I'm confused, how do I *actually* download and install Steam Link on my PC?

[greatwolf.steam]

Title's self-explanatory. The pinned threads on top only contains changelogs, no actually download link to steam link. Also the steam store page has no download or install button either. How is this suppose to install?

[Arno]

The Steam Link app is for installation on devices that will stream from the host PC; you don't install it on the host PC.

The Android and iOS apps will come from the respective sources (Google Play Store, Apple App Store, etc.) or if you have a smart TV that runs Android then they'll hopefully have it in whatever installation interface they provide.

If you're talking about a desktop PC that you want to stream games to, it's not really intended for that; you're supposed to just install Steam itself and use that.

[_I_]

windows
https://steamcommunity.com/app/353380/discussions/8/599640708794595401/
https://media.steampowered.com/steamlink/windows/latest/SteamLink.zip

linux
https://steamcommunity.com/app/353380/discussions/10/597388342426870249/
https://flathub.org/apps/details/com.valvesoftware.SteamLink

mac
https://steamcommunity.com/app/353380/discussions/9/599641632829107563/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/steam-link/id1246969117


steam link was initially hardware, not software, no install, only buy and receive the device

now, link apps are for pc, pi, android and other device, that basically do the same thing
they work as a client, and connect to a host pc and control the host and receive audio/video from the host pc

[Arno]

Oh wait, there actually are desktop versions of the Steam Link app? Interesting...I did not know that. I guess that's good, for smaller systems where running the full Steam client itself is already a significant resource drain. Good to know, thanks for correcting me!

[TrenchcoatCraig]

Honestly I’m quite surprised the Steam Link desktop apps aren’t distributed through the Steam storefront. It would make using a Steam Deck or other PC handheld as a remote means of accessing a host PC’s full desktop significantly easier (the remote play functionality built into the Steam Client only streams games and not the full desktop)

[_I_]

a workaround is to add explorer.exe to the host as a non steam game

then it can start explorer, but when that windows is closed it will end the session