Would you like to be able to play PS4 games on your laptop? Yes, you've thought about connecting your PlayStation 4 to your laptop, but it's not as simple as it seems, especially if you're not tech-savvy. Connecting a PS4 to a laptop with an HDMI cable requires a few steps, but they're not insignificant. Of course, when playing PS4 on a laptop, you need to make sure you have a fast computer and a reliable internet connection.
Sound is also essential for a more immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, you need to ensure your laptop has a video input. Since this is often rare on laptops, it can be confusing for new gamers. It's also important to remember that HDMI cables are unidirectional.
Lacking a bidirectional connection, HDMI will only have a single output port on both the laptop and the PS4. Therefore, a laptop needs to have both a video input and an HDMI input.
How to connect your PS4 to your computer?
As promised, we'll explain step by step how to connect your PS4 to your laptop using an HDMI cable. The procedure involves a few steps that must be followed carefully. Follow it step by step and you'll be able to do it.
1. Video Capture Card: Captures video from the PlayStation 4 via HDMI
With a video capture card, you can play PlayStation 4 games on your laptop at moderate settings. If you want to play on PS4 or, even better, on the new next-gen console via an HDMI cable (PS5) , the process is quite simple. This is possible thanks to video capture. For this, you will need some essential equipment.
- the device to capture (PS4 or PS5)
laptop - HDMI cable (dual function)
- Remote
- Micro USB cable
- Internet connectivity
- an HDMI capture card
Here's what you need to connect your PlayStation 4 to your laptop screen and record video. You'll also need external audio capabilities. This will allow you to adjust sound settings and audio output to optimize the speakers for better sound.
Most HDMI ports on the market only have one output port. If your laptop has two HDMI inputs and outputs, you can easily connect them. Once you have all the necessary equipment to connect your PS4 to your laptop via HDMI, follow these step-by-step instructions.
Check all connections
If you want to migrate content from your PS4 to your laptop screen, you need to adjust some settings in the PlayStation 4 menu. To do this:
- Go to the PS4 settings
- Next, left-click on network settings
- Choose your internet connection settings
- Then, left-click on the router
If you have a wired connection, consider configuring your Playstation 4 and your computer on the same router using an Ethernet cable.
Software installation
In this second step of the first tip, you'll need to use your video capture card. Make sure it's genuine and, above all, of good quality. When you purchase the video card, install the software provided with the purchase. This installation will ensure optimal card performance. A USB port will be useful for connecting the video capture card to your laptop monitor.
On the capture card, make sure to connect the HDMI cable and PS4
After configuring the software, you need to connect your console to your video capture card. An S-video cable will be useful for this. Connect the HDMI-IN port on your capture card and the HDMI-OUT port to your PlayStation 4.
Opening and running the software
Now that the capture card software is connected and all the connections are made, you can open and run the software. By turning on your PS4 game console, you will be able to view the software on your laptop screen. However, you must ensure that your screen is displayed at full resolution. After verifying everything, proceed to run the software.
By strictly following the steps outlined above, you will be able to configure your laptop to stream games from your PS4 via an HDMI cable. The only drawback to this method is that it's quite expensive, but it works very well. If you don't have the financial resources to use this solution, here's another alternative for connecting your PS4 to your laptop.
2. Opt for the built-in recording function to capture PS4 games
When the game is being recorded in its portable format, you can capture it using the built-in recording function. To do this, you must first launch the game you want to record on your portable system. After launching the game to be recorded on your PC, you can go to the share page. To do this, press the share button on your controller. The procedure for capturing using the recording function is summarized in the following steps.
- Go to sharing settings
- Next, you need to go to the streaming options located in the advanced functions
- Then, click on "include microphone audio in transmission"
- Finally, be sure to record your voice for game saving
Once all these steps are completed, the game you've chosen will begin recording to your laptop. The good news about this method is that it's less expensive. It doesn't require you to record a video, allowing you to save a considerable amount of money. As you can see, streaming a PS4 game to your computer screen can be quite simple with the recording function, if you follow our instructions completely.
3. OBS Recording Software
OBS recording software is known for its breathtaking features. If you're a pro gamer, you should know that you can use it to stream content from your PlayStation 4 to your laptop. Accessing OBS is very simple, and to do so, you need to:
- Proceed with the installation of PS4 Remote Play;
- Next, make sure your PS4 is connected;
- Then, activate OBS and go to the add menu;
- Click on the window capture option, and then OK.
This final step will allow you to begin capturing your PS4 game. With OBS, the viewer can benefit from several types of results. Here, they can configure the available options and enjoy a service tailored to their needs. Although inexpensive, this technique remains a high-quality way to record your PS4 games on a computer screen.
4. Remote reading
Thanks to Remote Play, you can also connect your PS4 to your laptop screen and play. Whether your computer is a Mac or WindowsPC, it's quite simple. However, it's important to note that the Remote Play application will help you enjoy immersive PS4 games while staying connected to your PlayStation 4 remotely. To ensure Remote Play works, you will need the equipment listed below.
- High-speed internet connection
- PS4 System
- Laptop
- USB cable or adapter without Dual Shock 4 USB
- Pro account on PS Network
If you want to successfully set up Remote Play from your PS4 system, follow these steps carefully. If you wish to stream your PS4 remotely, it's important to have an LCD screen or a high-quality monitor. If you have one, consider adjusting your PS4 system settings.
Download the app
The first step to connecting your PS4 to your PC via Remote Play is to download the latest version of the Sony Remote Play app. Once downloaded, stream the game to your laptop screen. Then, check and launch the program.
Playstation 4 activation and update
Here, you must first turn on your PS4, then access the various features in the settings. Next, go to the PS4 network options. Navigate to Account Management. You must then activate your PS4. Be sure to activate it in primary mode and don't forget to update the PS4 console software. Manually downloading app updates will allow you to take advantage of the latest features.
Access Playstation Network settings
Once you're in the PS4 Network settings, click on "Account Management." Then, activate it as your primary PlayStation. Additionally, update the console's software.
Activate the PlayStation 4 from the network
To do this, you need to click on the settings and access the energy-saving options. Also, remember to adjust the sleep mode setting in the settings.
Enable remote gaming on your laptop
Once all the settings are configured, remember to enable remote play on your laptop. Now, adjust the resolution to either 720p or 1080p. You also need to connect the DualShock 4 controller. This controller, located among the circular buttons on the console, will allow you to share your PS4's information on your laptop screen. Connect a USB adapter to your laptop, then search for the PS4 network.
Once you're in the Remote Play software, click the "Start" button. Then, connect to the PS4 network, which you'll find within the Remote Play application. Next, go to the home screen. That's it, you're good to go.
What if we opted for Playstation Now?
PlayStation Now is like having a PS console gaming experience without owning a real PlayStation. As Sony's new game subscription service, PlayStation Now lets you play PS2, PS3, and PS4 games without having to buy a physical console.
Obviously, you won't get access to such a service for free. PlayStation Now costs $99.99 per year. The platform offers over 100 breathtaking games. The games on PlayStation Now are known for their ease of access. Before committing to your subscription, you have the option to try the application for 7 days.
After 7 days, you can confirm or cancel your subscription, or simply disable automatic renewal. The good news is that you don't need a high-performance computer to run PlayStation Now.
With just a laptop, you'll be able to connect without any problems. To take advantage of PlayStation Now, go to the official Sony website, download and install the application to connect your PS4 to your computer and play with complete peace of mind.
Conclusion
You now know how to connect your PS4 to your laptop screen using HDMI. We're confident these steps will allow you to play your favorite games smoothly on your laptop. To do this successfully, you can connect your PS4 to your laptop.
There are many ways to connect your PS4 to your computer with an HDMI cable. These include video capture cards, game recording features, Remote Play, PlayStation Now, and OBS recording software. Here are five good methods for connecting your PS4 to your laptop with an HDMI cable. The choice is yours, keeping in mind that the first method is the most expensive as it requires some additional equipment.
