To receive NDI in Streamlabs Desktop, first start an NDI stream from a sender application on the local network. Install the NewTek NDI SDK redist on both computers and reboot them; for Streamlabs Desktop 1.20.6 and later, Streamlabs specifies NDI SDK 6 or higher. Then add an NDI Source to a scene and select the active stream.
What you need before adding an NDI source
- A sender: Streamlabs Desktop is the receiver in this setup. Another application or device must capture the desired picture and transmit it as an NDI stream over the local network.
- The NDI prerequisite on both computers: Install the NewTek NDI SDK redist on the receiving computer and on the computer running the sender, then reboot both. Streamlabs’ receiving guide, last updated June 10, 2026, specifies NDI SDK 6 or higher for Streamlabs Desktop 1.20.6 and later. Streamlabs: NDI Receiving Setup in Streamlabs Desktop
- Both devices on the local network: The sender’s active NDI stream needs to be discoverable by the receiver. If the computers are on different networks, this local-network workflow may not find the source.
You do not need a particular sender application: choose one that can transmit the content you want to bring into your Streamlabs scene.
Choose and start an NDI sender
OBS Studio with DistroAV
One desktop-to-desktop option in Streamlabs’ sender guide is OBS Studio 31 or later with the DistroAV plugin and NDI Runtime 6. Configure OBS to send the output you want, then start the NDI output before looking for it in Streamlabs Desktop. The guide notes one audio limitation: audio from a Browser source using the Dedicated Output NDI filter is not transmitted because of Browser source limitations. If your program depends on that audio, arrange another audio path. Streamlabs: Create NDI Stream Output with OBS Studio
Scan Converter 2, vMix, or a mobile device
Streamlabs also describes Scan Converter 2 for capturing an entire monitor or a selected region and transmitting it, and identifies vMix and a mobile device as other possible sender paths. The content and audio available depend on the sender and its configuration; the receiving guide does not establish a universal audio setup for these options. Streamlabs: Create NDI stream with Scan Converter 2, vMix, or Mobile Device
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Install the NDI SDK and reboot
- On the computer that will run Streamlabs Desktop, install the NewTek NDI SDK redist.
- On the sender computer, install the same prerequisite.
- Reboot both computers so the installation is in effect.
Keep the version requirement tied to the receiver: Streamlabs’ guide says NDI SDK 6 or higher is needed with Streamlabs Desktop 1.20.6 and later. It does not give a separate operating-system-specific procedure or establish a different requirement for earlier Streamlabs Desktop versions.
Add the incoming stream to a Streamlabs scene
- Start the sender and make sure its NDI output is active on the local network.
- In Streamlabs Desktop, open the scene where the feed should appear.
- Above the Sources list, click the + icon.
- Add NDI Source.
- In the source properties, select the active NDI stream you want to receive.
Streamlabs says active NDI streams on the local network are detected automatically. If the desired stream is not listed, use the troubleshooting checks below before rebuilding the scene.
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Troubleshoot missing sources or a blank feed
| Symptom | Check and fix |
|---|---|
| NDI Source is missing from the source list | Check that the NDI SDK redist was installed correctly on the receiving computer, install it if needed, and reboot. Streamlabs identifies an incorrect SDK installation or a missed reboot as causes to check. |
| The source exists, but the sender is not detected | Confirm the sending application is actively transmitting an NDI stream and that both computers are on the same local network. Allow both the sender application and Streamlabs Desktop through the firewall. Set both computers’ network profiles to Private. |
| The stream is detected but no expected picture or audio arrives | Check the sender’s output selection and whether it is actually sending the content you intend to capture. For the OBS Dedicated Output NDI filter, Browser-source audio is not transmitted; use another audio method for that path. |
Streamlabs’ receiving guide does not specify firewall port numbers or router settings, so avoid guessing those values. If the checks above do not resolve discovery, consult the documentation for the sender and the firewall in use.
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