Although Shadow automates much of the setup process, we recommend looking through the settings for any modifications you may need. To modify your settings, open the application, then click the Settings icon.

In the Settings, you'll see three different categories to the left, which will be covered in this article:

📝 Note: Some settings in this article vary depending on your device's operating system and your version of Shadow. This article covers the settings available on most Shadow apps.

Streaming

These settings influence the quality of Shadow's stream and may help make the stream more compatible with your internet connection.

Maximum bit rate

By default, Shadow's maximum bit rate is set to Auto detect, but you can also choose a Custom bit rate. Your bit rate is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred using your internet connection.

Auto detect

Auto detect lets Shadow choose the bit rate for you. Restart auto-detection to have Shadow test your connection again.

Custom

Custom lets you choose your own maximum bit rate using the slider.

We recommend setting Shadow's bit rate to 10Mb/s less than your current internet speeds to avoid exceeding your available bandwidth.

For example, if your lowest speeds are 42Mb/s, Shadow's maximum bit rate should be about 30Mb/s.

See how to test your download speed for help.

Adapt max bit rate to network conditions

If you'd like to have Shadow continue to choose your bit rate automatically, check the box next to Adapt max bit rate to network conditions.

Audio quality

This setting is set to Regular by default. You can use the arrows to change this setting to High for lossless sound quality, but this will require more bandwidth. Disable this setting if lag occurs to free bandwidth.

High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265)

When turned on, High Efficiency Video Coding (or H.265) provides higher quality streaming using H.265 encoding. This setting is ideal for users who have unstable download speeds that don't always meet or exceed 15Mb/s.

If Shadow is slow or refuses to start, try turning on H.265. If issues persist or worsen, H.265 may not be compatible with your device. Turn H.265 off, then try lowering your maximum bit rate.

Color Enhancement (4:4:4)

Have Shadow stream more colors using 4:4:4 technology. This setting will require more power from your CPU and should be disabled if you notice any poor performance or overheating after it has been enabled. See more information about using Color Enhancement on Shadow.

Streaming preferences

This setting allows you to switch between two streaming protocols:

Prefer speed (UDP)
Prefer reliability (TCP)

What's the difference between speed (UDP) and reliability (TCP)?

Speed uses the UDP protocol. UDP protocols ignore the need to establish a connection. UDP sends data in the quickest way possible, maximizing fluidity.

Reliability uses the TCP protocol. TCP protocols provide error-checking to ensure data is sent in the correct order, minimizing errors.

See this great article by Private Internet Access, TCP vs. UDP: Understanding the Difference.

Limited frame rate

Allows you to lower the maximum frame rate allowed to stream. This setting can be helpful on low-end configurations, but it may not solve issues caused by slow or unstable internet connections. You can choose from unlimited, 60, or 50 frames per second.

My Shadow

These settings change the Shadow app's behavior on your device.

Use my USB devices on my Shadow

If you want Shadow to detect or enhance its compatibility with your mouse, keyboard, or other USB devices, turn on USB Peripherals. For more information, see how to connect a USB device to Shadow.

Keep my graphics drivers updated

As the name suggests, you can have Shadow update its own graphics drivers for you. This ensures Shadow is installing drivers that are compatible with your system, however, it may not always install the latest drivers. Learn more about how to update NVIDIA drivers on Shadow.

This will not install graphics drivers on your local computer.

Turn off my Shadow when closing the stream

Have Shadow and Windows shut down whenever you close the application window. If this setting is turned off, Windows will continue to run, but will automatically shut down if your session is idle.

See our article about automatic shutdown for more information.

Interface

These settings influence how components of the Shadow app will appear, including the streaming window, Quick Menu, and app language.

Streaming window mode at start

Choose whether Shadow should stream in full screen or windowed mode after you click Start.

Enable Quick Menu

Overlays the Quick Menu icon on top of your stream for easy access to the Quick Menu. Disable this feature on low-end devices.

Language

This setting changes the Shadow app language, but it does not affect the language on the Shadow desktop.

💡 Still need help after reviewing your settings? Here are other articles you may be interested in:

For more assistance, contact a Support Hero.

How can we help?

Menu

How to use the Settings on the Shadow launcher