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For the simplest setup, connect your PC to the TV with an HDMI cable, connect a compatible controller to the PC, select the TV as the display, and launch the game. If the PC is in another room, stream it to a supported TV or streaming device with Steam Link instead.
Choose between HDMI and streaming
| Situation | Best starting point | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| The PC is near the TV, or you can run a cable | Direct HDMI | Requires a physical connection, but the video signal does not rely on network streaming. Valve describes connecting a PC to a TV with HDMI. |
| The PC is elsewhere and the TV has a supported Steam Link client | Steam Link over your home network | Avoids a long video cable, but depends on host and client support and network quality. Valve lists Steam Link clients. |
| The game is not in Steam | Try launching it directly and check its controller support; for SHIELD streaming, Steam can also be configured with a non-Steam game | Compatibility and controller behavior vary by title and launcher. NVIDIA’s SHIELD guide covers adding a non-Steam game. |
Connect the PC to the TV with HDMI
This is usually the most straightforward option when the PC is close enough. The PC renders the game and sends its display output to the TV through the cable, without using game-streaming over your network.
- Connect an HDMI output on the PC to an HDMI input on the TV. Check that both devices have compatible ports and use a cable long enough for the room. Valve recommends HDMI as a direct PC-to-TV connection for Big Picture.
- Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input connected to the PC.
- In your computer’s display settings, choose whether to mirror or extend the desktop, or make the TV the active display. The precise menu names depend on your operating system.
- Connect or pair a controller with the PC. Valve’s Big Picture page gives Xbox 360 wireless for Windows, wired Xbox One or Xbox 360, and Logitech Wireless Gamepad F710 as examples; these are examples, not a complete current compatibility list.
- Launch the game. If it is in Steam, open Steam Big Picture and start it there. Valve describes Big Picture as a Steam interface reformatted for use with a TV and game controller.
If the game is outside Steam
Try launching the game normally and check whether it recognizes the controller. Support depends on the game and launcher; using Big Picture does not guarantee that every non-Steam title will behave like a Steam game. For a SHIELD streaming setup, NVIDIA’s guide explains adding a non-Steam game to Steam.
Stream the PC game to a TV device with Steam Link
Steam Link is an alternative when the gaming PC is not beside the TV. Steam runs on the PC, while a compatible TV or attached streaming device runs the client and receives the game stream. Valve lists Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Raspberry Pi, and other Steam Link clients. Support and availability can change, so check the app listing for your specific device.
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#1 Best Overall
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LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
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- Confirm that the TV or an attached device supports the Steam Link app.
- Make sure Steam is running on the gaming PC, then install and open Steam Link on the TV-side device.
- Connect both devices to your home network and follow the app’s connection prompts.
- Pair the controller with the device running Steam Link. For Apple TV, Apple’s Steam Link listing identifies compatible PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi controllers.
- Choose the PC and start the game through the client. If using NVIDIA SHIELD, follow NVIDIA’s setup guide for host configuration and available options such as fast decoding and 4K resolution.
For Steam Link on Apple TV
Apple requires the Apple TV and the computer running Steam to be on the same local network. Apple recommends connecting both to the router over Ethernet for best performance; this is a recommendation for streaming, not a requirement for a direct HDMI connection.
If streaming feels sluggish
- Where possible, connect the PC and TV-side device to the router with Ethernet. Apple specifically recommends this for Apple TV Steam Link.
- If your TV has Game Mode, try enabling it. NVIDIA’s SHIELD Steam Link guide, updated August 4, 2025, says Game Mode can reduce latency by up to 500 ms. That is NVIDIA’s claim, not a guaranteed result for every TV or setup.
- Check that the host PC, client device, app, and controller are all configured as intended. Streaming quality depends on the devices and network, so results vary.
Which controller should you use?
The controller must work with the device receiving the input. For HDMI play, connect it to the PC; for Steam Link, pair it with the TV-side device running the app. Valve and Apple list examples, but compatibility depends on the controller, platform, and game. If a controller pairs but the game does not respond, check the game’s controller settings and the relevant platform’s current compatibility information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
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AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
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- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
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Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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