Introduction

Have you ever wanted to fire up your PS5 but realized the TV was unavailable? Maybe someone’s watching a show, or you’re traveling and don’t have a TV. Guess what? You can use your laptop as a monitor for your PS5! This guide will show you how to do so, and it’s easier than you might think.

We will cover different methods—whether you have an HDMI setup or want to go without a capture card. After reading this, you’ll know all the tricks to enjoy your PS5 games on your laptop screen, wherever you are.

Let’s jump in and get your PS5 up and running on your laptop!

Why Follow This Guide?

I know, you’re probably thinking, “Why should I trust this guide?” The thing is, many tutorials out there are outdated or overly complicated. I’ve tried all these methods myself and put together the easiest, most effective ways to get the job done. Whether you have a laptop with limited ports or no extra hardware like capture cards, this guide will help you set things up.

How to Use Your Laptop as a Monitor for PS5: The Basics

Here’s the thing about laptops: most of them don’t have an HDMI input, which means they can’t easily receive video from external sources like a PS5. This is what makes the process a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. We’ll walk through how to connect your PS5 to a laptop using both HDMI (with a capture card) and how to set things up without one.

What You Need to Know About HDMI

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that HDMI on laptops is usually an output, not an input. This means your laptop is designed to send a video signal to an external display, not receive one from another device like your PS5. This is where a capture card comes into play.

If you’re asking yourself, “How to use my laptop as a monitor for my PS5 with HDMI?,” just know that unless your laptop has HDMI input (which is rare), you’ll need an external device to make this work.

Method 1: Using an HDMI Capture Card to Play PS5 on Your Laptop

A capture card is the easiest and most reliable way to connect your PS5 to your laptop using HDMI. It acts as a middleman, allowing your laptop to receive and display the video signal from your PS5. Here’s how to get started.

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. What You’ll Need:
   • A capture card (preferably USB 3.0 for smooth performance).
   • Two HDMI cables.
   • Your laptop.
   • Your PS5.
2. Connecting Your PS5 to the Capture Card: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your PS5’s HDMI output, and the other into the HDMI input on the capture card.
3. Connecting the Capture Card to Your Laptop: Use the USB cable that comes with the capture card to connect it to your laptop. Ideally, plug it into a USB 3.0 port for the best data transfer speeds.
4. Installing the Capture Card Software: Most capture cards come with their own software. Install this on your laptop, following the instructions provided. The software will allow your laptop to act as a monitor for the PS5.
5. Open the Capture Software: Once everything’s connected, launch the capture card’s software on your laptop. You should now see the PS5 interface displayed on your laptop screen.
6. Adjust the Display Settings: Go into the software settings to ensure the capture resolution is set to 1080p or higher for a good gaming experience. Some capture cards even let you record or stream your gameplay, which is a nice bonus if you’re into that!

Expert Tip: Reduce Input Lag

Using a capture card can introduce some input lag, especially if you’re gaming at high resolutions. To minimize this, lower the display settings in the capture software and use a wired internet connection for the most stable experience. Also, disable any unnecessary background applications on your laptop to free up processing power.

Method 2: How to Use Your Laptop as a Monitor for PS5 Without a Capture Card

Not everyone has a capture card lying around, and buying one might not be an option. Luckily, there’s a way to use your laptop as a monitor without any extra hardware—thanks to Remote Play.

Step-by-Step Setup: Using Remote Play

Sony’s Remote Play feature allows you to stream your PS5 to a laptop via the internet. While it’s not quite as seamless as HDMI, it works surprisingly well if you’ve got a decent internet connection. Here’s how to set it up.

1. Download and Install Remote Play: Go to Sony’s official website and download the Remote Play app for your laptop. Install it by following the on-screen prompts.
2. Enable Remote Play on Your PS5: On your PS5, go to Settings > Remote Play and turn it on. Make sure your PS5 is set to stay in Rest Mode when not in use, as this allows Remote Play to work even when your PS5 isn’t fully powered on.
3. Connect Your Laptop and PS5 to the Same Wi-Fi Network: For the best results, make sure both your laptop and PS5 are on the same Wi-Fi network. If possible, use an Ethernet connection for a more stable connection and less lag.
4. Launch Remote Play on Your Laptop: Open the Remote Play app and log in using your PlayStation Network credentials. The app will search for your PS5 and connect. Once it does, your laptop will act as a monitor for your PS5.
5. Start Playing: Once connected, you can use your PS5 controller (connected via USB or Bluetooth) to control your games, just as you would on a regular TV.

Expert Tip: Optimize Your Network for Remote Play

Remote Play is very sensitive to network speed, so if you notice lag or low-quality video, it could be your Wi-Fi. Try moving closer to your router or connecting both your laptop and PS5 via Ethernet cables for smoother gameplay. If possible, also make sure no one else is hogging bandwidth in the house while you’re playing.

Other Alternatives You Can Explore

Apart from capture cards and Remote Play, there are other, more creative methods to try. However, they often involve software setups that can be a bit complex. Here are a couple you might come across:

1. Parsec: This is a streaming app used by gamers to remotely access their gaming PCs. It’s more commonly used for remote gaming but can, in theory, be used to stream your PS5 to your laptop. However, you’d still need a capture card to send the PS5’s signal to your PC.
2. Virtual Machine (VM) Setup: Some tech enthusiasts use virtual machines to emulate a second operating system that can run game capture software. This method requires advanced technical skills and isn’t recommended unless you’re comfortable messing around with software and drivers.

Expert Tip: Keep Things Simple

The more complex the setup, the more things can go wrong. Stick to using a capture card or Remote Play for the most reliable experience. These methods are tried and tested, while some of the other alternatives can be hit or miss, often resulting in laggy or unstable gameplay.

What About Gaming Quality?

Now that you know how to use your laptop as a monitor for PS5, you might be wondering about the overall gaming experience. Can your laptop’s screen handle the high graphics demands of a PS5? Here’s what you need to know.

• Resolution: Most laptops can handle 1080p gaming with no issue, but if you’re used to gaming on a 4K TV, you might notice a drop in quality. If you’re using a high-end gaming laptop with a 1440p or 4K screen, you’ll get better results, but this depends on the capture card or Remote Play settings.
• Input Lag: Input lag can vary depending on your setup. With a capture card, the lag is usually minimal, but Remote Play tends to have more lag due to its reliance on your internet connection.
• Frame Rate: Both methods will cap your frame rate at around 60 fps for smooth gameplay. If you’re a competitive gamer, just be mindful that Remote Play may struggle to maintain this consistently, especially if your network isn’t strong.

Expert Tip: Use an External Display

If you want the best of both worlds, consider hooking up your laptop to an external display (such as a 4K monitor) while using the capture card. This can give you better resolution and an overall more enjoyable gaming experience.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use a laptop as a monitor for PS5 can be a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch or simply want a more portable gaming setup. Whether you opt for the reliable capture card method or the convenient (but slightly laggier) Remote Play option, there’s a solution for every type of gamer.

Both options are easy to set up, and with a little patience, you’ll be enjoying your PS5 games on your laptop screen in no time. So, the next time you find yourself without a TV, don’t worry—grab your laptop and game away!