punktfunkpunktfunk

Quick Start

From nothing to streaming — set up a host and connect your first client.

This is the shortest path to a working stream. Each step links to the details.

A streaming host is remote control of the machine, so it's built for trusted local networks — keep it on your LAN or a VPN and don't expose it to the internet. Two minutes on Security & Safe Use before you start is worth it.

1. Set up the host

On your gaming machine (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPU), follow the install guide for your system:

Each one covers the GPU driver, the dependencies, and how to install and run the host. After installing, configure for your desktop (KDE / GNOME / gamescope / Sway). Check the Requirements first if you're not sure your machine is a fit.

2. Start the host

From a terminal inside your desktop session (so the host can reach your compositor):

punktfunk-host serve

This is the secure native-only default — the native punktfunk/1 plane plus the web console. To also serve stock Moonlight clients, add --gamestream (trusted-LAN only; see Moonlight). The host starts listening and prints its identity fingerprint. It advertises itself on your local network, so clients can find it by name. Leave it running. (To start it automatically at boot, see Running as a Service.)

3. Connect and pair a client

On the device you want to stream to, use a native punktfunk client for the lowest latency, or any Moonlight client:

  • Native client (Apple, Linux, Windows, Android): open the punktfunk app — your host appears in the list of hosts found on your network. Select it, and when prompted, pair.
  • Anything with Moonlight: add the host (it should be discovered automatically), then pair.

To pair, the host needs to show a PIN. Arm pairing from the host's web console — the host displays a 4-digit PIN, you type it into the client, and they trust each other from then on. Pairing is required by default. Full details: Pairing & Trust.

4. Stream

Once paired, select the host and start streaming. The host creates a virtual display at your device's resolution and refresh, and the picture comes up. Mouse, keyboard, and controllers flow back to the host.

Next steps

Security & Safe Use

What a streaming host actually exposes, why to keep it on a trusted network, and how punktfunk protects you.

Requirements

What you need to run a punktfunk host — GPU, driver, desktop, and network.

On this page

1. Set up the host2. Start the host3. Connect and pair a client4. StreamNext steps