Does My PC Need to Be On for Steam Link? The Definitive Answer

The short and definitive answer is: yes, your PC absolutely needs to be on for Steam Link to work. Steam Link functions by streaming the video and audio from your PC to another device. Think of it like a remote desktop connection specifically tailored for gaming. Your PC handles all the heavy lifting – running the game, rendering the graphics, and processing the audio. The Steam Link device (or the Steam Link app on another device like a phone or tablet) acts as a receiver and controller input transmitter. Without a PC powered on and running Steam, there’s nothing to stream.

This fundamental requirement stems from how Steam Link is designed. It’s not a cloud gaming service where games are run on remote servers. Instead, it extends the gaming capabilities of your existing PC to other screens in your home (or even remotely with Remote Play Anywhere).

Understanding How Steam Link Works

To fully grasp why your PC needs to be on, let’s delve a bit deeper into the mechanics of Steam Link:

• Host PC: This is your primary gaming rig. It needs to meet the minimum requirements for both the game you want to play and Steam Remote Play. A more powerful PC generally results in a smoother streaming experience.
• Network Connection: A stable and fast network is crucial. Wired Ethernet is strongly recommended, but a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection can also work well.
• Client Device: This is the device running the Steam Link app. It could be a Steam Link box, a smartphone, a tablet, or even another computer. The client device needs to be able to decode the video stream sent by the host PC.
• Streaming Process: The host PC captures the game’s video and audio, encodes it into a stream, and sends it over the network to the client device. The client device decodes the stream and displays it on the screen. Simultaneously, the client device captures controller inputs and sends them back to the host PC.

Because the host PC is doing all of the game processing, if it is off then Steamlink can’t do anything.

Setting Up Steam Link for Optimal Performance

Once you are sure that your PC is switched on and running with all requirements met, these steps will help ensure a better experience:

1. Ensure Steam is Running: This seems obvious, but it’s worth stating. Steam needs to be actively running on your host PC and you need to be logged in to your Steam account.
2. Network Connectivity: Verify that both your host PC and the Steam Link device are connected to the same network.
3. Wired Connection (Recommended): Use an Ethernet cable for the most stable and reliable connection.
4. 5GHz Wi-Fi (Alternative): If a wired connection isn’t possible, use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network to minimize interference.
5. Router Configuration: Prioritize network traffic for the Steam Link device in your router settings (if possible). This can help reduce latency and improve streaming quality.
6. Steam Link Settings: Adjust the streaming settings within the Steam Link app. You can choose between different quality presets (Fast, Balanced, Beautiful) and manually adjust the bandwidth limit.
7. Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall isn’t blocking Steam’s network traffic.

Troubleshooting Common Steam Link Issues

Even with a proper setup, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Connection Problems: Double-check your network connection, ensure Steam is running, and restart both the host PC and the Steam Link device.
• Lag: Try lowering the streaming quality, switching to a wired connection, or upgrading your router.
• Controller Issues: Ensure your controller is properly paired and that Steam recognizes it. Try restarting Steam or updating your controller drivers.
• Visual Artifacts: This can be caused by a weak network connection or insufficient bandwidth. Try lowering the streaming quality or using a wired connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Steam Link and PC Requirements

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the requirements and capabilities of Steam Link:

1. Can Steam Link wake up my PC from sleep?

   Yes, Steam Link can wake up your PC from sleep using Wake on LAN (WOL). However, this feature requires a wired network connection and proper configuration in your PC’s BIOS and operating system settings. You also may experience issues if you are using Windows 10 or 11.

2. Do I need a powerful PC for Steam Link?

   Yes, you need a sufficiently powerful PC to run the games you want to stream. The Steam Link only displays what the PC is outputting. The performance of your PC directly impacts the streaming experience.

3. Why won’t my Steam Link connect?

   Connection problems can arise from various factors, including network issues, firewall restrictions, and software glitches. Verify your network connection, disable any firewalls, and try reinstalling the Steam Link app or Steam.

4. What are the minimum requirements for Steam Link?

   The minimum requirements include a PC running Steam (Windows 7 or newer, macOS X 10.10 or newer, SteamOS, or Linux Ubuntu 12.04 or newer) and a home network connection. A wired network is highly recommended.

5. What are the requirements for the Steam Remote Play client (the device receiving the stream)?

   The client device should have a GPU that supports hardware accelerated H.264 decoding. Any recent laptop, PC, or smartphone should meet these requirements.

6. How do I make Steam Link faster and reduce lag?

   For best performance, use a router that supports the 802.11ac protocol or a wired Ethernet connection. Choose the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band over the 2.4 GHz band. Lowering the streaming quality in the Steam Link settings can also help.

7. Is Moonlight better than Steam Remote Play?

   Some users report that Moonlight, an open-source game streaming solution, offers superior performance and lower latency compared to Steam Remote Play. However, your results may vary depending on your hardware and network configuration.

8. Will my games still download if my PC is in sleep mode?

   No, games will not download if your PC is in sleep mode because the disk drive is turned off. You must keep your PC awake for downloads to progress.

9. Do both players need to own the game for Steam Remote Play Together?

   No, only the host needs to own and install the game for Steam Remote Play Together. Additional players can connect through Steam Remote Play streaming technology.

10. What happens if I turn off my computer during a Steam download?

    If you shut down your PC during a Steam download without properly exiting Steam, you may experience issues and have to redownload everything again. Always allow Steam to finish its tasks before shutting down.

11. Does Steam Link support 4K streaming?

    Yes, Steam Link supports 4K streaming at 60 FPS, but this requires a powerful gaming rig, a wired network, and a capable client device.

12. What is the minimum internet speed for Steam Link?

    Steam recommends a minimum download speed of 1 Mbps. For Steam Link, it is better to use 5 GHz WiFi to avoid congestion from other devices. This refers to your internal network speed, not your internet speed.

13. How do I make my Steam Link stream smoother?

    Setting the quality to “Balanced” or “Fast” will reduce the bandwidth used for streaming, reducing visual quality but lowering the load on your network. Adjusting the designated bandwidth can also improve the streaming experience.

14. Does Steam Link support Wi-Fi 6?

    Yes, Steam Link is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 routers. Using a Wi-Fi 6 router can provide a smoother streaming experience, especially if you set your Steam Link to stream at the highest quality.

15. Can I play any game with Steam Link, even games not purchased on Steam?

    Yes, you can add non-Steam games to your Steam library and stream them using Steam Link. This allows you to play games from other launchers or DRM-free titles.

Steam Link and the Future of Gaming

Steam Link has undeniably changed how we approach gaming, offering convenience and flexibility. Understanding the core requirements, especially the need for a powered-on host PC, is crucial for a seamless experience. As technology evolves, we can expect further refinements in streaming capabilities, potentially blurring the lines between local and remote play. To learn more about the intersection of gaming and learning, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website.

By properly setting up your Steam Link and optimizing your network, you can enjoy your favorite games on any screen in your home, leveraging the power of your gaming PC.