Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To set up Streamlabs Desktop, install it, connect your streaming account, create a scene, add the source you want viewers to see, check your audio, and run a test before going live. You do not need a webcam, separate microphone, overlay, or paid plan to make a basic stream.
Before you install Streamlabs Desktop
Check Streamlabs’ system requirements for your operating system and the kind of stream you plan to run. Its requirements page, last updated April 8, 2026, lists Windows 11 or macOS 12+ and 8 GB RAM as minimums. More demanding games, animated overlays, and advanced plugins may need stronger hardware. Streamlabs recommends Ethernet and says an upload speed of 3.6 Mbps or better is suitable for 720p at 30 fps for most platforms. That is guidance, not a guarantee; your platform, game, and network conditions affect the result.
Make sure you have access to the account for the platform where you intend to stream. Have a microphone or headset available if you plan to speak, but built-in audio devices may be enough to begin. A camera and overlay are optional.
Install and complete first-run setup
- Download Streamlabs Desktop. Use Streamlabs’ official website and launch the installer for your operating system.
- Allow device permissions if prompted. Grant camera and microphone access if you want Streamlabs to use those devices. You can also configure or add them later.
- Choose live streaming and sign in. Connect the platform account you want to use, following the sign-in prompts.
- Import or start fresh. If you already have settings from another streaming program, Streamlabs offers an import option during onboarding. Otherwise, start fresh; you can add the basics yourself.
- Select your devices. Choose the microphone and camera you want to use. Skip the camera if you do not want to appear on screen.
- Choose an overlay or skip it. An overlay can decorate the broadcast, but it is not required for a working setup.
Streamlabs’ quick-start guide describes free and Ultra choices during onboarding. A basic setup can use the free option; consider a paid plan only if you want a feature that requires it.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Create a scene and add the right source
A scene is a broadcast layout; its sources are the things shown or heard in that layout. Start with one scene and add only what the stream needs. Give it a clear name such as Live. You can create separate scenes later for moments such as Starting Soon, Be Right Back, or Ending Soon.
- Create a scene. In the Scenes area, use the add control to create a scene and give it a recognizable name.
- Add the main content. In Sources, choose Game Capture if you want to show a game, or Screen Capture if you want viewers to see your desktop or another screen. Follow the prompts to select the game or display.
- Add a camera only if wanted. Add a source and choose Video Capture Device, then select your camera and check its preview. A built-in camera is fine if it works for your needs.
- Add other sources only when useful. For example, add an Alert Box if you want on-screen notifications. Avoid piling on widgets and animated elements before confirming the basic stream works.
Set up and check your audio
During onboarding, select the microphone you intend to use. You can also review device choices in Streamlabs’ audio settings. Check that the microphone input and desktop audio output are the devices you actually want: the mic carries your voice, while desktop audio captures sound from applications or games.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Speak at your normal streaming volume and watch the microphone meter respond.
- Play a game or audio source and check that desktop audio registers if you want it included.
- Listen to a short recording or private test. Confirm that your voice is clear and that game or desktop sound does not overwhelm it.
- If a meter does not move, check that the intended device is selected and that the operating system has granted Streamlabs access.
A headset mic or built-in microphone can be enough to get started. A separate microphone is an optional upgrade, not a setup requirement.
Add and test alerts
Alerts are optional. If you want notifications to appear in your broadcast, Streamlabs’ alert setup guide covers account linking, alert settings, adding an Alert Box to streaming software, and testing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Add an Alert Box source to the scene where you want alerts to appear.
- Open Streamlabs’ alert settings and configure the alerts you plan to use.
- Use the alert test function and check that the animation or notification appears in the scene preview and that any alert sound is audible.
Test before going live
Before a public broadcast, make a short recording or private test if your platform supports one. Check the picture, microphone, desktop audio, and any alerts you added. Confirm that the selected platform account and scene are correct, then fix problems in the preview rather than discovering them on air.
- No game or screen appears: Check that you chose Game Capture for a game or Screen Capture for a display, and that the correct target is selected.
- No camera picture: Confirm the Video Capture Device source uses the intended camera and that camera permission is enabled.
- No microphone sound: Select the intended input in audio settings, check the meter while speaking, and verify operating-system microphone permission.
- Desktop audio is missing: Check the selected desktop audio device and play sound from the application you expect to capture.
- An alert does not appear: Confirm that the Alert Box source is in the active scene, review its settings, and run the test again.
Go live—and know when a paid feature matters
Once the preview and audio test look right, use Streamlabs’ go-live controls to start broadcasting to the connected platform. Basic onboarding and a straightforward single-platform setup are available with the free option described in Streamlabs’ quick-start guide. That guide identifies multistreaming as an Ultra feature, for simultaneous streaming to supported integrated services and RTMP destinations. Features and plan availability can change, so check Streamlabs’ current product information before buying Ultra.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Or let it run in the cloud
Streamlabs Desktop is a hands-on way to run a live broadcast from your computer. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos looping on a YouTube channel 24/7, StreamNeo runs that stream in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube only.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
- Nothing has to stay running at home; StreamNeo keeps the stream going from the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, at any quality up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; it is one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
