Can a PS4 Be Connected to a Laptop? Yes—Here’s How
Ever wondered if you can connect your laptop as a screen for your PS4 or even remotely control your PS4 using your laptop? Whether your TV is taken or you’re just looking for a more convenient gaming setup, the answer is:
Yes, your PS4 can be connected to a laptop—and there are a few different ways to do it.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the best way, what you’ll need, and how to get it all up and running.
Method 1: Stream PS4 to Laptop using Remote Play
Sony offers an official app called PS Remote Play that lets you stream games off your PS4 to your Windows or Mac laptop over Wi-Fi.
What You’ll Need:
A PS4 console (internet connected)
A Windows or Mac laptop
A DualShock 4 controller
A stable internet connection
The PS Remote Play app (Sony’s website-free)
How to Set It Up:
Download and install the PS Remote Play app on your laptop.
Turn on Remote Play on your PS4:
Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Enable Remote Play.
Make your PS4 your Primary PS4:
Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
Plug in your DualShock 4 controller to your laptop using USB or Bluetooth.
Open the Remote Play app and sign in to your PSN account.
Let the app search and locate your PS4—it will begin to stream your PS4 screen directly to your laptop.
Method 2: Capture Card (for HDMI Input)
If you want a straight video stream without depending on the internet, you can connect your PS4 to your laptop using an HDMI capture card. This is especially useful for content creators and streamers.
What You Need:
A video capture card (e.g., Elgato HD60 or similar)
An HDMI cable
A USB cable to connect the capture card to your laptop
Video software (e.g., OBS Studio)
How to Set It Up:
Connect the PS4 to the HDMI input of the capture card.
Plug the capture card into your laptop using USB.
Open your video software (OBS, for example) and add the capture card as a video source.
You will now be able to view your PS4 screen mirrored on your laptop.
Note: This method does not enable you to control the PS4 using your laptop—it simply displays the feed.
Bonus: Transfer Data Between PS4 and Laptop
While you can’t “play” PS4 games on a laptop in the traditional sense (barring streaming), you can:
Use USB drives to copy over screenshots, video segments, and save files.
Share your laptop on the same network to save data or deal with files using Media Player or Plex.
Final Thoughts
Having your PS4 hooked up to your laptop is a game-changer—literally. From remotely streaming through Remote Play to capturing video through an HDMI capture card, it’s all possible with some equipment and simple steps.
So, yes, your laptop can very much be part of your PS4 setup—be it as a casual gaming setup, content creation setup, or a convenience setup.
Struggling to set up Remote Play or choose a capture card? Post your questions in the comments or get in touch with us for expert help!