FAQ - LeGeRyChEeSe/Sunshine-AIO GitHub Wiki

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🎯 General Questions

Q: What is Sunshine-AIO and how is it different from regular Sunshine?

A: Sunshine-AIO is an automation tool that simplifies game streaming setup:

  • Regular Sunshine: Manual installation and configuration required
  • Sunshine-AIO: One-command automated setup with companion tools

Includes: Sunshine server + Virtual Display Driver + Playnite + automated configuration Benefit: Complete streaming solution in minutes instead of hours

Q: Do I need to install Python or Git before using Sunshine-AIO?

A: No! The installation script handles all dependencies automatically:

irm https://sunshine-aio.com/script.ps1 | iex

Automatically installs: Python 3.8+, Git, and all required packages.

Q: Do I need to uninstall existing Sunshine before using Sunshine-AIO?

A: Not required, but recommended for clean setup. Sunshine-AIO can work with existing installations or help remove them for fresh installation.

Q: Which Windows versions are supported?

A:

  • ✅ Windows 10 (version 1903+)
  • ✅ Windows 11 (all versions)
  • ❌ Windows 7/8 (not supported)
  • ❌ Windows Server editions (untested)

🖥️ Virtual Display Questions

Q: Why do I need a Virtual Display Driver?

A: Virtual displays allow you to:

  • Stream without affecting your main monitor
  • Create custom resolutions for different clients
  • Stream while your physical display is off/disconnected
  • Support multiple simultaneous clients

Q: Can I use Sunshine-AIO without Virtual Display Driver?

A: Yes, but with limitations:

  • Your main monitor will mirror what the client sees
  • Resolution changes will affect your local display
  • Can't stream while display is locked/off

Q: Which Virtual Display Driver does Sunshine-AIO use?

A: Sunshine-AIO uses IDD Sample Driver (Microsoft's reference implementation). It's:

  • ✅ Free and open-source
  • ✅ Officially supported by Microsoft
  • ✅ Compatible with most systems
  • ✅ Supports HDR

🎮 Gaming & Streaming Questions

Q: Can I stream games from different launchers (Steam, Epic, etc.)?

A: Yes! Sunshine-AIO supports all game launchers:

  • Steam Big Picture (recommended for best experience)
  • Epic Games Launcher
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • GOG Galaxy
  • Individual game executables
  • Playnite (unified game library)

Q: What's the difference between Playnite and Steam Big Picture?

A:

Feature Playnite Steam Big Picture
Game Sources All launchers Steam only
Interface Customizable Fixed Steam UI
Controller Support Universal Excellent
Streaming Optimization Good Excellent
Recommendation Use both! Steam games only

Q: Can I stream to multiple devices simultaneously?

A:

  • Sunshine limitation: One active stream at a time
  • Workaround: Use multiple virtual displays with different Sunshine instances (advanced setup)
  • Alternative: Use Parsec for multi-user scenarios

Q: Does Sunshine-AIO support HDR?

A: Yes, with requirements:

  • Host: HDR-capable GPU and display
  • Client: HDR-capable display
  • Network: Sufficient bandwidth (40+ Mbps recommended)
  • Configuration: HDR enabled in both Sunshine and client

🔧 Technical Questions

Q: What are the system requirements?

A: Minimum:

  • Windows 10 1903+ or Windows 11
  • DirectX 11 compatible GPU
  • 4GB RAM
  • Administrator privileges

Recommended:

  • Modern NVIDIA/AMD GPU with hardware encoding
  • 8GB+ RAM
  • Wired network connection
  • SSD storage

Q: Why does installation require Administrator privileges?

A: Admin rights are needed for:

  • Windows service installation (SunshineService)
  • Virtual Display Driver installation
  • System display configuration
  • Firewall rule creation

Q: Can I run Sunshine-AIO on a virtual machine?

A: Limited support:

  • VMware: Possible with GPU passthrough
  • VirtualBox: Not recommended (no GPU acceleration)
  • Hyper-V: Possible with RemoteFX (deprecated)
  • Best practice: Use physical hardware for optimal performance

🌐 Network & Connection Questions

Q: What ports does Sunshine-AIO use?

A:

  • 47989 - Streaming (TCP/UDP)
  • 47990 - Web UI (HTTPS)
  • 48010 - RTSP (TCP)
  • mDNS - Auto-discovery

Q: Can I stream over the internet (WAN)?

A: Yes, requires setup:

  1. Router: Forward port 47989
  2. DNS: Dynamic DNS service if no static IP
  3. Security: Enable Sunshine authentication
  4. Bandwidth: 20+ Mbps upload speed recommended

Q: Why is streaming laggy or pixelated?

A: Common causes and solutions:

  • Network: Use wired connection when possible
  • Bitrate: Adjust in Sunshine settings (lower for slow networks)
  • Encoder: Use hardware encoding (NVENC/AMF)
  • Resolution: Match client native resolution
  • FPS: Don't exceed client display refresh rate

🛠️ Troubleshooting Questions

Q: Installation fails with "execution of scripts is disabled"

A: Fix PowerShell execution policy:

# Run as Administrator
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

Q: Virtual display doesn't appear after installation

A: Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Restart PC (required on some systems)
  2. Device Manager - Look for "IDD HDR" under Display adapters
  3. Manual install: Run VDD Control.exe from tools folder

Q: Moonlight shows "Computer is unreachable"

A: Network troubleshooting:

  1. Same network - Both devices on same WiFi/LAN
  2. Firewall - Allow Sunshine through Windows Firewall
  3. Manual IP - Enter host PC IP directly
  4. Test - Temporarily disable antivirus

Q: Games launch but I see black screen

A: Display capture issue:

  1. Run game in windowed mode first
  2. Check game's graphics API (prefer DirectX over Vulkan/OpenGL)
  3. Update GPU drivers
  4. Try different capture method in Sunshine settings

📱 Client Questions

Q: Which Moonlight client should I use?

A:

  • Windows/Mac/Linux: Official Moonlight PC client
  • Android/iOS: Official Moonlight mobile apps
  • Steam Deck: Official Moonlight from Discover store
  • Smart TV: Check if your TV supports Moonlight apps
  • Raspberry Pi: Official Moonlight embedded

Q: Can I use other streaming clients besides Moonlight?

A: Moonlight is the only compatible client. Sunshine uses NVIDIA GameStream protocol, which only Moonlight supports. Alternatives like:

  • Chrome Remote Desktop: Different protocol
  • Parsec: Different service entirely
  • Steam Link: Steam-specific streaming

🔄 Updates & Maintenance

Q: How do I update Sunshine-AIO?

A: Method 1 (Easiest): If already installed, use the "Sunshine-AIO" shortcut in the installation folder to launch and select update option from the menu.

Method 2: PowerShell update:

# From inside the Sunshine-AIO folder (auto-detects installation)
cd "path\to\Sunshine-AIO"
irm https://sunshine-aio.com/script.ps1 | iex

# OR from anywhere (you'll need to specify the installation path when prompted)
irm https://sunshine-aio.com/script.ps1 | iex

Q: How do I completely uninstall Sunshine-AIO?

A: Use the built-in uninstaller:

# Launch using the installer-created shortcut
"Sunshine-AIO"
# Then select "Uninstall all components"

Removes: All applications, drivers, services, and configuration files

Q: Where are configuration files stored?

A:

  • Sunshine config: C:\ProgramData\Sunshine\
  • Installation data: installation_tracker.json in project folder
  • Logs: C:\ProgramData\Sunshine\sunshine.log
  • Applications: Configured via Sunshine Web UI

🤝 Community & Support

Q: Where can I get help if I'm still stuck?

A:

  1. Check this Wiki - Most issues covered here
  2. Search GitHub Issues - Someone might have same problem
  3. Create new issue - Include system specs and logs
  4. Join community discussions - Help other users too!

Q: Can I contribute to Sunshine-AIO?

A: Absolutely! We welcome:

  • Bug reports with detailed reproduction steps
  • Feature requests for new functionality
  • Code contributions via pull requests
  • Documentation improvements
  • Translations for other languages

Q: Is Sunshine-AIO free?

A: Yes, completely free and open-source under MIT license. No premium features, no ads, no data collection.

Don't see your question here? Check the Troubleshooting Guide or create an issue!