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What happens if you’re gaming on your desktop Windows PC but want to continue the game from a different part of the house — or even out of the house? If you’re using Steam, Valve’s PC gaming destination, you can get around the first part of this dilemma by using Steam Link, an in-home game streaming solution that uses your local network. And now, there’s a way around the second as well — with some caveats.

While the recent release of the Steam Deck has provided gamers with a new way to play games away from their desktop, the Steam Link feature lets you stream your games from anywhere using an Android or Apple device with an internet connection (R.I.P Steam Link Box). Even though Steam Link has been out of beta for some time, the service can still be an uphill battle even for power users, so don’t be surprised if you experience inconsistent connectivity or performance.

So, let’s get started on setting up Steam game streaming from one desktop to another or between your desktop and your mobile device.

This should maybe go without saying, but your network needs to be robust — if your Wi-Fi is weak, slow, congested, or there’s too much interference, you won’t see great results. With a wired ethernet connection on both ends, Steam streaming can feel practically seamless inside your own home, but it can be completely unplayable with a poor wireless link. Just keep that in mind.

The Steam settings menu Image: Alice Newcome-Beill

From now on, whenever you attempt to stream in-home or remotely, you’ll be required to enter the PIN.

You’re finally through the setup process! As long as you stay logged in to both Steam clients, you should be able to quickly use Steam Link streaming when you’re on your own local network — or over the public internet, from your phone. More on that below.

Setting up a PIN for Steam Link on desktop

The default controls can be cumbersome for some titles

You can fine tune many of the touch controls in the Steam Link app

Steam Link even lets MacOS stream from Windows machines

Update March 7th, 2021, 2:20PM ET: This article was originally published on April 3rd, 2019; the directions and the screenshots have been updated.

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