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Gaming

Set Up Sunshine Game Streaming on a Windows 11 Gaming PC

Install Sunshine, configure GPU encoding, and stream your PC games to another device through Moonlight.

by@guidox updated:10/29/26 time:20 min level:Intermediate works on:Windows 11 25H2 x64, Sunshine Windows installer, Moonlight client tools:Sunshine, Moonlight
TL;DR

Install **Sunshine** on your gaming PC, configure its streaming host, and connect a **Moonlight** client.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Windows 11 25H2 x64
  • Supported GPU with hardware encoding
  • Administrator rights
  • Reliable local network
  • Sunshine installer from https://github.com/LizardByte/Sunshine/releases
  • Moonlight client from https://moonlight-stream.org/
Step by step

Instructions

01

Install Sunshine

Download the Windows installer from the official **Sunshine** releases page. Run it and approve the required Windows permissions.

02

Open the web interface

Launch **Sunshine** and open its local administration interface in your browser. Accept the locally generated certificate warning only after confirming you opened your own host.

https://localhost:47990
03

Create administrator credentials

Create a strong username and password. Sign in and review the host configuration.

⚠ warningDo not expose Sunshine's administration interface directly to the public internet.
04

Configure streaming

Open **Configuration** and check the video encoder and display options. Use automatic encoder detection unless your hardware requires a specific choice.

05

Connect Moonlight

Install **Moonlight** on the client device. Select your PC and enter the displayed pairing PIN in Sunshine.

06

Test gameplay

Start **Desktop** streaming or a configured application. Confirm that video, audio, and controller or keyboard input work.

tipStart at a moderate resolution and bitrate before increasing stream quality.
Troubleshooting

Common issues

Moonlight cannot find the host.

Check that Sunshine is running, both devices are on the same local network, and Windows Firewall permits Sunshine.

The stream displays a black screen.

Check the selected display, GPU encoder support, and monitor connection. Update the GPU driver if necessary.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does Sunshine require an NVIDIA GPU?

No. Supported AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA hardware encoders can be used.

Can Sunshine stream outside my home?

Yes, with an appropriately secured network solution such as a VPN.

How to undo this

Unpair the PC from **Moonlight**, uninstall **Sunshine** through Windows installed apps, and remove any Sunshine-specific firewall exceptions you added.

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