How can I control my PC for gaming remotely?

How can you control your PC and play PC games remotely? This is possible with the help of remote PC gaming software, which allows a gamer to play games not supported or available on their physical device through a remote connection to a gaming server.

There are various options in the market, from paid to free, from simple ones to high-tech platforms. We will talk about the top 4 remote PC gaming software in this article that will simplify your choice.

How to play PC games remotely via remote PC gaming software [4 ways]

Here are the four best remote PC software for gaming via game steaming software or remote desktop software.

Part 1. How to stream PC games remotely over WiFi

Here are two popular game-steaming software allowing you to play PC games remotely over WiFi. Pros and cons are also mentioned to help you choose the suitable solution.

Way 1. StreamPC games remotely via Stream Link

If the device you'll use to play games remotely is on the same network as the PC, you can use Stream Link to play PC games remotely over WiFi. Steam Link is a popular remote game streaming software that is free to download and install on your computer or mobile device, allowing you to play games from the Steam Store easily.

✍Pros:

• Cross-platform. It allows you to enjoy Windows-based games on your Mac, Android, or iOS phone or tablet.
• Free on many platforms.
• Easy to set up.

✍Cons:

• Source limitation. It's designed to stream Steam games. Buying your games through other methods will require you to install the game through Steam.
• DRM issues. Some Steam games may not be streamable at times. When you launch a game through Steam Link, it will display a blank screen.
• Strict WiFi requirements. Steam Link only works when the two devices are connected to the same WiFi.
• Overheating issue. Extended use can cause your device to overheat.

Step 1. Open Steam on your host computer. In the top left corner, click Steam > Settings.

Step 2. Click In-Home Streaming in the left menu, then check Enable streaming. Click ADVANCED HOST OPTIONS after that.

Step 3. Check Use NVFBC capture on NVIDIA GPU if your host PC has an Nvidia graphics card. Select Prioritize network traffic if desired, then click OK.

In the In-Home Streaming interface, you can also configure client preferences. Choose from Fast, Balanced, or Beautiful for the Android device's performance.

Additionally, from ADVANCEDCLIENT OPTIONS, you can customize the speakers, enable hardware decoding, set a bandwidth or resolution limit, and display performance data. (These options can later be modified in the Steam Link app as well.)

Step 4 Install the Steam Link app from Google Play to your Android device, and make sure your host PC is on and running Steam.

Step 5. Open the software and click Get Started.

Step 6. Select whether you want to pair a Steam Controller or a different controller. You can Skip it if your controller is already paired or you want to use touch control.

Step 7. Then your host computer should be visible on the list. If it isn’t, check the PC’s firewall settings and verify that both devices are on the same network, and then tap Rescan.

Step 8. Tap the target computer, then you will see a four-digit PIN. Enter this number in the Steam prompt on the host computer and then click OK.

Step 9. Once successfully paired, Steam Link will test the network connection between your devices. Tap OK when the test completes.

Step 10. On the main interface, tap Start Playing to get started. (The host computer will then start Steam Big Picture Mode. Your Android phone will be in charge of your computer until you disconnect from the Steam Link connection.)

Step 11. Select your Library, and then you can launch the Steam games installed on your host computer.

Way 2. Stream PC games remotely via Moonlight

You may use Moonlight to stream your PC game library to any compatible device and play them remotely. Moonlight lets you play PC games on nearly any device, whether it's in another room or thousands of miles distant from your gaming setup.

✍Pros:

• Cross-platform. The Moonlight gaming tool's client version may be installed on any PC.
• 4K with HDR support. High-quality graphics with up to 4K with HDR.
• 120 FPS streaming support. Stream at up to 120 FPS with the option to disable V-Sync for the lowest possible latency.
• Completely free.

✍Cons:

• Host limitation. It is only compatible with host Computers that have NVIDIA-based graphics cards. Users using AMD and Intel integrated graphics must rely on Steam Link and other programs.
• Same network connection requirements as Steam Link.
• Configuring the tool for optimal results can be complicated.

Step 1. Install the GeForce Experience app on your host PC. If you already have it, make sure you're using the most recent version.

Step 2. Launch the Experience app and navigate to Settings > Shield. Make sure the GameStream toggle is turned on.

Step 3. Install and launch the Moonlight host software on your Desktop. Use the code to connect your System to the NVIDIA GeForce Experience service.

Step 4. Ascertain that your Android phone is on the same network as your host Laptop. Install and launch the Android Moonlight app.

Step 5. It should detect your gaming Computer in a matter of seconds. Touch on the resulting image.

Step 6. You will receive a PIN on your phone that you must input on your computer. Accept the pairing of the two devices by doing so.

Step 7. Once connected, launch a game on your Android phone and see it stream as if by magic.

Part 2. How to play PC games remotely over the network

Here are three remote desktop gaming software allowing you to access your PC and play games remotely.

Way 1. Play PC games remotely via AnyViewer

AnyViewer is the remote desktop gaming software that allows you to remotely control your PC and play games on another PC, an iPhone, an iPad, or an Android device. This remote desktop program provides anonymity, support for the majority of OS systems, quick file conversion, and excellent frame rates.

✍Pros:

• Encrypted connections.
• Unattended remote access supported.
• File transfer supported.
• Chat while in the session supported.
• Privacy mode supported.
• Multi-monitor supported.
• Multi-session supported.

✍Cons:

• macOS and Linux are not supported at present.

Step 1. Download AnyViewer on your Windows computer, install, and open it after that.

Step 2. Go to Log in and click Sign up. (Log in directly if you have already signed up.)

Step 3. Fill in the information and click Sign up.

Step 4. When you logged in to AnyViewer successfully, you can see the assigned devices.

Step 5. On your Android phone, download, install, and open AnyViewer for Android.

Step 6. Sign in with the same AnyViewer account that you used on the computer.

Step 7. Go to the Device interface and tap the target computer you want to control.

Step 8. Tap One-click control option to achieve an unattended remote connection.

Step 9. Then you run Windows PC games from Android.

Way 2. Play PC games remotely via TeamViewer

TeamViewer is one of the most famous remote desktop software applications in the world. It was designed primarily for developers and engineers to work remotely on projects, but it also allows for remote gaming. It enables remote access to a computer with ultra-high resolution via automated resolution scaling.

✍Pros:

• Easy to operate.
• Free for personal use.
• Unattended remote access.
• Convenient. Windows supports drag and drop files directly in a remote session.

✍Cons:

• Costly. The price of TeamViewer commercial settings is not justified for its functionalities.
• Unstable internet connection. Sometimes the connections are lost, and users need help to control other devices.
• Transferring a large file is not practical. It doesn't allow single file transfer larger than 4 GB and has a slow transfer process.

Step 1. Select the purpose (commercial or personal) for downloading this software during installation. Here, take the free version of individual users as an example.

Step 2. Run TeamViewer on both computers. Select Login in the main interface. You need to create your own TeamViewer account for the first time. Click Next to complete account registration (you also need to verify the account before use).

Step 3. Click Remote Control on the left side of the TeamViewer main interface on the client computer, enter the ID of the host computer under Partner ID, and click Connect.

Step 4. Enter the password of the host computer in the TeamViewer Authentication window to realize the remote control.

Step 5. Then you can start to play PC games remotely from another PC. You can also download TeamViewer on your mobile devices to play PC games remotely.

Conclusions

This post introduces the top 4 remote PC gaming software. Each tool has its pros and cons. While there is no absolute best remote PC gaming software, each option mentioned here is a great choice. Please test it out yourself to see which one you like.