If you have moved into a new dorm room or traveling abroad, then it’s difficult to find a big screen TV for your Xbox. In such cases, you can use pc monitor, but can you use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox?
Well, the short answer is YES, but you’ll need an HDMI cable or use the Xbox app to connect the console with your laptop. The smaller screen apart, a laptop is an excellent alternative to play Xbox away from home. Learn more about their how you can use a laptop as Xbox monitor as I go through all the related aspects in this article.
Can You Use A Laptop As A Monitor For Xbox?
Like I mentioned before, you can definitely connect your Xbox to a laptop. Xbox can be connected to several display media services including TV, PC, and even laptop.
And the best part is, it won’t effect the realistic graphics or your gaming experience at all.
How to Use a Laptop as a Monitor for Xbox?
The process is quite easy, and you can use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox in two different ways, including:
- Use the HDMI Input
- Xbox App (Wireless Connection)
These methods are reliable ways to connect your Xbox to a laptop to play video games. However, if you’re not familiar with these two methods, no worries, I’m here to help. You can follow the section below to find out the step-by-step guide on using a laptop monitor for Xbox. Have a look.
1. Use the HDMI Cable
You can use an HDMI cable to use your laptop as a monitor for Xbox. But first you need to make ensure that your laptop has an HDMI input port.
Before proceeding in the connection process, let us explain why an input HDMI port is essential. Most laptops only have HDMI output, which can transmit images or files to an external device or monitor. And unfortunately, the HDMI port is not compatible with other cables such as a VGA cable. Though you can use a converter, which I would not recommend as VGA transmission can drop the video quality compared to HDMI.
Luckily, if your laptop has the HDMI input port, then you can easily utilize your laptop as an Xbox monitor. And to do this you can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off the Xbox
The very first thing you have to do is sign in to the Xbox if you’re currently not signed in. And after that, turn off the Xbox to begin the main procedure.
Step 2: Prepare your laptop
Now, prepare your laptop to connect the Xbox with your laptop. All you have to do is close all the running sofware or background apps.
Step 3: Connect the cable
Once your laptop is ready to connect with the Xbox, simply plug the HDMI cable on both your laptop and Xbox. While connecting or plugging the HDMI cable, you must ensure that you’re plugging in to the right ports. Don’t force. If you face any issues just repeat the process after rotating the cable to the other side.
Step 4: Turn on the Xbox
Once you’re done, simply turn on the Xbox and your laptop will automatically detect the new connected device and switch the display.
Step 5: Configure the display and resolution
Once the Xbox is launched, now go to the dashboard and then system settings to configure the display and resolution at your desired level.
And boom! Now you can start enjoy playing your favorite Xbox games on your laptop.
If you don’t have an HDMI cable, you can remotely connect your Xbox to the laptop as well. Let’s find out how.
2. Use the Xbox App
If your laptop doesn’t have the HDMI input port, then nothing to worry about; you can connect the Xbox with your laptop through an app. Using an Xbox app is one of the most effective solutions, and you’ll easily find it in the Microsoft app store.
Though keep in mind that your laptop should have Windows 10 installed with x64 architecture to use Xbox app and connect it with your laptop. Install the Xbox app, and you can set up the console following the procedure discussed below:
Step 1: Open the App
The first thing you have to do is open the Xbox app from your laptop and then login to the Xbox account.
Step 2: Go to the Setting Option
After launching the app, now select “Connection” button from the left sidebar of the Xbox dashboard.
Step 3: Proceed the Scanning
After selecting the connection button from the panel, your laptop will scan for the Xbox console network. And when it finds your Xbox, simply click on the “Connection.”
One important note, you need to keep your Xbox turned on during the whole process.
Step 4: Tap on Stream
Once your laptop connects with the console, you’ll see the console overview and click on “Stream” to start streaming.
This is how you can connect your Xbox with your laptop through an Xbox app.
Why Use A Laptop As A Monitor For Xbox?
When you have a TV with a big screen, then why to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox? Although everyone loves to play games by connecting Xbox to TV, sometimes you’ll have to try different devices.
Well, this isn’t actually a reason to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox, the main reason is something else. If you want to what are the main reasons or why you should use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox, follow the section below:
Portability
One of the main reasons to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox is because laptops are portable. When you connect the Xbox with a laptop, then you can be able to play your favorite game anywhere or any corner of your home, dorm, or office… if you fancy!
Have No Access to TV
When your other family members are watching or want to watch the TV, then you can continue your game and leave the TV. All you have to do is connect the Xbox with your laptop so that you can enjoy your game and your family members can enjoy their favorite shows.
Away from Home
When you’re away from home, and currently you don’t have any TV in your place, then you can still enjoy your favorite games. All you have to do is use your laptop as a monitor for your Xbox.
Bottom Line
Xbox is one of the most popular gaming consoles which commonly connected to TV to display media. But if isn’t possible to access a TV to enjoy your favorite video games, you can use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox. The only downside is the smaller screen, but if you close down the gap between you and the laptop, it won’t be an issue.
Try out one of the methods I mentioned enjoy video gaming anywhere, anytime. And if you face battery issues after playing Xbox, check out why your laptop battery is draining too fast and how you can fix the problem.
