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Can I Add Non-Steam Games to Steam Link? A Comprehensive Guide

Absolutely! You can indeed add non-Steam games to your Steam library and subsequently stream them using Steam Link. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to enjoy games from other platforms like Epic Games, GOG, or even emulated titles on your TV or mobile device. The process involves adding the non-Steam game to your Steam library and then using Steam Link to stream your entire desktop, including the newly added game. Let’s dive into the how-to and address some common questions.

Adding Non-Steam Games: The How-To

The fundamental process is straightforward:

Open Steam on your computer.
Navigate to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library. Alternatively, click “Add a Game” in the bottom-left corner and select “Add a Non-Steam Game.”
A pop-up window will display a list of installed programs. If your game is listed, select it. If not, click “Browse…”
Use the file explorer to locate the executable (.exe) file of the game you want to add.
Select the game’s .exe file and click “Open.”
Click “Add Selected Programs.” The game will now appear in your Steam library.

Once the game is added to your library, you can launch it through Steam, and most importantly, stream it using Steam Link to any device running the Steam Link app.

Understanding Steam Link Streaming Capabilities

Steam Link is designed to stream virtually anything running on your host computer. This means if you can launch the non-Steam game on your PC, Steam Link can stream it. The quality of your streaming experience largely depends on your network connection. A wired connection is highly recommended for optimal performance, especially for graphically demanding games.

Minimum Requirements for Smooth Streaming:

A computer running Steam (Windows 7 or newer, Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or newer, SteamOS, or Linux Ubuntu 12.04 or newer).
Stable home network connectivity between the Steam Link device and the host computer. Wired Ethernet is strongly recommended to minimize lag and ensure high-quality streaming.
A Steam account.
The Steam Link app installed on your target device (TV, phone, tablet, etc.).

Addressing Common Concerns

While adding non-Steam games is relatively simple, some users encounter issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Game Doesn’t Launch: Ensure the game is properly installed and can be launched directly from your computer. Verify the game’s system requirements are met.
Streaming Issues: Check your network connection. Wired connections are significantly more reliable than Wi-Fi. Lowering the streaming quality settings in Steam Link can also improve performance.
Controller Support: Some non-Steam games may not automatically recognize controllers. You might need to configure controller settings within the game itself or use a third-party program like x360ce to emulate an Xbox 360 controller.
Display Issues: Ensure your monitor resolution matches the resolution you’re trying to stream at.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding and playing non-Steam games with Steam Link:

1. Does Steam Link work with any game?

Virtually every game that your computer runs can be streamed with Steam Link. The key is adding the game to your Steam library as a non-Steam game. However, performance can vary depending on the game’s system requirements and your network connection.

2. Can I link Epic Games to Steam for streaming purposes?

While you can’t directly “link” your Epic Games account to Steam to automatically import your library, you can add individual Epic Games titles to your Steam library as non-Steam games. Launch the Epic Games launcher, then add the specific game’s executable file to Steam as described above.

3. What kind of network is best for Steam Link?

A wired (Ethernet) connection is highly recommended for the best Steam Link experience. Wi-Fi can be used, but it’s more susceptible to interference and can result in lag or dropped connections, especially for high-bandwidth games.

4. Does Steam count playtime for non-Steam games?

Yes, Steam tracks the playtime of non-Steam games added to your library. This is a useful way to keep track of how much time you’re spending on all your games, regardless of where you purchased them.

5. Is Steam Link discontinued?

The Steam Link hardware device has been discontinued, but the Steam Link app is still available for various platforms, including Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi. Valve also ended support for the app on Samsung TVs in November 2023.

6. What else can you do with Steam Link besides stream games?

Steam Link allows you to stream your entire desktop, not just games. This means you can use it for other applications, such as web browsing, watching videos, or even working on documents. It effectively turns your TV or mobile device into a remote display for your computer.

7. Is Moonlight better than Steam Remote Play?

The performance of Moonlight versus Steam Remote Play is subjective and depends on various factors, including your hardware, network, and the game you’re playing. Many users report that Moonlight (with Sunshine on the host PC) offers superior streaming quality and lower latency due to its use of NVIDIA’s GameStream technology (or AMD’s equivalent using the Sunshine open-source project). However, Steam Remote Play is generally more user-friendly to set up.

8. Can you get banned for sharing Steam games with non-Steam games?

Adding non-Steam games to your library does not violate Steam’s terms of service and will not result in a ban. However, sharing your entire Steam library with someone who then uses it to cheat in multiplayer games can lead to a ban.

9. Is it safe to use SteamUnlocked?

SteamUnlocked is a website that offers free downloads of games, and as such, it is generally considered unsafe and illegal. Downloading games from SteamUnlocked violates copyright laws and poses a risk of downloading malware or viruses. Stick to legitimate sources like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

10. Can I use Steam Link on a browser?

While there was a Steam Link extension for browsers in the past, it’s no longer the primary method of using Steam Link. The recommended approach is to use the dedicated Steam Link app available for various devices.

11. Can you use Steam Link without a controller?

Yes, when you launch the Steam Link app without a controller, touch controls are automatically available. This allows you to control the game using on-screen buttons and virtual joysticks. You can customize the touch controls to suit your preferences.

12. Are there alternative options to Steam Link?

Yes, besides Moonlight, other alternative options include:

Parsec: Known for its low-latency streaming, particularly suitable for online multiplayer gaming.
Rainway: Another streaming solution that focuses on ease of use and cross-platform compatibility.
NVIDIA GeForce Now & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass): These are cloud-based services that allow you to stream games without needing a powerful PC.

13. How do I troubleshoot controller issues with Steam Link?

If your controller isn’t working with a non-Steam game through Steam Link, try the following:

Ensure the controller is connected and recognized by your computer.
Configure controller settings within the Steam client. Go to Steam > Settings > Controller.
Configure controller settings within the game itself.
Try using a controller emulation program like x360ce to map your controller to an Xbox 360 controller profile, which is widely supported by PC games.

14. Will adding a non-Steam game impact Steam’s performance?

Adding a non-Steam game to your Steam library generally has minimal impact on Steam’s performance. The main performance considerations come into play when you are actively streaming the game using Steam Link, which will depend on your computer’s hardware and network connection.

15. Are there any educational applications for Steam Link and non-Steam games?

Absolutely! The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) and similar organizations explore the use of games for educational purposes. Steam Link can facilitate shared learning experiences by allowing teachers or students to stream educational games or simulations to multiple devices, fostering collaboration and engagement. Games, even non-Steam games, can provide immersive and interactive learning environments. For more information on the intersection of games and education, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Can I add non-Steam games to Steam Link?