Steam Link is a great tool that allows you to stream games from your PC to other devices. However, sometimes it can stop working properly on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to enjoy your games seamlessly.
The good news is that most Steam Link issues are fixable with simple troubleshooting steps. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.
In this article, we will walk you through easy and effective solutions to get Steam Link working again on your Windows 11 system.
By the end, you should have a clear understanding of how to resolve common problems and enjoy smooth game streaming.
Quick Note: Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting
- Check your network connection: Steam Link requires a stable and fast network, preferably over Wi-Fi 5GHz or Ethernet.
- Ensure Steam is updated: Both Steam on your PC and the Steam Link app should be running the latest versions.
- Verify PC and Steam Link are on the same network: Streaming only works if both devices are connected to the same local network.
- Restart devices: Sometimes, simply restarting your PC, router, and Steam Link device can clear temporary issues.
Step 1: Restart Steam and Steam Link
Before diving into complex fixes, try restarting the Steam client on your PC and the Steam Link device or app. This step refreshes the connection and can solve minor glitches.
- Close Steam completely on your Windows 11 PC by right-clicking the Steam icon in the system tray and selecting Exit.
- Close the Steam Link app on your device or exit the Steam Link program if you are using it on Windows.
- Wait for about 10 seconds, then reopen Steam on your PC and launch the Steam Link app again.
Restarting helps because sometimes network or software processes get stuck, and a fresh start clears that.
Step 2: Check Network Settings and Firewall
Steam Link depends on your network and firewall settings to communicate properly. Incorrect firewall rules or poor network setup can block the connection.
Verify Firewall Permissions
- Click the Start button and type Windows Security, then open it.
- Go to Firewall & network protection.
- Click Allow an app through firewall.
- Look for Steam and Steam Link in the list. Ensure both Private and Public network boxes are checked.
- If they are not listed, click Allow another app, browse to the Steam and Steam Link executables, and add them.
Verify Network Type
Make sure your PC’s network is set to Private, not Public, so devices on the same network can communicate freely.
- Open Settings by pressing
Windows + I. - Go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
- Click your connected network name.
- Ensure Network profile is set to Private.
This allows devices like Steam Link to discover and connect to your PC without restrictions.
Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause streaming issues. Keeping your drivers updated helps Steam Link work smoothly.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
- Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers manually.
Restart your PC after updating to ensure changes take effect.
Step 4: Enable Steam In-Home Streaming
Steam Link relies on Steam’s In-Home Streaming feature. If this is disabled, the connection won’t work.
- Open Steam on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click Steam in the upper left corner, then select Settings.
- Go to the Remote Play tab.
- Check the box next to Enable Remote Play.
- If you have multiple devices, click Pair Steam Link to refresh the connection.
This setting allows your PC to accept streaming connections from the Steam Link app.
Step 5: Change Steam Link Streaming Settings
If your connection is slow or unstable, adjusting the streaming settings can improve performance.
- Open the Steam Link app.
- Go to Settings > Streaming.
- Lower the resolution and frame rate to reduce bandwidth usage.
- Try switching between Hardware encoding and Software encoding to see which works better.
Lowering quality can reduce lag or disconnects, especially on slower Wi-Fi networks.
Step 6: Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connections can be unstable or slow, affecting Steam Link’s performance. Using Ethernet cables ensures a stable, fast connection.
- Connect both your Windows 11 PC and Steam Link device to the router using Ethernet cables.
- This reduces interference and packet loss common with wireless networks.
If running Ethernet cables is not possible, ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and on the 5GHz band rather than 2.4GHz for better speed.
Step 7: Reinstall Steam Link App
If the Steam Link app itself is causing issues, reinstalling it can help.
- On your Steam Link device or PC, uninstall the Steam Link app.
- Restart the device.
- Download and install the latest version of Steam Link from the official source.
This ensures you have a fresh, up-to-date installation free of corrupted files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Steam Link say “No Computers Found”?
This usually means your PC and Steam Link app are not on the same network, Steam is not running on your PC, or firewall settings are blocking detection. Make sure Steam is open, devices are on the same private network, and firewall allows Steam.
Can I use Steam Link over the internet, not just local network?
Yes, Steam Link supports streaming over the internet, but it requires a good upload speed on your PC and a stable connection. You need to enable Remote Play Anywhere in Steam settings.
Steam Link audio is not working. How do I fix it?
Check that your audio output device is correctly selected in both the Steam Link app and your PC. Also, ensure that sound drivers are up to date.
Is Steam Link compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, Steam Link is fully compatible with Windows 11, but you must keep both Steam and Windows updated for the best experience.
Why does Steam Link stream lag or stutter?
This is often due to network issues, low bandwidth, or hardware limitations. Try using Ethernet, lowering streaming quality, or closing background apps to improve performance.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and Steam Link is still not working, consider the following options:
- Check Steam Support: Visit the official Steam Support page for troubleshooting guides and community help.
- Contact Steam Community: Post your issue on the Steam Community Forums to get advice from other users.
- Reset Network: Reset your router or Windows network settings as a last resort to clear persistent network problems.
- Check Hardware: Test streaming with a different PC or device to rule out hardware faults.
Conclusion
Fixing Steam Link on Windows 11 usually involves checking your network, firewall, and app settings. Starting with simple restarts and ensuring both devices are on the same network often resolves most issues.
Keeping your graphics drivers updated and enabling In-Home Streaming are also key steps. For the best experience, use Ethernet connections and adjust streaming quality if needed.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy smooth game streaming using Steam Link on your Windows 11 PC. If problems persist, official support and community forums are valuable resources.