In this guide we’ll go over how to stream a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro console to a Windows PC. For the remainder of this guide, when I reference PS4 I’ll refer to PS4 and PS4 Pro since the steps are exactly the same for both consoles.
Requirements
You’ll need a Sony PlayStation network account (this is free). This login will need to be used on the PS4 you’ll be streaming from and on the Remote Play app, you’ll be installing on your PC.
In order for you to use your PS4 controller, you’ll need to connect it to your PC via a wired USB connection unless you have the Sony Dualshock 4 USB wireless adapter. For some reason, Sony won’t allow Bluetooth connectivity to the PC. Technically you can get a wireless connection without buying the adapter, you’ll need to follow the “Non-Steam App Setup” instructions found on my guide here.
PS4 Setup
- On the main console screen to “Settings” – “Remote Play Connection Settings” – and then turn on [Enable Remote Play].
- Go back to the main “Settings” page – “Account Management” – “Activate as Your Primary PS4”, and then select “Activate”. Note: This can only be enabled on one PS4 console (in case you have more than one). If you only have one console, don’t worry and continue on.
- One last time, go to the main “Settings” – “Power Save Settings” – “Set Features Available in Rest Mode”. Then check the boxes for “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning on PS4 from Network”.
Step 3 means that if you ever put your PS4 in rest mode, you can activate and turn on PS4 streaming from your PC.
Windows PC Setup
- If you haven’t already, connect your PS4 controller to your PC using a USB wired or wireless connection (see “Requirements” above).
- Navigate to this Sony Remote Play website and scroll down to the section to stream on a PC.
- A new window might open and you’ll have to select “Control your PS4 console from a Windows PC” (or something similar if they update their site).
- Download the software and install it.
- During install, it’ll ask for your Sony PS Now credentials, use the same one that you’ll be using on the PS4.
- The software doesn’t prompt for a PC reboot, but I suggest you do it. I couldn’t get my PC to connect to my PS4 Pro until I rebooted.
- After successfully connecting to your PS4, it’ll open up in a program window. You can maximize the window or make it full screen by hovering your mouse over the window.
- In my testing, performance is amazingly smooth and responsive. The video quality might be lacking a bit though, see the conclusion notes below.
Conclusion
A few things to note. This works best if your PS4 and PC are both on the same home network on a wired Ethernet connection. WiFi can work but just make the signal is strong for whatever device is connected wirelessly.
As of this posting, streaming doesn’t work properly beyond 720p. I’m not sure why, but 1080p is supposed to be available but doesn’t work properly.
Lastly, you can stream your PS4 to a PC over the internet (it doesn’t have to be on the same network as your PS4). Just keep in mind that the network the PS4 is on will need a decent upload speed since it’ll be sending data out.
