PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTo set up Automations in Streamlabs Desktop, open the Automations icon in the Sources panel, choose a game template or select Add Automation > Create custom, configure a supported-game trigger and its actions, then select Create Automation and enable it before going live. Automations let gameplay events prompt actions such as switching scenes or saving a replay.
Before you start
- Update Streamlabs Desktop to the latest version, as Streamlabs recommends in its Automations guide published August 20, 2026.
- Decide what gameplay event should trigger an action and what you want Desktop to do. The available games, conditions and actions depend on the options shown in the current application.
Set up an Automation
- Open the settings. In Streamlabs Desktop, go to the Sources panel and click the Automations icon.
- Choose how to begin. Select a template for a supported game, or choose Add Automation > Create custom to build one yourself.
- Name it clearly. Enter a recognizable description so you can identify the Automation in the list. Streamlabs’ example is “Victory Royale reaction.”
- Choose a trigger. Add a trigger based on a supported game and condition. The official guide does not publish a complete compatibility list, so confirm that the game and condition you need appear in your application.
- Choose the action or actions. Set what Streamlabs Desktop should do when the trigger occurs. Depending on available options, examples include switching scenes after a victory, showing or hiding a source when health gets low, or saving a replay after a major moment.
- Create and enable it. Select Create Automation, then check that the Automation is enabled before going live. The settings window also provides controls to test, edit and delete Automations.
Choose a template or create a custom Automation?
| Approach | Best suited to | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Game template | Starting with a preset for a game offered in the settings window. | Check that the template’s trigger and actions match what you want; the available choices can depend on the game. |
| Custom Automation | Building a rule around a supported game trigger and your chosen action or actions. | Confirm the game and condition are available in the current application before relying on the rule. |
Test it and understand the limits
Test the Automation from its settings window before you rely on it during a broadcast. Streamlabs notes that a selected Sidekick voice may not play while testing an Automation, although the preferred voice should play on stream. Treat that as a specific testing caveat; it does not establish that every other behavior has been tested.
Streamlabs’ August 20, 2026 guide states that all users can enable up to 5 Automations at once, while Streamlabs Ultra subscribers can enable up to 10. These are simultaneous enabled-Automation limits; the guide does not establish other differences between the subscription tiers.
Streamlabs says existing Automations migrate from Sidekick into Streamlabs Desktop without needing to be rebuilt. The documented Desktop setup does not require installing Sidekick, which remains a separate app with its own features.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Automations are not Cloudbot Timers
Desktop Automations respond to supported gameplay events. Cloudbot Timers instead post scheduled chat messages, and require Cloudbot to be enabled. To create one, add a timer and set its name, response, interval and line minimum; it runs when both the interval and line-minimum conditions are met. Streamlabs also describes Cloudbot commands, moderation, loyalty features and interactive modules, but those are separate tools rather than gameplay-triggered Desktop Automations.
Or let it run in the cloud
Streamlabs Desktop Automations control actions in your streaming setup; they are not a way to keep a prerecorded YouTube broadcast running after your computer is off. If that is the job you need done, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Learn about StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Rank #4
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more; Know that your command has been executed
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more; Regular updates and new plugins frequently added
Rank #3
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
Rank #2
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
