For those embedded in the gaming world, you are likely to think gaming on a PC is superior to a gaming console experience. However, even the most ardent PC gamer must admit there are some things thatgames consolesdo better. For starters, they allow for gaming on the couch, in front of the TV, without having to relocate your entire workstation in the process.
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Well, thankfully for us PC gamers, this is where the Steam Link app comes in. Using Steam Link, you can utilize the full power of your gaming PC to churn through frames in your favorite Steam games, and yet have it display on your TV the next room over, or even on your phone halfway across the world if your internet connection’s up to scratch. Essentially, it brings the benefits of a portable gaming handheld while still making the most out of a gaming PC. Not to mention, it’s also free.
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We’ve tried it out on some different devices and explained how to use it in simple steps, so that you can get up and running streaming games from your PC to your TV, phone, or tablet.
What is Steam Link, and why should you use it?
Steam Link is the free solution to a PC gamer’s common deilemma: playing Steam games from the comfort of the couch without moving an entire workstation. Because PC gamers tend to have most of their games on theSteam PC gaming platform, Steam Link a great option for those of you looking to play your PC games away from your desktop.
Steam Link was originally a physical device that you could plug into your TV. Now, this hardware is discontinued and the Steam Link software can be installed on all kinds of devices.
Steam Link is now an application that allows you to stream your Steam games from your PC to another device with the Steam Link application installed. The Steam Link app can be used on Android, Apple, VR, and some smart TV devices. you’re able to also use Steam Link on another laptop or PC from within the Steam desktop app. All that’s required is a good local network or internet connection and a compatible device to pair with your gaming PC.
Steam Link isn’t only for gaming at home on the sofa, either. It can also be used for completely remote gaming, providing your internet connection is good enough and your PC is turned on at home with the Steam client open. This means you could use it, for example, to game on your phone while traveling.
Which devices can use Steam Link?
According toValve, you can use the Steam Link app on the following devices:
Steam Link setup: What to do before streaming with the Steam Link app
Before you’re able to stream games to other devices using Steam Link, you have to ensure the Steam client on your gaming PC is set up for game streaming.
While the pairing box should open automatically when you set up the Steam Link app on your receiving device, there’s an option to open it on your gaming PC from this page by clickingPair Steam Link. You can also unpair any already paired devices by clickingUnpair Devices.
You can alsoEnable Advanced Host OptionsandEnable Advanced Client Optionsif you want to get to further maximize performance or quality, or change how much network bandwidth streaming takes up.
How to stream Steam games to another PC or laptop with Steam Link
Streaming Steam games to another PC or laptop is easy - you may do it all via the Steam desktop client, without having to download a standalone Steam Link app.
The first time you stream Steam games to another PC, you might be asked to pair your receiving PC with your host PC. If so, run to your host PC and confirm the prompt that pops up. After that, you shouldn’t have to confirm again.
If your TV isn’t an Android or Apple TV and doesn’t support the Steam Link app, you can use Steam Link on your laptop and connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI. Voila, you’re now gaming on your TV.
If you have any problems (such as the “Stream” button not showing), I’ve found that restarting Steam on both the host and receiving PC should fix the issue. Just ensure that Steam is launched on the host PC before the receiving PC.
How to stream Steam games to an Apple, Android, or smart TV device with Steam Link
While the Steam Link app is slightly different for TVs, all mobile and TV devices can be set up using the following steps.
Now, your device should be paired with your host PC, and you can remotely launch and play games using Steam Link.
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Simply clickStart Playingand your device should start streaming Steam’sBig Picture Modefrom your host PC. From there, you’re able to select a game to play, launch it, and start playing.
To stop playing, hitBto return to the menu, scroll down toPower > Stop Streaming to Device,and your host PC should stop streaming exit Big Picture Mode.
Controls for Steam Link will vary depending on the device you use. If you’re gaming on TV and it supports it, you can plug in aPC gaming controlleror mouse and keyboard. If you’re on a mobile device, you can use the on-screen controls or connect a controller via USB-C or Bluetooth.
Steam Link
Is Steam Link free?
Yes, Steam Link is free. For Android and Apple devices (including TVs) the Steam Link app is free to download and use, and for desktop or laptop PCs it can be used for free inside the Steam client.
