Disclosure: we make SofaDeck, which is mentioned below. Facts about other products were checked on their makers' own sites on 10 October 2026 and can change — confirm before you buy.
"Virtual Stream Deck" gets searched for two reasons. Some people have heard of Elgato's new on-screen panel and want to know what it is and how to get it. Others simply want Stream Deck-style buttons without buying a Stream Deck. This page covers both: the facts about Elgato's product first, then the ways to get a virtual deck with hardware you already own.
Elgato's Virtual Stream Deck, in short
- What it is: a software panel of Stream Deck keys drawn on your computer's display — Elgato calls it an on-screen workspace controller. You can create virtual keys, pin the panel in place or summon it to your mouse cursor.
- Where it runs: inside Elgato's Stream Deck desktop software, version 7.0 or later, as an overlay on your desktop.
- Computers: Windows 11 (64-bit) or later, or macOS 13 Ventura or later, according to Elgato's overview.
- How you unlock it: it comes bundled with supported devices. Elgato lists any Stream Deck, Stream Deck Mobile with a Pro license, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE mouse and the Corsair Xeneon Edge display, and a supported device must have been connected in the past 30 days.
So Virtual Stream Deck is best understood as an extra for people who already own Elgato or Corsair gear: a way to have more keys on screen than the hardware has, or keys right where your mouse is. It isn't a way to skip the hardware.
On-screen keys vs keys on a second device
There's a practical difference between a panel drawn on the same screen you work on and a deck on a separate device. On-screen keys are always within reach of the mouse, but they cover part of what you're doing and need the window in focus to be clicked — awkward during a full-screen game or a slideshow. Keys on a phone or tablet sit beside the keyboard (or in your hand on the sofa), never cover your work, and can be pressed while a game holds the main screen.
| Option | Where the keys appear | Needs | Cost to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato Virtual Stream Deck | Overlay on the computer screen | Stream Deck 7.0+, Windows 11 or macOS 13+, a supported Elgato/Corsair device | Bundled with that hardware |
| Stream Deck Mobile (Elgato) | Phone or tablet app | Stream Deck desktop software + the mobile app | Free tier with 6 keys; Pro is paid |
| Macro Deck | Phone/tablet browser or companion app | Macro Deck server on Windows, macOS or Linux | Free, open source |
| Touch Portal | Phone or tablet app | Touch Portal desktop app | Free tier (4×2 grid, 2 pages); Pro is a one-time upgrade |
| SofaDeck (ours)Get it free on the Microsoft Store → | Phone or tablet browser — no app | SofaDeck on Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit) or macOS 11 Big Sur or later, on Apple silicon or Intel | Free (1 page of 12 buttons + voice); Pro $9.99 once |
How to get a virtual deck on your phone in two minutes
- Install SofaDeck on the PC or Mac (from this site or the Microsoft Store). It sits in the tray or menu bar.
- Scan the QR code it shows with the phone's camera and type the 6-digit PIN from the computer screen.
- The deck opens in the phone's browser. Add buttons from the computer: apps, websites, folders, media keys, volume, single keys and text.
- Optional: add the page to the phone's home screen so it opens like an app.
The phone talks to your computer only over your home network, and pairing needs the PIN shown on the computer. Hotkey combinations, macros and extra pages are part of SofaDeck Pro ($9.99 once). The tray app also has a voice remote: hold the mic button and say open Spotify
or the name of any button.
Direct installer .exe · 3.7 MB Store version signed by Microsoft No account Local network only Signed updates SofaDeck installs on your Windows PC. Your phone is the remote — it works in the phone’s browser.One email from support@dixonappstudio.com. No list unless you tick the box. PrivacyOr on your PC, go to sofadeck.com/getWhich should you pick?
- You own a Stream Deck or a supported Corsair device: turn on Virtual Stream Deck — it's included and uses the same actions and plugins.
- You want the plugin library but no hardware: start with Stream Deck Mobile's free keys (see Stream Deck Mobile vs SofaDeck).
- You want keys on a phone or tablet with nothing to install on it: SofaDeck, or Macro Deck's web client.
- Comparing everything: read Stream Deck alternatives compared.
SofaDeck is made by Dixon App Studio LLC and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato, Corsair or any other company named here. Stream Deck is a trademark of Corsair Memory, Inc.
Sources
- Elgato — Virtual Stream Deck (ways to unlock)
- Elgato — Virtual Stream Deck overview (requirements)
- Touch Portal — Pro upgrade FAQ
- Macro Deck
Frequently asked questions
What is Elgato's Virtual Stream Deck?
Virtual Stream Deck (VSD) is a software panel of Stream Deck keys that appears as an overlay on your computer's own screen. You can pin it in place or summon it to your cursor. It runs inside Elgato's Stream Deck software, version 7.0 or later.
Is Virtual Stream Deck free?
It comes bundled with supported hardware rather than being sold on its own. Elgato lists any Stream Deck, Stream Deck Mobile with a Pro license, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE mouse and the Corsair Xeneon Edge display as ways to unlock it, and a supported device must have been connected within the past 30 days.
Does Virtual Stream Deck work on Mac?
Yes. Elgato's overview lists Windows 11 (64-bit) or later and macOS 13 Ventura or later, with Stream Deck 7.0 or later.
Can I use Virtual Stream Deck on my phone?
No. Virtual Stream Deck draws its keys on the computer's own screen. For keys on a phone, Elgato makes Stream Deck Mobile (an app), and tools like SofaDeck serve a deck to the phone's browser instead.
What's a free alternative to Virtual Stream Deck without Elgato hardware?
If you want the keys on a second screen you already own, a phone deck works without any hardware purchase: SofaDeck's free version gives one page of 12 buttons plus a voice remote, with nothing to install on the phone. Macro Deck is free and open source; Touch Portal has a free tier.