How to Set Up Steam Link for Remote Play

What is Steam Link?

Steam Link is a feature of the Steam platform that streams games from your gaming PC to another device on the same local network. The streamed content is rendered on your gaming PC and sent as a video feed to the remote device, while input from a controller or keyboard and mouse is sent back. This allows you to play your PC games on a television, tablet, smartphone, or another computer without moving the tower.

Steam Link is available in two forms: a dedicated hardware device that connects to a TV via HDMI, and a software app that runs on platforms such as Android, iOS, Apple TV, and other PCs. Both options work with the same underlying streaming technology and require a gaming PC running Steam.

Requirements for Steam Link

Your gaming PC must meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 or the operating system you are using. Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, and a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card. For streaming, a modern GPU with hardware video encoding support is recommended. NVIDIA GeForce RTX series GPUs include the NVENC encoder, which offloads video encoding from the CPU and improves streaming performance. A gaming PC built for streaming often includes such a GPU.

The remote device needs to be on the same local network as your gaming PC. A wired Ethernet connection on both ends provides the most stable stream. If you use Wi-Fi, a strong signal on the 5 GHz band is preferable. The Steam Link app is available for many smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and tablets. The dedicated Steam Link hardware requires an HDMI input on your TV and a power source. For high-resolution streaming, a 4K-capable gaming PC can serve the video feed efficiently.

Setting Up the Steam Link App

To use the Steam Link app, first install it on your remote device from the device's app store. On your gaming PC, make sure Steam is running and you are signed in to your account. Open the Steam Link app on the remote device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your PC. The app will scan your local network for a computer running Steam and display a PIN. Enter that PIN on your gaming PC to complete the pairing.

After pairing, the app will run a brief network check to assess the connection quality. You can then adjust streaming settings such as resolution, bitrate, and audio output. Once configured, you can start streaming by selecting a game from your Steam library on the remote device. The app also supports adding non-Steam games to your library for streaming. If your gaming PC uses a high-refresh-rate display, consider a 1440p gaming PC to maintain sharp visuals during streaming.

Setting Up Steam Link Hardware

If you have the dedicated Steam Link hardware, connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable and plug in the power adapter. Connect the hardware to your network using an Ethernet cable for the best performance. Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi if a wired connection is not available. Turn on the TV and select the correct HDMI input.

The hardware will display a setup wizard. Use a controller connected via USB or Bluetooth to navigate. The wizard will guide you through pairing with your gaming PC on the same network. Once paired, you can launch Steam Big Picture mode directly from the hardware and browse your library. The hardware supports up to four controllers for local multiplayer streaming.

Optimizing Your Network for Remote Play

A stable network is the most important factor for a good streaming experience. Wired Ethernet connections on both the gaming PC and the remote device eliminate wireless interference and provide consistent bandwidth. If you must use Wi-Fi, place your router in a central location and ensure the remote device has a strong signal. Avoid using Wi-Fi on a congested channel; the 5 GHz band generally offers less interference than 2.4 GHz.

Windows 11 includes features that can help reduce streaming latency. Optimizations for windowed games can lower input lag when the game is not in full-screen mode. You can also enable Game Mode in Windows settings to prioritize gaming performance. For more guidance on getting your network ready for streaming, see the article on how to optimize your network for gaming.

Tips for a Better Experience

Use a wired controller connected to the remote device for the lowest input latency. Bluetooth controllers work well but may introduce slight delay. Adjust the streaming settings in the Steam Link app to match your network capacity: lower the resolution and bitrate if you experience stuttering. Enable hardware encoding on your gaming PC if available, as it reduces the CPU load.

Close unnecessary applications on your gaming PC before streaming to free up system resources. If you stream to a TV, consider using a gaming-friendly display mode and adjusting the TV's picture settings to reduce processing lag. For more tips on setting up your gaming environment, see the guide on how to set up a gaming PC for the first time.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Do I need a powerful PC for Steam Link?

Your gaming PC must be capable of running the games you want to play at an acceptable quality. The streaming process adds some overhead, so a PC with a modern multi-core processor and a dedicated graphics card with hardware encoding support is recommended. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 apply.

Can I use a wireless controller with Steam Link?

Yes, you can use Bluetooth or wireless controllers with the remote device. For the lowest input lag, a wired USB controller is preferable. The Steam Link app and hardware support many popular controller types.

What network speed do I need for Steam Link?

A stable wired Ethernet connection is recommended for the best experience. If using Wi-Fi, a strong signal on the 5 GHz band is ideal. The Steam Link app includes a network check to help you determine if your connection is sufficient.

Can I stream over the internet away from home?

Steam Link is designed for local network streaming. Streaming over the internet is possible but requires a very fast and stable upload speed from your home network and low latency. Performance may vary significantly.

Does Steam Link support 4K streaming?

The Steam Link hardware and app support up to 4K resolution, depending on your network bandwidth and the capabilities of your gaming PC and remote device. Higher resolutions require more network capacity.

Can I use Steam Link with non-Steam games?

Yes, you can add non-Steam games to your Steam library and stream them through Steam Link. The game must be installed on your gaming PC and launched via Steam.

How do I fix connection issues?

Ensure both devices are on the same local network. Use wired connections if possible. Restart your router and gaming PC. Check for interference from other wireless devices. Adjust streaming settings to a lower resolution or bitrate in the Steam Link app.

Is Steam Link free?

The Steam Link app is free to download from app stores. The dedicated Steam Link hardware was a retail product but is no longer manufactured. The app provides the same functionality on compatible devices.