There are four internet metrics Shadow PC checks to measure the integrity of your internet connection: download speed, upload speed, ping, and jitter. These metrics can be reviewed using the Speedtest.

• Download speed is how fast you can receive data. A minimum of 15 Mb/s is required for stable streaming. Speeds below this can cause interruptions and quality issues.

• Upload speed is how fast you can send data. While 5 Mb/s is sufficient for basic input, higher speeds (up to 100 Mb/s) are recommended for devices like webcams, microphones, and controllers that require more bandwidth.

• Ping measures the response time between your device and Shadow's servers. A low ping (30 ms or less) reduces lag and improves responsiveness. Most users report issues when ping exceeds 35 ms.

• Jitter is the variation in network delay. Ideally, you should see little to no jitter. Any amount jitter can lead to stuttering or interruptions.

If you experience connection issues, try testing a wired connection mode, or switch to a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection to isolate the problem. For persistent issues, consider checking your network equipment or restarting your devices.

Your network setup needs updates to ensure it is operating efficiently and compatible with the latest set of internet standards. Check the following to make sure your network has the resources necessary for a stable, reliable internet connection.

1. ​Power-cycle your modem/router. Power cycle your modem/router to reset and re-establish a connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Shut down your computer and unplug your modem/router for 60 seconds. Then plug them back in. Once the lights are on, start your computer.

2. Update your local devices. Your local devices may need the latest operating system, driver, network configuration, and several other components to keep up with standards. See how to update your local computer.

   Note: Check for modem/router firmware updates with the hardware manufacturer.

3. Use an Ethernet cable. Using a wired Ethernet connection will make your connection more stable and eliminate additional latency compared to a wireless connection. If possible, opt for a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. Cat6 or Cat5 cables work the best.

4. Turn your VPN off. A VPN may route your connection inefficiently, causing it to take longer for the Shadow PC app and the server to communicate. You can eliminate latency and even packet loss by turning your VPN off.

If you have other devices or apps using your internet connection's bandwidth, they could take resources away from Shadow PC.

• Disconnect/turn off any devices that are not in use. Some devices could be using bandwidth while on standby. Gaming consoles, for example, might download and install updates while you're using Shadow PC. Turn off these devices to keep your bandwidth free.

• ​Pause ongoing downloads or streaming in the background. Downloading or streaming on your local device while using Shadow PC can oversaturate your connection. Pause or stop downloads while you're streaming Shadow PC.

Shadow PC requires you to use a resolution and framerate (or refresh rate) identical to the screen or monitor you're using. In most cases, Shadow PC will automatically detect and choose the correct resolution and framerate for you.

Screen tearing, stuttering, pixelation, and other cosmetic defects are a sign your resolution or framerate may be too high for your connection. Certain framerates also work better when paired with specific resolutions.

To see best practices for configuring your resolution and framerate, see FPS limitations.

If this is your first time using Shadow PC or you've changed networks, check the Shadow PC app for settings that will complement your internet connection. See the best practices for improving latency, which includes a list of settings to change.

As a reminder, network conditions can change over time, and settings may need to be adjusted accordingly.

1. Use an Ethernet cable. Using a wired Ethernet connection will make your connection more stable and eliminate additional latency compared to a wireless connection.

   Note: If a wired Ethernet connection is not possible or your device requires a wireless connection, change your Wi-Fi configuration:

   • Connect to a 5GHz network. Some routers offer both 2.4GHz connections and 5GHz.

   • Move closer to your router or wireless access point.

2. Pause ongoing downloads or streaming in the background. Downloading or streaming on your local device while using Shadow PC can oversaturate your connection.

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3. Check the cables. Make sure that all cables connecting your local device and the internet box are correctly connected and working properly.

4. Keep all your local components up-to-date:

   1. Your internet box/modem/router: Please refer to the instructions from your ISP (internet Service Provider)

   2. Your local device (operating system and drivers): How to Update your Local Computer

5. Disconnect/turn off any devices that are not in use. Some devices could be using bandwidth while on standby. Gaming consoles, for example, might download and install updates. Turn off these devices to keep your bandwidth free.

6. Unplug the internet box from its electrical socket and restart the box. Try unplugging the internet box from the electrical socket, then wait about 30 seconds before plugging it back in and restarting it.

7. Reset the internet box. If the reboot doesn't work, try resetting the internet box to factory settings. To do so, refer to the instructions from your ISP.

8. Check your internet box settings. Check that your internet box settings are correct and that your ISP has configured your connection correctly. Refer to the instructions from your ISP.

9. Contact your ISP. If the above steps don't work, contact your ISP to see if the problem is on their end.

1. Check our status page. Please verify that there is no ongoing incident in your data center by looking at our status page.

2. Check the quality of your internet connection. Make sure your internet connection is fast and stable enough to use Shadow. You can use our Speedtest in order to achieve this.

3. Check firewall settings. Make sure that your firewall settings do not block Shadow or the ports necessary for its operation. See How to make your firewall compatible with Shadow for more information.

4. Make sure Shadow PC is up to date. Check that your version of Shadow PC is up to date and download any available updates from your launcher.

5. Try to connect with another device. In order to use Shadow, devices should conform to our device requirements.

6. Try another network. If the problem persists, try connecting to Shadow from another network to see if this solves the problem.

The Speedtest is designed to help you determine the effectiveness of your internet connection between your local device and the data center where your Shadow PC is hosted. It will test your download speed, upload speed, ping, and jitter over time. Your results will be displayed as a graph.

Follow the steps below to run the Speedtest:

1. Close Shadow PC.

2. Using your local device, open your browser.

3. Find your data center in the list below, then click on the corresponding name under "Location". The Speedtest will open in a new tab.

   Note: If you're not sure which data center is hosting your Shadow PC, go to the Shadow PC launcher, then click the Help icon. Scroll to the bottom of the window to see your data center.

   If you don't have an active Shadow PC subscription, you can choose the data center relevant to your location.

   Location	Data Center
   ​Dunkerque (France)​	FRDUN02
   ​Frankfurt (Germany)​	DEFRA01
   ​Strasbourg (France)​	FRSBG01
   ​Washington D.C (United States)​	USWDC01
   ​Texas (United States)​	TX1
   ​Portland (United States)​	USPOR01
   ​Montreal (Canada)​	CAMTL01

4. Click Run Speedtest, and leave the window open until the download, upload, ping, and jitter tests have finished.

   Note: The test has finished when the Abort button disappears and the graph has completely charted.

   Here's what the Speedtest looks like when it has completed:

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In the download and upload results, ensure the download and upload speeds meet the minimum internet requirements. It's also worth noting if there are "breaks" or "gaps" in the graph, which are indicators of packet loss.

Packet loss occurs when data packets sent over a network fail to reach their destination, resulting in increased latency and reduced video or audio quality.

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For ping and jitter results, ensure the lines in the graph do not exceed the minimum internet requirements.