How to Get Steam Link to Open in Desktop Mode
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To get Steam Link to open in desktop mode, go to your Steam Link Settings > Streaming, press (Y) or equivalent to open Advanced Settings, and you’ll see an option to stream desktop. This will allow you to access your desktop directly through Steam Link, providing a more comprehensive and customizable experience.
Understanding Steam Link and Its Capabilities
Steam Link is a powerful tool that enables users to stream games and content from their PC to any TV in their home, using a Steam Link device or the Steam Link app on supported devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Steam Link Questions
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Why can’t Steam Link find my desktop? Your Steam Link and host computer must be connected to the same router to see each other, with Steam running and logged in to your Steam account on the host computer.
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How do I show desktop links in Windows 10? You can press the Windows Key + D to show your desktop, or right-click on your Taskbar to access the Windows 10 Power Menu and click Show Desktop.
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How do I fix Steam URL shortcuts? To fix the Steam “.url” desktop shortcut glitch, type “Default apps” into the Windows search bar, open the app, and choose Internet Browser as the default for “.url” files.
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Can you use Steam Link on a browser? Yes, the SteamLink extension allows Steam URLs to open in the Steam desktop application instead of the browser.
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Is Steam Link still supported? Although Valve announced the end of Steam Link hardware production, they continue to support software updates for existing devices and recommend using the mobile app for similar functionality.
Steam Link Functionality and Performance
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Does Steam Link have on-screen controls? Yes, touch controls are available when launching the Steam Link app without a controller, and you can change mouse mode and show or hide on-screen touch controls.
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How do I change my Steam Link settings? Select Settings from the Steam Link main menu, then Streaming, and press the (Y) button to enter Advanced Client Options where you can adjust settings like Bandwidth Limit.
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How do I change the controller layout in Steam Link? In the desktop client, select Steam > Settings > Controller to change general controller settings or global configurations.
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Why is Steam Link so laggy? An unstable network connection is the main reason for Steam Link audio lag, which can be improved by using a wired Ethernet connection and a faster router.
Steam Link Compatibility and Requirements
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What’s the point of Steam Link? The Steam Link allows you to stream games from your Steam Library on your PC to any TV in your home.
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Is Steam Link capped at 60 fps? While the target is 1080p at 60 frames per second, it’s possible to stream 4K at 60 FPS with a powerful gaming rig, wired network, and capable client device.
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Does any game work with Steam Link? You can add non-Steam games to your Steam library and stream them using Steam Link, including games from Origin, Epic, and GoG.
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Does Steam Link do 4K? Yes, Steam Link supports 4K streaming, and with the right hardware and network, you can achieve high-quality 4K streams.
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Is moonlight better than Steam remote play? Moonlight performed better than Steam Remote Play in some tests, especially with GPU encoding, but the choice may depend on your specific setup and preferences.
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What Internet speed do I need for Steam Remote Play? Valve suggests a connection of 10–30Mbps for Steam Remote Play to ensure a smooth experience, though higher speeds can support more demanding streams.