The Tool Desk
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Use Steam Link for the simplest Steam-library setup, Moonlight with Sunshine for non-Steam games and desktop streaming, or a direct HDMI cable when minimizing latency matters most.
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Choose the right method first
| What you want | Best first choice | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| The easiest Steam-only setup | Steam Link | Less flexible for non-Steam software |
| Epic, GOG, Xbox PC, emulators, or the Windows desktop | Sunshine + Moonlight | More setup and troubleshooting |
| The lowest and most predictable latency | HDMI cable | Requires a physical connection |
| Playing away from home | Sunshine + Moonlight | Networking and security are more complicated |
| No gaming PC available | Cloud gaming | The game runs on a provider’s server and depends on its catalogue |
For most people, start with local streaming on the home network at 1080p and 60 frames per second. Only increase resolution, bitrate, HDR, or frame rate after the basic connection is stable.
What PC game streaming actually does
PC streaming is not the same as installing the game on a TV or phone. The gaming PC launches the game, performs the rendering, encodes the resulting video and audio, and sends that stream across the network. The receiving device decodes it and displays it. Controller, keyboard, mouse, and sometimes voice input travel in the opposite direction.
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There are four different setups that are often confused:
- Local streaming: the PC and receiving device are on the same home network.
- Remote streaming: the client is away from home and connects through the internet to your PC.
- Cloud gaming: a company’s remote server runs the game. It does not stream your own PC.
- Direct HDMI: the PC sends its display signal directly to the TV, avoiding network streaming overhead.
Streaming always introduces some additional delay from encoding, networking, decoding, display processing, and input return. A good wired or nearby wireless setup can feel very responsive, but “zero lag” is not a realistic promise.
What you need
- A gaming PC capable of running the game at the desired resolution and frame rate.
- A receiving device: compatible TV, streaming box, phone, tablet, laptop, handheld, computer, or VR headset.
- A compatible controller, or a keyboard and mouse for desktop-oriented games.
- A reliable home network for local play.
- Hardware video encoding on the PC and hardware video decoding on the client are strongly preferable.
Connect the host PC to the router with Ethernet whenever possible. For a wireless client, use a capable 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 network; 6 GHz can also help where the equipment and client support it. Ethernet at both ends is preferable for 4K, high frame rates, HDR, or a congested household.
Download speed alone does not determine streaming quality. Local Wi-Fi interference, packet loss, jitter, router placement, bufferbloat, and the client’s decoder can cause stutter even with a fast broadband connection.
Method 1: Steam Link
Steam Link is the best starting point when most of your games are in Steam. Valve lists clients including iPhone and iPad, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Raspberry Pi, Windows, Linux, macOS, and Meta Quest devices. Exact availability can vary by device model, region, firmware, and app store.
Set up the gaming PC
- Install or update Steam.
- Sign in to the account that owns the games.
- Install the games and leave Steam running.
- Make sure the PC will not sleep during play.
- Launch each game once directly on the PC if it needs a launcher, permissions, shader compilation, or first-run configuration.
Steam’s Remote Play settings let you inspect and adjust streaming quality if the default configuration does not perform well.
Set up the client
- Install Steam Link from the device’s official app store.
- Open Steam Link and select the detected gaming PC.
- Enter the pairing PIN shown on the PC if requested.
- Run the connection test.
- Connect a controller.
- Select a game and begin streaming.
Start at 1080p/60 with a conservative bitrate. Increase bitrate before resolution if the picture looks soft. Move to 1440p or 4K only after frame pacing and input response are stable.
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Controller placement
Pair the controller with the client device when you are playing from the sofa or holding a phone. Pair it with the PC instead if the client has unreliable Bluetooth support or a particular Windows game needs to see the controller directly. Keep a keyboard and mouse nearby for launchers, login prompts, anti-cheat notices, and recovery from a stuck full-screen game.
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Method 2: Sunshine and Moonlight
Use Sunshine as the host on the gaming PC and Moonlight as the client. This combination is useful for Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox PC, standalone executables, emulators, desktop applications, and games that are not managed by Steam.
Moonlight supports PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, ChromeOS, FireOS, Xbox, Raspberry Pi, and several community-supported TV and console platforms. Some TV ports are community or homebrew projects, so do not assume that an app exists merely because a television runs Android, Google TV, webOS, or Tizen.
Install and pair Sunshine
- Download Sunshine from the official LizardByte project.
- Install it on the gaming PC.
- Open Sunshine’s web configuration interface.
- Create or confirm the Sunshine credentials.
- Check that the Windows or other host firewall allows Sunshine.
- Confirm that a suitable hardware encoder is available.
- Leave Sunshine running and add any required games or applications.
Sunshine provides Steam and Desktop entries. You can also add individual games manually when automatic detection is incomplete. Its current compatibility information lists hardware-encoding paths for AMD, NVIDIA, Intel, Qualcomm, and Apple platforms, but the project describes its requirements tables as works in progress.
Install and pair Moonlight
- Install Moonlight on the receiving device.
- Put the client and PC on the same local network.
- Open Moonlight and select the PC.
- Enter the PIN displayed by Moonlight into Sunshine’s pairing prompt.
- Start with Steam or Desktop.
- Test video, audio, controller input, and keyboard input.
- Add individual game entries if necessary.
Moonlight can stream the Windows desktop and nearly any game or application that Sunshine can launch. This makes it more flexible than a Steam-only interface, but it also means you may need to manage launchers, permissions, window modes, and game-specific compatibility yourself.
Streaming over the internet
Test the setup locally before attempting internet streaming. Sunshine may use UPnP for automatic port forwarding if it is enabled in Sunshine and supported by your router. Other configurations may require manual router settings, IPv6, the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool, or a private mesh/VPN-style network.
Do not casually expose services to the public internet. Use strong Sunshine credentials, keep the host and router updated, understand which ports are exposed, and prefer a well-understood secure networking arrangement. NAT type, firewall rules, ISP restrictions, distance, and internet routing can all prevent a usable connection even when local streaming works.
Method 3: Connect the PC directly to the TV
An HDMI cable remains the latency benchmark. It avoids network packet loss and most encode/decode variables, so it is usually the better choice for competitive shooters, fighting games, rhythm games, and any title where input timing is critical.
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HDMI is less convenient when the PC and TV are in different rooms. In that situation, streaming can be the better overall experience despite its added delay.
Device-specific advice
Smart TVs and streaming boxes
Check the exact model’s app store rather than relying on the television’s operating-system name. Steam Link is officially listed for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Moonlight has clients for Apple TV, Android, FireOS, and other platforms, but some are community-supported.
A separate streaming box is useful when the TV lacks the required app, has weak decoding performance, poor Wi-Fi, or inconvenient controller support. Ethernet for both the host and TV-side device is often a more meaningful upgrade than buying a premium streaming app.
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Apple TV
Apple TV supports Steam Link, and Moonlight provides an Apple TV client. Moonlight’s documentation says initial pairing must be performed while the Apple TV and PC are on the same network under Apple’s platform rules. The Apple TV remote is not a replacement for a proper game controller. Check support for the controller’s vibration, gyro, touchpad, and button features.
Android TV, Google TV, and Fire TV
Steam lists Android TV and Amazon Fire TV as supported destinations. A Google TV Streamer has built-in Ethernet and was shown at $99.99 on August 18, 2026, but prices and availability change. Verify Steam Link and Moonlight availability for the exact model before buying it; a compatible operating system does not guarantee that every app or controller feature is present.
NVIDIA’s SHIELD TV Pro is another Ethernet-equipped Android TV option with HDMI, USB ports, and 4K HDR playback. It may suit people who want a premium, wired TV client, but it is unnecessary if an existing device already runs the required app.
Phones and tablets
Touch controls are workable for turn-based, menu-driven, and simple games. Most action games are much better with a Bluetooth or USB controller. Consider battery drain, heat, screen size, phone aspect ratio, Wi-Fi congestion, and whether the phone is connected to the same network as the PC.
A phone mount, telescopic controller, or USB-C hub can improve comfort. USB-C-to-HDMI is another option when the phone supports video output, but not every phone does. Since the PC performs the rendering, a reliable controller and network generally matter more than buying a higher-end phone.
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Laptops, handhelds, and VR devices
A laptop, handheld, or second computer can use Steam Link or Moonlight as a portable client. Meta Quest devices are included in Valve’s Steam Link client list, while Moonlight also supports several VR-related platforms. Compatibility, input mapping, and performance vary, so test the specific device and controller rather than assuming every game or VR title will work.
How to tune quality and latency
- Begin at 1080p/60. Confirm that the game itself maintains 60 FPS.
- Use a conservative bitrate. Raise it gradually if the image is soft.
- Fix frame pacing before chasing resolution. A stable 1080p stream feels better than a stuttering 4K stream.
- Increase resolution only when the host, network, and client can sustain it.
- Enable HDR last. Disable it if the image is washed out, flashing, incorrectly tone-mapped, or fails to start.
- Match the stream to the display. A 60-Hz TV should generally receive 60 FPS; a 120-Hz setup needs a host that can render and encode at that rate.
Moonlight advertises up to 4K HDR and 120 FPS on compatible clients. Those are capability ceilings, not guarantees for every complete setup. The PC must render and encode at the target rate, the network must carry the stream, and the client must decode and display it. Sunshine’s documentation gives more demanding guidance for 4K and HDR and emphasizes stronger host hardware and wired networking.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
The PC is not discovered
- Confirm both devices are on the same LAN and not isolated guest networks.
- Check that Steam or Sunshine is running and the PC is awake.
- Temporarily disable a VPN for testing.
- Check Windows Firewall and third-party security software.
- Disable router client isolation.
- Ensure the PC and client use the same router or mesh network without segment isolation.
Moonlight’s setup documentation includes firewall guidance and common ports. Sunshine normally creates Windows Firewall rules, but manual exceptions may be required.
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Start with local pairing, confirm the client is on the correct Wi-Fi network, and recheck the PIN. On Sunshine, verify the web interface credentials and firewall access. Remove an old or incomplete pairing entry and pair again.
Black screen or a stream will not start
- Launch the game once directly on the PC.
- Try the Desktop entry instead of the game entry.
- Add the game executable manually.
- Disable HDR temporarily.
- Match the host display and stream resolution.
- Update the GPU driver and host software.
- Try borderless-windowed mode.
- Check for anti-cheat, DRM, administrator prompts, or games that block capture or remote input.
Some games or GPUs also require an active display or a correctly configured virtual display.
Stutter, dropped frames, or delay
- Network problem: use Ethernet, move the client closer, switch to 5 GHz or 6 GHz, change Wi-Fi channels, and stop large uploads or downloads.
- Encoding problem: lower the host game resolution or frame rate.
- Decoding problem: lower the client resolution, frame rate, or codec complexity.
- Game-performance problem: lower in-game settings and check the PC’s own frame rate.
- Display problem: match the stream frame rate to the TV’s 60-Hz or 120-Hz mode.
Fast broadband does not eliminate local Wi-Fi latency or packet loss.
The controller does not work
- Pair it with the client instead of the PC, or try the reverse.
- Test a USB connection.
- Try an Xbox-layout controller for broad Windows compatibility.
- Close controller-remapping utilities that conflict with Steam Input or Sunshine’s virtual gamepad.
- Check whether the launcher requires keyboard input before the game accepts a controller.
Sunshine supports emulation for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch Pro, and generic controllers, but features such as touchpads, gyro, and vibration can vary by platform and game.
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Audio is missing or wrong
Check the client and TV volume, Windows’ default output device, and whether the game is sending audio to a disconnected headset. Also check soundbar or HDMI-receiver compatibility. Changing resolution or HDR can force the TV to renegotiate its signal, so test audio again afterward.
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Is PC streaming right for you?
Choose Steam Link if you want the fastest route from a Steam library to a TV, phone, tablet, or supported computer. Choose Sunshine and Moonlight if your games are spread across multiple launchers, you want the Windows desktop, or you need more control. Choose HDMI if latency and predictable image quality matter more than convenience. Choose cloud gaming only when you need a remote server rather than access to your own PC.
Begin locally, use Ethernet for the host, connect a real controller, and start at 1080p/60. That combination solves more streaming problems than immediately buying a faster TV or chasing a nominal 4K/120 specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stream games that are not on Steam?
Yes. Sunshine with Moonlight can launch Epic, GOG, Xbox PC, emulator, and standalone game entries, as well as the Windows desktop. Individual launchers, administrator prompts, DRM, and anti-cheat systems can still affect compatibility.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCan I stream outside my home?
Yes, especially with Sunshine and Moonlight, but internet streaming requires local testing first and may involve NAT, firewall, router, ISP, security, and latency problems. Use strong authentication and avoid exposing services casually.
Do I need a powerful TV?
No. The gaming PC runs the game. The receiving device needs a compatible app, suitable video decoding, an appropriate display connection, and reliable input support.
Does the PC need to be connected to a monitor?
Not always. Some games and GPU configurations work headlessly, while others require an active display or a properly configured virtual display. A black screen can be a sign that the game needs one.
Is Wi-Fi good enough?
It can be. Use a capable 5 GHz or newer network for the client and Ethernet for the PC when possible. Interference, packet loss, jitter, and congestion matter more than broadband speed alone.
Is Steam Link free?
Valve provides Steam Link software without requiring a separate paid subscription for local streaming. You still need the gaming PC, the games, and compatible client hardware.
Is Moonlight free?
Moonlight is a free, open-source client. Sunshine is the free, self-hosted host commonly paired with it.
Can I stream to a smart TV without a streaming box?
Sometimes. App availability depends on the exact TV model, operating system, region, firmware, and controller support. Check the TV’s app store before assuming Steam Link or Moonlight is available.
Quick Recap
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