The maximum session length is a limit placed on the duration of an individual Shadow PC session. It's designed to prevent very long sessions from monopolizing server resources and degrading availability for other users.
This limit should not be confused with fair use, which is a quota of cumulative hours over the month: session length, on the other hand, applies to each session individually.
What's the maximum length for my plan?
| Plan | Max session length |
|---|---|
| Shadow Lite (Neo Lite / Power Lite) | 4 hours |
| Shadow (Neo / Power, standard plans) | 6 hours |
| Shadow Pro (Neo Pro / Power Pro) | 8 hours |
How does it work?
- The countdown starts when your Shadow's stream begins, not when the Shadow itself starts.
- It stops when the stream ends, not when the Shadow shuts down.
- Starts triggered outside the client app (maintenance, updates) are not counted.
- Once the limit is reached, the Shadow is shut down automatically (hard shutdown).
- You can then reconnect immediately, as long as you haven't also reached your fair use quota.
What happens as I approach the limit?
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes before the end | A notification appears showing the remaining time. |
| 5 minutes before the end | A second notification appears, even if the overlay is hidden. |
| End of session | The Shadow shuts down automatically (the actual delay can be up to 5 minutes after the limit is reached). |
Can I reconnect right after being cut off?
Yes. As soon as your Shadow is shut down due to the session length limit, you can restart it immediately to start a new session, as long as your monthly fair use quota isn't already exhausted.
How can I see how much time I have left?
A counter is displayed directly in your app's overlay: it shows the elapsed time and remaining time for your current session, updated in real time.
FAQ
Will my session be cut off without warning?
No. You'll get a notification 15 minutes before the end, then a second one 5 minutes before, so you can anticipate the cutoff.
Can I restart my Shadow right after the cutoff?
Yes, reconnecting is possible immediately, unless you've also reached your monthly fair use quota.
Is session length the same thing as fair use?
No. Session length limits each individual session (e.g. 6h max on the Standard plan), while fair use limits your total cumulative hours over the month.
Does the limit depend on my plan?
Yes: 4h for Shadow Lite, 6h for Shadow, and 8h for Shadow Pro.