Moonlight
An open-source low-latency streaming client that connects to a Sunshine host and sends games or desktops with video, audio and controller input.
What Moonlight does
Moonlight PC is a streaming client. It discovers or receives a Sunshine host, completes a PIN pairing, decodes the host's video and audio, and sends keyboard, mouse and controller input back. The host performs capture and encoding, so the two roles have separate requirements.
Version and platform scope
PC 6.1.0 is the latest formal release listed for Windows, with Windows portable packages, a universal macOS image, Linux AppImage/Flatpak/Snap packages and a Steam Link archive. Android and iOS use separate clients. Development builds and nightly artifacts need independent stability checks.
Quality, hardware and network boundaries
Resolution, frame rate, HDR, codec, bitrate and latency are joint results of host encoding, network transport, client decoding and the target display. Start with a local 1080p test, then change one setting at a time. Remote access should use a controlled private network and strong host credentials.
Maintenance note
This page reviews Moonlight PC 6.1.0, Sunshine pairing, H.264/HEVC/AV1, HDR, Steam Link limits and GPL-3.0 licensing. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
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Moonlight PC 6.1.0 Sunshine pairing and latency guide
Pair a Sunshine host and Moonlight client on a trusted local network, test the desktop at a conservative profile, then tune resolution, HDR, bitrate and controller input one variable at a time.
Before you start
- Prepare a Sunshine host with a current secure build, a management account, GPU encoding and firewall rules; connect both devices to the same trusted network first.
- Match the client package to Windows 10 1809+, macOS Big Sur+ or the intended Linux, Steam Link or mobile environment.
- Record host GPU, client decoder, display HDR support, network type and controller model so encoding, decoding, network and input issues remain distinguishable.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the PC package
Choose the Windows installer or x64/ARM64 portable package, universal macOS DMG, Linux AppImage/Flatpak/Snap or the dedicated Steam Link archive.
- 02
Discover the Sunshine host
Start both applications and wait for local discovery. If needed, enter the host's private-network address; keep public port mapping out of the initial diagnosis.
- 03
Confirm the PIN pairing
Select the host, enter the displayed PIN in the Sunshine management interface and reject unknown pairing requests. Remove unused clients periodically.
Quick start
- 01
Test the desktop first
Start at 1080p, 60 FPS and a moderate bitrate, then check video, audio, keyboard, mouse and disconnect behavior before launching a game.
- 02
Raise quality one setting at a time
Confirm hardware decoding, then change resolution, frame rate or bitrate separately while watching packet loss, decode time, dropped frames, temperature and battery use.
- 03
Verify HDR and controllers
HDR needs support across host, encoder, client decoder, operating system and display. Test controller buttons, rumble and multi-controller mapping independently.
Usage tips
- AV1, HDR, YUV 4:4:4, high bitrate and software-decoded HDR depend on hardware and Sunshine versions; a visible option does not guarantee a stable path.
- The original Steam Link hardware is limited to 1080p, 60 FPS and 40 Mbps and has no HDR support, so modern PC settings should not be copied directly.
- For remote streaming, use a private network or controlled tunnel, update Sunshine, protect the management account and remove unused paired clients.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why does PIN pairing fail or disconnect immediately?
Check Sunshine service status, version, firewall, time and the management interface, remove stale client entries and pair again on the same local network.
Why is the stream stuttering or delayed?
Lower resolution, frame rate and bitrate, verify hardware decoding, prefer wired host networking and 5 GHz or 6 GHz client Wi-Fi, then separate packet loss from encode and decode delays.
- Revoke the client on the hostEnd the stream, remove the Moonlight client from Sunshine and review private-network membership, port mapping and UPnP entries that no longer serve a purpose.
- Remove the client packageUninstall the application or delete the portable directory, retaining controller mappings and diagnostic notes only when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does Moonlight stream a computer by itself?
It needs a compatible streaming host such as Sunshine. The host captures and encodes while Moonlight discovers, pairs, decodes and sends input.
Does Moonlight PC support 4K, HDR and AV1?
The client supports these modes when the host GPU, Sunshine, client decoder, display and network meet the requirements. Start with a conservative profile and verify each mode.
Should I expose a Sunshine port directly to the internet?
Prefer a controlled private network or tunnel. If remote access is required, use strong credentials, current software, restricted firewall rules and a review of every forwarded port.