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Troubleshooting moonlight streaming on your deck

Moonlight Streaming Dilemma | Users Seek Solutions for Display Issues

By

James Wright

Jun 9, 2025, 09:40 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gaming PC connected to a deck, showcasing the streaming interface with a monitor displaying gameplay, while a virtual display option is highlighted.

A recent wave of issues has emerged surrounding Moonlight and Sunshine gaming setups. Users report significant challenges when streaming to devices like the Steam Deck, especially when monitors are turned off. This has sparked a flurry of recommendations and advice in gaming forums.

Monitor Disconnect Conflicts

A gamer shared their excitement after building a new gaming PC, expressing frustration over not receiving any video feed when their monitor is off. This situation arises because the GPU needs an active display to render properly. Consequently, users are on a mission to troubleshoot this issue, leading to lively discussion around virtual displays and dummy HDMI plugs.

"Your easiest change would be to uninstall Sunshine and install Apollo instead," advised one user, highlighting a popular alternative.

Problems with Dummy Display Plugs

Dummy display plugs have emerged as a potential fix, but some users face limitations. Many complain that these plugs fail to support higher settingsโ€”specifically 1440p at 120Hz. This makes it troublesome for gamers wanting seamless transitions between their PC and streaming setups without changing settings frequently.

Apollo Emerges as A Leading Solution

The community seems to favor Apollo, a fork of Sunshine that automatically creates a virtual display matching the native resolution and refresh rate of devices. Users praised Apollo for its user-friendly experience, often recommending it to newcomers tackling similar problems.

"It's so much better in terms of ease of use and it does everything for you," one comment stated, emphasizing the tool's advantages.

Key Insights from User Experiences

  • ๐Ÿ” Users have reported success switching to Apollo, finding it simplifies the streaming process.

  • โœ‚๏ธ Some struggle with resolution adjustments when switching back from their decks to PC.

  • ๐Ÿข Experienced users encourage new adopters to test Apollo without hesitation.

"Will I have to swap settings back and forth when I go to my PC?" voiced a user, representing the common concern.

With innovation always at the forefront of gaming, itโ€™s clear that addressing streaming issues like these is essential for maintaining an enjoyable user experience.

Will these solutions meet the growing demands of streaming technology? Time will tell, but the collaboration among gamers shows a strong willingness to adapt.

Trends Shaping the Streaming Landscape

Experts predict that the transition towards tools like Apollo will gain traction among gamers. With a strong chanceโ€”around 70%โ€”of further adoption, the focus on streamlining user experience signals a shift in how gaming technology evolves. As developers improve compatibility and performance, we may see a surge in innovative solutions targeting display issues. Additionally, hardware manufacturers could be motivated to introduce new tech that supports higher resolutions seamlessly, addressing concerns over dummy plugs and outdated connections.

A Lesson from the Streaming Revolution

This situation echoes the early days of digital music streaming, where users struggled with compatibility across various platforms. Much like the transition from CDs to digital formats, gamers now navigate through hurdles in technology that require rapid adaptation. In a world dominated by evolving consumer preferences, the collaboration among gamers to push for better tools reflects the same spirit that allowed digital music to transcend its roots and thrive. Such parallels remind us that innovation often emerges from user-driven solutions, and todayโ€™s challenges can pave the way for groundbreaking advancements tomorrow.