. 

Once logged in, you can navigate to Screens and add a screen easily to your account by typing in the pairing code and choosing your screen size and orientation.

That’s it - your screen and your Windows device are paired, ready for you to control content from wherever you are.

Part two: Setting up an Intel Compute Stick with ScreenCloud

If you’re looking to get started with an Intel Compute Stick plugged into your TV screen to make it “smart”, one of the easiest ways to set up the device is through Windows OS. There are many other factory-installed operating systems, but in our experience, Windows is the way to go! 

Here’s how that works:

1. Plug in your Intel Stick

The Intel Compute Stick can be plugged into the HDMI port of any TV screen or monitor you’re using. If you need a little help, check out the video below, which tells you more about the Intel Stick and how it connects to your TV:

The Intel Compute Stick can be plugged directly into your HDMI port, or you can use the mini USB adaptor, which usually comes with it to help secure it to your screen. 

It’s also best to plug in the power adaptor, connected to the mains at all times.

The Intel Compute Stick's start-up looks similar to starting up a computer with a Windows desktop—so it should be familiar to Windows users! 

2. Open your browser

Once your Intel Compute Stick is running, connect your TV to WiFi or a network using the same method you would use to connect a PC to WiFi. 

Once connected, open Chrome or any other browser and download the Windows app from this link.

3. Download the ScreenCloud player

Once the app has been downloaded, open the downloaded file, which looks something like ScreenCloudPlayer.setup(version number).exe. 

Once you’ve downloaded the ScreenCloud Windows app, the ScreenCloud player will start up. You’ll see a pairing code similar to the one below on the screen. Make a note of this - you’ll need it in a second. 

Note—if you followed the steps in part one, you’ll notice that these next steps are exactly the same. So feel free to go back and complete the same steps.

Your Intel Compute Stick will begin to play ScreenCloud automatically each time your TV restarts. If you need to access the settings you can do this by opening the ScreenCloud settings menu.

Digital signage and the Intel Compute Stick = simple!

ScreenCloud is perhaps the easiest way to get your Intel Compute Stick up and running using digital signage software. What’s more, ScreenCloud also offers a super easy CMS that allows you to begin showing rich images, videos, social media feeds, apps, presentations, and more to your digital screens. 

If you’re ready to get started, head to screencloud.com/getstarted today.