PunktfunkPunktfunk
Install the host

Switching from Sunshine, Apollo or Vibeshine

Run Punktfunk next to your existing Sunshine-family host while you try it — one port to move — then what maps to what, and how to migrate for good.

Try Punktfunk next to Sunshine or one of its forks (Apollo, Vibeshine, …), then move over for good.

Can I keep Sunshine installed while I try it?

Yes, with one port moved. Both want TCP 47990: Sunshine for its web UI, Punktfunk for its management API. Whichever starts first gets it, so a shared box works until one boot it doesn't. Move Punktfunk's in host.env (~/.config/punktfunk/host.env, on Windows %ProgramData%\punktfunk\host.env):

PUNKTFUNK_MGMT_BIND=0.0.0.0:47991

Then restart the host: systemctl --user restart punktfunk-host, or on Windows punktfunk-host service restart. The guided installer does this for you when it finds Sunshine running.

  • Clients and the console find the new port on their own. A host you added to a client by IP address assumes the default port: add it again from the host list.
  • On a Linux firewall, also allow the new port (punktfunk-native opens 47990): Ports & firewall. On Windows, punktfunk-host service install re-creates the host's firewall rule for the port in host.env.
  • Windows: while streaming, Punktfunk turns your other displays off, and an Apollo virtual display counts as one. In the console, set Displays → Your monitors while streaming to Stay on (Virtual displays).
  • Leave Moonlight compatibility off while both are installed. GameStream uses the same fixed ports as Sunshine, so only one of them can serve Moonlight. Try Punktfunk with a native client meanwhile.

To see what is installed and who holds the port:

punktfunk-host detect-conflicts   # exits 1 only when another host runs or starts on its own
ss -lptn 'sport = :47990'         # Linux
netstat -ano | findstr :47990     # Windows

Running both is fine for a trial. If something acts up, stop the other host first.

What maps to what

In Sunshine / ApolloIn Punktfunk
Web UI on 47990Web console on 47992
PIN pairingPIN pairing, or Approve in the console with no PIN (Pairing)
Moonlight clientsWork once you turn on GameStream; the native apps get every feature
A virtual display driver (SudoVDA, …)Built in: a display per client at its resolution and refresh (Virtual displays)
apps.jsonThe game library, filled by launcher plugins and custom titles from the console
Per-app prep/undo commandsPer-app prep/undo, plus events and hooks
sunshine.confhost.env (Configuration) and the console
HDR through the virtual displayHDR: Windows, and Linux on gamescope or GNOME 50
Clipboard, Wake-on-LANShared clipboard, Wake-on-LAN

Migrating for good

  1. Install Punktfunk (Install the Host) and move the port as above. Pair a native client and stream for a while.
  2. Bring your library over: install the plugin for each launcher you had in apps.json, and add anything custom on the console's Library page.
  3. Remove the other host: sudo systemctl disable --now sunshine on Linux, or sc stop SunshineService and its uninstaller on Windows. On Windows also remove its virtual display driver.
  4. Turn on Moonlight compatibility if you still use Moonlight clients (Moonlight). They pair again, with Punktfunk this time.
  5. Undo the port move if you like: delete the PUNKTFUNK_MGMT_BIND line and restart the host.

Something not behaving? Troubleshooting → Another streaming host is installed.

Windows Host

Run the Punktfunk host on a Windows 11 PC: a signed installer with its own virtual display, gamepad drivers and web console.

Install a Client

Install, update and remove the Punktfunk app on the device you stream to — Linux, Steam Deck, Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Android.

On this page

Can I keep Sunshine installed while I try it?What maps to whatMigrating for good