How to Stream from Steam Deck to PC?
The Steam Deck is a portable gaming console developed by Valve, allowing gamers to play their favorite PC games on the go. However, sometimes, you might want to stream your gaming experience from the Steam Deck to your PC, perhaps to play with friends, record gameplay, or simply to free up space on your Steam Deck. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to stream from your Steam Deck to your PC.
Before You Start
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Steam Deck and PC connected to the same network: Ensure both your Steam Deck and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable.
- Steam Deck updated to the latest version: Make sure your Steam Deck is running on the latest version of SteamOS.
- PC running Steam: Ensure your PC is running Steam and you have the latest version installed.
Streaming Requirements
To stream from your Steam Deck to your PC, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Minimum bandwidth of 5 Mbps: You’ll need a minimum bandwidth of 5 Mbps for smooth streaming.
- Recommended bandwidth of 10 Mbps: For higher-quality streaming, we recommend a minimum bandwidth of 10 Mbps.
- compatible streaming device: Your PC needs a compatible streaming device, such as a graphics card or a dedicated streaming card.
Setting Up Steam Link
Steam Link is a feature that allows you to stream your Steam Deck gameplay to your PC. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Enable Steam Link on your Steam Deck
- Open the Steam Deck menu: Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck and select "Settings" from the menu.
- Navigate to the Controller section: In the settings menu, scroll down and select "Controller" from the options.
- Enable Steam Link: Check the box next to "Steam Link" to enable it.
Step 2: Set up Steam Link on your PC
- Open Steam on your PC: Launch Steam on your PC and sign in with your Steam account.
- Navigate to the Steam Link settings: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner, then select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
- Enable Steam Link on your PC: Check the box next to "Steam Link" to enable it.
- Configure your streaming settings: You can adjust your streaming settings, such as resolution, bitrate, and frame rate, by clicking on the "Streaming" tab.
Step 3: Launch Steam Link on your Steam Deck
- Open the Steam Deck menu: Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck and select "Steam Link" from the menu.
- Select your PC from the list: Choose your PC from the list of available streaming devices.
- Start streaming: Click the "Start Streaming" button to begin streaming your Steam Deck gameplay to your PC.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you stream from your Steam Deck to your PC:
- Use a wired connection: If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection for both your Steam Deck and PC for the best streaming quality.
- Adjust your streaming settings: Experiment with different streaming settings to find the best balance between quality and bandwidth usage.
- Use a streaming capture card: If you’re experiencing issues with the built-in streaming feature, consider using a dedicated streaming capture card.
- Monitor your CPU usage: Keep an eye on your CPU usage to ensure it’s not exceeding 50% while streaming. If it is, you may need to adjust your streaming settings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you may encounter while streaming from your Steam Deck to your PC and some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Troubleshooting Tips |
|---|---|
| Poor video quality | Check your internet bandwidth and adjust your streaming settings accordingly. |
| Audio delay | Ensure your audio settings are configured correctly on both your Steam Deck and PC. |
| Connection lost | Check your network connection and restart your Steam Deck and PC if necessary. |
By following these steps and tips, you should be able to stream from your Steam Deck to your PC with ease. Happy streaming!