What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In Streamlabs, open the Alert Box settings, choose the alert type you want to customize, select + Add Variation, set a condition, customize the presentation, and save. Then add the Alert Box to your streaming software and test it in your scene before going live. StreamElements offers a separate editor for alert variations; its controls are not interchangeable with Streamlabs’.
What an alert variation does
An alert variation gives a particular event or condition its own presentation. For example, you can use different message text or sounds for alerts that meet different conditions. Variations belong to an alert type, so configure them under the relevant event—such as follows, subscriptions, or tips—rather than expecting one variation to apply to every alert.
Which event types and customization controls are available depends on the platform and alert type. Check the options shown for your account instead of assuming every event has identical settings.
Set up alert variations in Streamlabs
- Open the Alert Box settings. Select the platform and event type you want to customize. Choose the alert category that should receive the variation.
- Add a variation. Under that alert, select + Add Variation. Give it a descriptive name so you can identify its purpose later.
- Set its condition. In the variation’s Condition setting, choose the rule that determines when it should trigger. Match the condition to the event or threshold you want to distinguish.
- Customize its presentation. Adjust the message template and sound where those controls are available. Streamlabs documents
{name}as a dynamic name field for message templates. Available choices can differ by alert type. - Save your settings. Save before leaving the current menu so the variation and its condition are retained.
- Add the Alert Box to your streaming software. Use the integration that matches your setup, described below.
- Test the alert. Use the service’s test or preview controls, then check the alert in the scene where you will stream.
Choose the right Streamlabs integration
- Streamlabs Desktop: Add the Alert Box as a source in your scene.
- OBS with the Streamlabs plugin: Open the plugin’s Widgets menu and add the Alert Box.
- Other streaming software: Copy the Alert Box widget URL and add it as a browser source.
Streamlabs’ current guides describe these setup and testing paths; button names and layouts can change. If the dashboard has moved, consult Streamlabs’ quick guide to setting up alerts and its detailed alert setup guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Check the result before going live
- Confirm you added the variation to the intended alert type and that its condition matches the event you want to catch.
- Check the message, dynamic text, sound, and any other presentation controls you changed.
- Run the service’s test or preview and inspect the result in the actual streaming scene. A preview does not necessarily reproduce every live platform condition.
- If you use several variations, test the cases that matter to your setup; one successful test does not prove every condition behaves as intended.
Use StreamElements instead
StreamElements has its own Elements Editor for creating alerts with dynamic text, sound, and multiple variations. Its Alert Box options also document choices such as fonts, timing, sounds, and effects, with examples including follows, subscriptions, tips, cheers, raids, and community gifts. Those examples do not establish support for every event on every platform, so confirm the event and controls in your own account.
Follow StreamElements’ Elements Editor instructions and its Alert Box customization page. Use StreamElements’ own editor and preview rather than applying Streamlabs button names to a different interface.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a separate use case—keeping a pre-recorded YouTube stream live around the clock—StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. No computer or home connection needs to stay on. It is for uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube only.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made, at one flat price per slot with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
