Best practices to improve latency
Updated
Latency refers to the delay between an action and its response, like clicking an icon and seeing a delayed reaction. On Shadow PC, high latency can cause issues like a laggy mouse, stuttering audio, or a choppy stream. This article covers tips to reduce latency and handle it when it occurs.
💡 Using Shadow PC for the first time? Read how to get started with Shadow PC.
Update your local devices and Shadow PC
While updating your local devices won't directly alter your internet connection's speed, it can enhance your system's efficiency in processing and transmitting data, resulting in lower latency and a smoother overall experience.
The following articles can help you update your local software and hardware:
Turn off devices not in use
Some devices could be using bandwidth. Gaming consoles, for example, might download and install updates while in rest mode. Turn off these devices to keep your bandwidth free.
Use Ethernet or 5GHz Wi-Fi
Shadow officially recommends using a wired Ethernet connection. Compared to Wi-Fi, Ethernet is:
More stable, with reduced latency and packet loss
Faster and more secure for high bandwidth and low latency activities
Less prone to interference, ensuring consistent and dependable network connection
Choose a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection if a wired Ethernet connection is not possible.
💡 Use a Category 5 (Cat 5), Category 6 (Cat 6), or Cat 6a Ethernet cable to connect your device to your modem. These cables are capable of transmitting high amounts of data.
Tips for using Wi-Fi
Move closer to the router
Stay within a reasonable range of your Wi-Fi router or access point to reduce interference. Note that 5GHz Wi-Fi has a shorter range but better performance than 2.4GHz.
Use the right frequency
Switch to the 5GHz frequency for faster, more reliable data transfers. If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 or 6GHz, enable these for even better performance.
Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 offers improved speed, latency, and reliability for Shadow PC. Check with your ISP to ensure your equipment supports this latest standard.
Stick to 5G on mobile networks
If you're using a mobile hotspot, disable settings that allow automatic switching to 3G or 4G networks, which can slow down your connection.
Adjust your Shadow PC's settings
Shadow PC's settings are designed to help your stream perform better under specific conditions. Below is a list of changes you can make to your settings that complement your internet quality.
📝 The settings below can be configured from the Shadow PC launcher or the Quick Menu. To access these settings in the launcher, click the Settings icon.
Change the maximum bit rate
Change streaming preferences to prefer reliability
Lower the resolution and/or frame rate on Shadow PC
Check your firewall, antivirus, and VPN
Some antivirus, firewalls, or VPNs can interfere with your connection to Shadow PC.
Open ports on your firewall. Your firewall may not have the open ports needed to complete the login process.
Whitelist Shadow on your antivirus. Whitelisting, or adding exclusions or exceptions. Contact your antivirus provider or visit their website for more information.
Temporarily deactivate your firewall/antivirus/VPN. Connect to the launcher and reactivate your firewall/antivirus/VPN once you’ve successfully started your Shadow PC.
Check your internet connection
Even a fast internet connection can encounter problems like latency and packet loss at any given time. Learn how to troubleshoot your internet connection. This article will show you how to perform tests, see the minimum internet requirements, identify latency, and more.
Still have questions after reading this article?
Check out our other articles or contact Shadow Support.