Steam Link lets you stream your desktop to another device on the same network

Steam Link is a streaming tool that sends video and input from your main computer to another device — a phone, tablet, or another PC — over your home network. To access your desktop (rather than just Steam games), you need to enable desktop streaming in Steam's settings, then launch it from the Steam Link app on your second device. The desktop appears on that device's screen, and you control it with a mouse, keyboard, or controller connected to the second device.

This is different from remote desktop software like Microsoft Remote Desktop or Chrome Remote Desktop, which work over the internet. Steam Link only works on your local network and is designed primarily for gaming, but the desktop streaming feature works for any application.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop streaming is a setting you turn on in Steam on your main computer, not something that works automatically.
  • Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network or connected by Ethernet for Steam Link to find your computer.
  • You launch desktop streaming from the Steam Link app on your second device — it appears as an option alongside your games.
  • A wired network connection (Ethernet) gives better performance than Wi-Fi, especially for mouse and keyboard responsiveness.

Enable desktop streaming on your main computer

Open Steam on the computer you want to stream from. Go to Steam menu (top left) → Settings → Remote Play. Check the box next to Enable Remote Play. This setting applies to all devices on your network that have the Steam Link app installed.

You do not need to do anything else on this computer. Steam will now broadcast that it is available for streaming. Leave Steam running in the background — it does not need to be in focus, but the application must be open.

Install Steam Link on your second device

On the device you want to stream to, download the Steam Link app. It is free and available on:

  • iPhone and iPad (App Store)
  • Android phones and tablets (Google Play)
  • Windows and Mac (Steam store, or direct download from Valve)
  • Chromebooks (Google Play)
  • Some smart TVs (Samsung, LG, and others have native Steam Link apps)

Install the app and open it. You will see a list of computers on your network that have Remote Play enabled. Tap or click on your main computer's name.

Connect and launch desktop streaming

When you select your computer, Steam Link will pair the devices. The first time you connect, you may see a pairing code on your main computer's screen — confirm it on both devices. After pairing, you will see a list of available streams: your games and Desktop.

Tap or click Desktop to start streaming. Your desktop will appear on the second device's screen. The mouse cursor and keyboard input will control your main computer remotely. If you have a controller connected to the second device, you can use that instead.

Improve performance with network settings

Steam Link works over Wi-Fi, but a wired Ethernet connection is faster and more reliable. If your second device does not have an Ethernet port, consider using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, or keep it close to your Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength.

In the Steam Link app settings, you can adjust the streaming resolution and frame rate. Lower settings use less network bandwidth and may feel more responsive on slower connections. Start with the default and lower the resolution if you see lag or stuttering.

If your main computer is far from the router or on a different floor, Wi-Fi performance may be noticeably slower. Moving the router or using a mesh Wi-Fi system can help, but Ethernet is the most reliable option if available.

Troubleshooting common issues

If Steam Link does not see your computer, check that both devices are on the same network. Some networks separate devices into different subnets — ask your network administrator or check your router settings. Restart the Steam Link app and make sure Steam is running on your main computer.

If the connection drops or feels laggy, move closer to the router or switch to a wired connection. Reduce the streaming resolution in Steam Link settings. If other devices are using a lot of bandwidth (streaming video, downloading files), pause those to free up network capacity.

If the mouse or keyboard feels delayed, this is usually a network latency issue. Wired connections almost always solve this. On Wi-Fi, moving the second device closer to the router or reducing the streaming resolution can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Steam Link over the internet, not just my home network?

Steam Link is designed for local networks only. For remote access over the internet, use Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows), Apple Remote Desktop (Mac), or Chrome Remote Desktop (any system). These tools work across the internet but are not optimized for gaming like Steam Link is.

Do I need a Steam account on the second device?

Yes, you need to sign in with a Steam account on the Steam Link app. It does not have to be the same account as your main computer, but both devices must have Steam accounts to pair. The account on the second device is just for authentication — it does not need to own any games.

Will streaming my desktop drain my main computer's battery?

If your main computer is a laptop, yes — streaming uses CPU and network resources. Keep it plugged in while streaming. Desktop computers do not have this issue. The second device's battery will also drain faster while streaming, so plug it in if you plan to stream for a long time.

Can multiple people use Steam Link to the same computer at once?

No. Only one device can stream from your main computer at a time. If someone else tries to connect while you are already streaming, they will see a message that the computer is in use.

What if my main computer goes to sleep?

Steam Link will not work if your computer is asleep or locked. Keep your main computer awake while you are streaming. You can adjust power settings in Windows or Mac to prevent sleep during streaming, or manually wake the computer before starting Steam Link.