How to play PS4 on a laptop screen with HDMI in 2024

Want to play PS4 but don’t have a TV screen available for some reason? Well, don’t worry because that’s not the end of the world. You can connect your PS4 to a laptop/monitor or even a mobile device and enjoy your gaming regardless of the inaccessibility of a TV. If you want to learn how to do so, just stick to this article because we’ll be doing a step-by-step guide for everyone out there!

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How Do I Connect My PS4 To My Laptop Screen?

We know most of you must be aware of connecting your gadgets via HDMI. Nevertheless, connecting a PS4 on a laptop screen with HDMI is not as simple as it sounds. Why? Because you just cannot connect the two ports of HDMI to your laptop and PS4.

Both laptop and PS4 house output HDMI ports, therefore, forming a connection between the two will be futile.

You’ll still need something to create a connection between the two. So here are the two easiest and foolproof ways to connect your PS4 to a laptop screen

A high-quality Video Capture Card (VCC)
Sony Remote Play

A Video Capture Card will come at the cost of a few bucks but it is the best way to transform your laptop screen for gameplay.

On the other hand, if you’re rooting for Remote Play, then you need to take into consideration a few system requirements. For a trouble-less functioning of Sony Remote Play Software you need:

1. Via Video Capture Card

Well, first we’ll see how you can use a video capture card to connect your laptop to PS4 with HDMI. But before you begin, make sure you have the following things at hand

Step 1: Enable file sharing on your PS4

Open the settings of your PlayStation and find the ‘Network Settings’ from the menu. You’ll see an option for Internet Connection, open that and let your PS4 search for your internet router and then, connect it to your internet connection.

Step 2: Attach the video capture card to your laptop

As soon as your laptop recognizes it, you’ll get an option to install all the drivers and software that are essential for the card to function properly. Make sure to install all the required drivers and software.

Step 3: Form an S video connection and connect your laptop and PS4 via HDMI.

To create an S video connection, attach the S video cable to your VCC and your PS4 console. And here, you are ready to bring the HDMI cable to use. Attach the HDMI out to the PS4 port and the HDMI into the Video Capture Card.

Step 4: You’re almost there. Power on your PS4 and run the VCC software and then you’ll be good to go.

After forming the connection with HDMI, open the software of the video capture card on the laptop while making sure that your PS4 is turned on. The software will search for your console and finally connect it with the laptop. As soon as the connection is successful, your laptop screen will be ready for your gameplay!

However, for all those who do not want to spend money on a video capture card at the moment, we have another super convenient way for you to play PS4 on a laptop screen.

2. Via Remote Play

Remote play is quite an efficient feature introduced by Sony itself. Remote Play allows you to connect your PS4 with either a laptop or a mobile.

To use Remote Play, you need to fulfill a few system requirements that we mentioned at the beginning, such as compatible windows, decent processors, RAM, and storage, etc.

How to install Sony Remote Play on a laptop?

Now if you’re wondering where to get your hands on Remote Play, just head to the official website of Sony and download the software that is compatible with the operating system of your laptop. Install Remote Play on your Windows/Mac by following the installation setup guidelines.

As soon as you open the setup of Remote Play on your laptop, an installation dialog box will appear right on the screen.

The dialog box will guide you through the process of installation. The process is pretty easy so don’t you worry.

How to use Sony Remote Play to connect laptop and PS4?

Now that you’re done with the installation of Remote Play, let’s see how you can use it to connect your PS4 to a laptop screen. But first, make sure that you have the following things available.

Step 1: After installing Remote Play, power on your PS4 and update it

Open the settings of your PlayStation, find the PlayStation Network Settings. Head to Account Managements, and enable your device as primary PS4. Also, go to the system software update settings and update your PS4 software to 3.50.

Read More: Best Laptops For Streaming

Step 2: Find the Remote Play Setting in your PS4

Find the Remote Play Settings in your PS4 Setting Menu and from there, enable the remote play connection.

Step 3: Get your laptop and begin setting it up

Open the Remote Play Software that you installed on your laptop. Open the settings of the app and adjust them according to your system requirements. Most importantly, adjust the screen resolution and fps settings. These basically depend on the power of the laptop you’re using.

A powerful laptop can handle higher graphic settings. While a standard laptop can support 720p and lower frame rates.

Step 4: Connect your PS4 controllers

You can connect your controllers to the laptop via Dual-shock USB wireless adapter or the standard USB cable.

For wireless controllers, you’ll have to hold PlayStation and Share buttons of the controllers. By doing so, the LED on the controllers will start blinking. When this happens, you can connect the controllers to the laptop with the USB cable. The controllers will be paired with your laptop within a few seconds.

Step 5: Log in to your PS4 account on the laptop

This is the last step towards the amazing gameplay of PS4 on the laptop. From the remote play app, log in to your PlayStation Network by entering your credentials. The software will connect you to your PS4 and you’ll be able to see the home screen of your device.

Note: After you’re done with the settings on your PS4, it is advised to switch it to the rest mode. As you put it to the rest mode, make sure that the PS4 is allowed to be turned on from the Network. You can enable this setting from the Rest Mode Features of your PS4.

Can I Play PS4 On My Laptop Screen?

Now that you do know two convenient and most common ways to connect your PS4 to a laptop, yes, you can definitely play PS4 on your laptop screen. You just need a few basic things such as HDMI, Remote Play Software, and a Video Capture Card (in case Remote Play doesn’t work).

A Video Capture Card or Remote Play Software is the best way for portable PS4 gaming. With the help of these two techniques, your gaming shall not be subject to the availability of a TV screen. Now you can enjoy playing PS4 anywhere on a laptop screen as well.

Conclusion

Lastly, we hope that we were able to help you connect your ps4 to your laptop for splendid gameplay. Both of the aforementioned methods are super convenient and easy. Once you learn them, they’re not much of a task. The Video Capture Card will cost you some money of course but it is the best option for devices that are not compatible with Sony Remote Play.

Apart from that, connecting your ps4 to a laptop with HDMI and Remote Play is a go-to option. Not only is it much easier to access but also renders better quality gaming. You don’t have to go out and buy anything.

Download the app from the ease of your home and enjoy playing PS4 on your laptop screen. However, make sure that the system requirements of Remote Play are met otherwise you’ll not experience smooth gameplay.