How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X

If you connect via Remote Play, this also has the advantage of letting you play Xbox games anywhere you want. The only requirement is that your laptop must be able to connect to your console over the Internet.

How to enable Remote Play on Xbox Series X|SHOULD

While Remote Play can always be used as long as you have a wireless connection to your Xbox, you'll get the best performance by making sure the following requirements are met:

1. Laptop is updated to or (v.1903+).
2. WiFi 5Ghz.
3. Network latency is less than 60ms.
4. Upload bandwidth is more than 9Mbps.
5. A wired network connection.
6. Make sure Power options on your Xbox is set to Sleep.

If your laptop and Xbox are both on the same network, you won't need to worry too much about network settings. However, if you're playing on another network, you may experience severe lag if you fall too far behind these settings.

How to set up Xbox for remote play

With Remote Play priority requirements outlined, you'll need to make sure your Xbox has Remote Play enabled. Follow these steps to get Remote Play ready:

1. Press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.

2. Highlight the options for Profile & system and select Settings .

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 1

3. Under Devices & connections , select Remote features .

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 2

4. Make sure the Enable remote features option is selected.

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 3

5. From here, you'll see a checkmark next to Enable remote features , and your Xbox will take a moment to check the settings and suggest ways to improve remote play.

You may be asked to change your Xbox app preferences to Allow from any device or Only from profiles signed in on this Xbox to enable Remote Play features.

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 4

Similarly, you can also select Power options from the Remote features screen to customize your Xbox's power settings and make sure the device is put to Sleep instead of Shutdown to keep Remote Play on all the time.

How to start playing Xbox Series X|S games with a laptop

While you don't technically need an Xbox controller for this, we recommend using the official controller for the best experience. If you're not using an Xbox Series X|S controller, you may not be able to use Bluetooth to connect the controller to your laptop. In that case, you'll need to use another method to sync the controller with your PC.

Connect Xbox controller to laptop

If you're playing near your Xbox, you won't need to do anything here. Your controller will connect directly to the Xbox Series X|S. If not, follow these steps to connect your Xbox controller to your laptop:

1. On your laptop, open the Settings app.

2. Click Devices , then Add Bluetooth or other device .

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 5

3. From the Add a device screen , select Bluetooth.

4. Turn on your Xbox controller and press the Pair button at the top of the controller.

5. Click  Xbox Wireless Controller when it appears on the Add a device screen .

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 6

6. Once the laptop is successfully paired with the controller, you are ready to use it with Remote Play. However, if you're having trouble pairing via Bluetooth, you can connect your laptop to the controller using a wired USB-C cable. This will instantly sync your devices.

How to Download Xbox App and Connect to Xbox

Once your controller is ready to go, you'll need to install the Xbox for PC app on your laptop. Once you've installed it, sign in with the same Microsoft account you use for your Xbox and do the following:

1. Open the Xbox app on your laptop.
2. Click the Consoles button at the top left of the screen.
3. Click Xbox. Your Xbox should now connect to your laptop.

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 7

After a brief loading screen, you'll be greeted with the Xbox Cloud Gaming launch screen. From here, you can interact with your Xbox exactly the same way you would with your controller.

However, by clicking on the three-button menu at the top left of the screen, you can access useful options. These include Mute , Feedback , Toggle fullscreen and Disconnect .

How to use a laptop as a monitor for Xbox Series X Picture 8

As long as your Xbox is put to Sleep, you won't even need to turn on your Xbox first. Simply connect to your Xbox via the Xbox app and your console will turn on remotely. So if you're on the train, on vacation, or even on a break at work, you can still play games from your console.

Samuel Daniel

Update 10 August 2023