What is SteamLink.exe?
steamlink.exe is the Windows executable for the Valve Steam Link client that enables streaming gameplay from your powerful PC to other devices on your network. It coordinates session setup, video/audio transport, and input routing between host and client.
Steam Link uses a client/server streaming model. The steamlink.exe process negotiates a low-latency video/audio pipeline, decodes video, encodes input, and maintains the session with the host Steam library.
Quick Fact: Steam Link was designed to work over local networks and supports controller input forwarding with minimal latency.
Types of Steam Link Processes
- Client Process: Steam Link UI and session controller on the client machine
- Video Decode Process: Decodes host video stream for display
- Audio/Network Process: Transmits audio and network messages between host and client
- Input Forwarding: Sends controller input back to the host
- Discovery/Pairing: Discovers host PC and pairs with Steam on the same network
Is steamlink.exe Safe?
Yes, steamlink.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Valve Steam Link client installed from Steam.
Is steamlink.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real steamlink.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may counterfeit file names; always verify location and signature.
How to Tell if steamlink.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\SteamLink\SteamLink.exe or C:\Program Files\SteamLink\SteamLink.exe. Any steamlink.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click SteamLink.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Valve Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is around 1-6% CPU, 40-180 MB memory during streaming. Abnormally high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Steam Link should only run during streaming or pairing. Continuous background activity when not using Steam Link may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If steamlink.exe is located outside the SteamLink folder, lacks a valid signature, or spikes CPU/memory constantly when idle, run an antivirus scan. Be wary of similarly named files like "steamlink.exe.bak" from untrusted sources.
Why Is steamlink.exe Running on My PC?
steamlink.exe runs when you start the Steam Link client or when you pair and stream a game from a host PC on the same network.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Streaming Session: You are currently streaming a Steam game; the client handles the session end-to-end.
- Background Pairing Services: The client maintains pairing state and discovery for rapid reconnects with the host PC.
- Startup Shortcut: Steam Link may be configured to launch at Windows startup or via Start Menu shortcuts.
- Controller/Input Forwarding: Steam Link forwards controller input from your device to the host PC during gameplay.
- Network Discovery: The app periodically scans the local network to locate available Steam hosts.
Can I Disable or Remove steamlink.exe?
Yes, you can disable Steam Link. You can close the app when not in use and uninstall Steam Link from Steam if you no longer need it.
How to Stop steamlink.exe
- End Streaming Session: In the Steam Link app, click Disconnect or Exit to stop streaming
- Close Application: Close the Steam Link client window or press Alt+F4
- Remove Startup Shortcut: Windows: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Steam Link
- Prevent Background Running: In Steam Link settings, disable auto-pairing and background activity
- Uninstall Steam Link: From Steam: Library → Installed → Steam Link → Manage → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Steam Link
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Steam Link → Uninstall
- ✔ Steam client → Settings → Downloads → Steam Link → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider reinstalling Steam Link later from the Steam Store if needed
Common Problems: Streaming Issues or Startup Errors
If Steam Link is not behaving as expected, the following problems and fixes apply specifically to steamlink.exe streaming scenarios.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Cannot connect to host PC: Ensure both devices are on the same LAN/Wi‑Fi network, Steam is running on the host, and the host appears in Steam Link app.
- Stuttering video: Reduce resolution, enable performance settings, and ensure low network latency between host and client.
- Audio desync: Toggle audio on/off in Steam Link settings or switch to a wired connection for stability.
- High CPU or memory usage: Close other apps, ensure host PC has headroom, and update Steam Link and Steam to latest versions.
- Controller not responding: Re-pair the controller in Steam Link or update firmware; verify controller is supported.
- Steam Link crashes on launch: Verify Steam Link installation in Steam, reinstall Steam Link if needed, and run Windows updates.
Quick Fixes:
1. Restart Steam Link and ensure the host PC is reachable
2. Check network latency and bandwidth between devices
3. Update Steam Link and Steam to the latest versions
4. Re-pair controllers if needed
5. Reduce streaming resolution for stability
Frequently Asked Questions
Is steamlink.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate Steam Link client is safe when installed from Steam and located in C:\Program Files (x86)\SteamLink\SteamLink.exe or C:\Program Files\SteamLink\SteamLink.exe with a valid Valve signature.
Why is steamlink.exe using CPU?
CPU usage comes from video encoding/decoding and network processing during streaming. Lower resolution or bandwidth may reduce load; ensure host and client are on a fast LAN.
Can I uninstall Steam Link?
Yes. You can uninstall Steam Link from Windows Settings → Apps or via the Steam client. You can always reinstall from the Steam Store later.
Can I disable Steam Link at startup?
Yes. Disable Steam Link in Windows Startup or within Steam Link settings to avoid auto-launch at boot.
Do I need Steam running on the host for Steam Link to work?
Yes. Steam Link streams from a Steam install on the host PC; ensure Steam is running on the host and the game library is accessible.
What network requirements are needed for Steam Link?
A wired Ethernet network or a low-latency 5 GHz Wi‑Fi with 30+ Mbps bandwidth is ideal for smooth streaming; lower speeds increase latency and may cause stuttering.