Steam Link Won't Connect: A Frustrating Experience with a Promising Feature

The recent update to the Steam client promised to unlock a host computer via Steam Link, provided that the Steam client is running and a keyboard is attached to the streaming device. However, many users are still experiencing issues with this feature, including myself.

I have Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (1803 build) as my operating system platform, and my Steam client's build is the latest one (steam package version 1528497815). Despite being redirected by Steam support to the developer of this topic, I was unable to connect to my PC using Steam Link. The issue persists even after enabling the Steam Client in the background.

When I try to connect to my PC using Steam Link, it takes me back to the 'connection' menu waiting for me to select a connection choice again. If I go to the SteamLink on my TV and hit the blue PC 'Ready' icon, my TV gets a black screen for a couple of seconds as if SteamLink tries to connect to my PC.

The issue seems to occur only when my Windows login/lock screen appears in my PC asking for a password to grant access. While my Steamlink is running and showing my computer 'Ready' for connection, I am unable to provide remote input and login.

To make matters more frustrating, I have tried connecting a Logitech K400r wireless keyboard on Steam Link, which works fine. This has led me to believe that the issue lies not with the hardware but rather with the software or settings.

I was excited to try out this feature, especially for hosts like tablets where the swipe-to-reveal login prevents accidental inputs during handling. However, my workaround is to hack the Win 10 registry to disable the lock screen overlay (not the whole login process, just the swipe-away initial wallpaper).

After disabling the lock screen overlay, I can provide remote input and login by clicking on the mouse or a key to dismiss the initial 'wallpaper/clock' to reveal the actual login box. This is not an ideal solution, but it works.

I hope that this issue will be addressed in future updates to the Steam client. In the meantime, I will continue to use my workaround until a more permanent solution is found.

The feature promised by Steam Link is close to working, and I am excited about its potential. However, this issue needs to be resolved for users who want to take advantage of this feature without having to resort to workarounds.

I hope that the developers of Steam will address this issue soon and provide a more convenient solution for users like me who are eager to use this feature.

Steam link wont connect