Shadow PC requires a stable internet connection to provide smooth streaming. If you experience stuttering, freezing, lag, pixelation, or blurriness, your internet connection may not meet the necessary requirements. This guide will help diagnose and resolve common internet-related issues.
Read this article to see the best practices for Shadow PC and learn how to troubleshoot your internet connection.
List of Possible Causes
Several factors can impact your connection to Shadow PC, including:
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Insufficient internet speed (download or upload)
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High latency, jitter, or packet loss
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Weak Wi-Fi signals or interference
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Network congestion from background downloads or streaming
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Security software (VPNs, firewalls, or antivirus programs) affecting connectivity
Checklist for troubleshooting internet issues
Before diving in, make sure you're following the best practices to boost your streaming experience. The suggestions below can help Shadow PC perform optimally. Use Shadow's tools to identify network issues.
Check the minimum internet requirements
Shadow PC relies on five key metrics for a stable connection:
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Download Speed: Minimum of 15 Mb/s for smooth streaming.
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Upload Speed: At least 5 Mb/s, but up to 100 Mb/s is recommended for peripherals like webcams and controllers.
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Ping: 30 ms or less is ideal; issues often appear above 35 ms.
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Jitter: Should be minimal to prevent stuttering.
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Packet Loss: Any amount can impact performance.
Use Shadow's Easy Speedtest to check these metrics. If issues persist, switch between a wired and wireless connection or restart your network equipment.
Check Your Local Network Equipment and Devices
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Restart your modem and router: Unplug them for 30 seconds, then reconnect.
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Use a wired connection: Ethernet provides better stability than Wi-Fi.
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Turn off VPNs and firewalls: Ensure Shadow PC is whitelisted in security software.
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Test with another device: If the issue is device-specific, check Shadow’s system requirements.
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Try another network: If performance improves, your local network may be the issue.
Use Shadow's Tools to Identify Network Issues
Easy Speedtest
Shadow’s Easy Speedtest measures download speed, upload speed, ping, and jitter between your device and the Shadow data center.
To run the Easy Speedtest:
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Close Shadow PC.
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Select your data center from the list below.
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The test will open in your browser. Click Run Speedtest.
- Compare the results with the minimum internet requirements.
📝 Find your data center: Open the Shadow PC launcher, click the Help icon, and scroll to the bottom.
Usage Stats Panel
Shadow’s Usage Stats Panel (in the Quick Menu) helps pinpoint network issues by monitoring the connection between:
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Your device → Your internet box (e.g. router or modem)
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Your internet box → your Shadow PC's data center
Use this to determine where latency or packet loss is occurring.
Fix High Latency Based on Where the Issue Occurs
If latency is high between your device and internet box:
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Pause downloads and streaming on your network.
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Check cable connections and replace faulty ones.
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Reset your router/modem using your ISP’s instructions.
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Contact your ISP for service issues.
If latency is high between your internet box and Shadow PC:
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Check the minimum internet requirements.
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Visit the status page for potential data center issues.
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Ensure your firewall is not blocking Shadow PC.
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Update Shadow PC to the latest version.
Additional Options
If the issue persists after following these steps, you may need to configure Shadow PC so that it is optimized for your connection. Follow Shadow's best practices to improve latency.
If you decide to contact Support, provide:
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A description of the issue
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Screenshots of the Easy Speedtest results
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Screenshots of the Usage Stats Panel
This information will help Support diagnose and resolve your issue more efficiently.