OpenNOW Docs

OpenNOW is an open-source GeForce NOW client. The desktop app uses Qt Quick for the interface and Rust for account services and streaming. Desktop and controller-first console layouts live in the same app. Separate ports cover Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS Vita, and handhelds. Ports & team lists every port with its maintainer, status, and download.

For macOS users looking for a separate native build optimized for Apple M-series Macs, anderson.oki maintains OpenNOW-Mac.

Independent community project

OpenNOW is not affiliated with NVIDIA. NVIDIA and GeForce NOW are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation.

Desktop is Qt/native

OpenNOW's desktop client uses Qt Quick and an in-process native streamer. It replaces the retired Electron/opennow-stable app. There is no Chromium or browser streaming path. See the announcement post for a first look.

Stable release and nightlies

These docs describe v1.0.3, published as the Latest release on 2026-10-16; its packages are named OpenNOW-Qt-1.0.3-…. Download them from Releases or the download picker. Nightly prereleases (vX.Y.Z-nightly.*, currently v1.0.4-nightly.*) are built from dev and appear on the same Releases page. Historical tags such as v0.5.5 may still contain Electron packages.

Install and play

Qt packages, first launch, desktop/console shells, settings, and CMake source builds.

Troubleshoot a problem

Fast checks for sign-in, launch, video, network, audio, input, and native streaming issues.

Ports & team

Every OpenNOW port: Pi, Mac, Android, iOS, Switch, PS5, Vita, and handhelds, with maintainers and status.

Nintendo Switch

Install the native homebrew client, sign in, tune streaming, and create HOME-screen shortcuts.

Architecture map

Qt shell, Rust core JSON protocol, and in-process streamer FFI.

Configuration reference

Settings defaults, local data locations, and Qt-era preferences.

Native streamer

Production in-process NVST runtime, GPU presentation, packaging, and diagnostics.

Protocol notes

Historical Chromium/WebRTC notes; not the default desktop path.

Input and capture

Pointer lock, keyboard layout, gamepad, clipboard, microphone, screenshots, and recording.

Fast path#

Download an OpenNOW-Qt-… package from the OpenNOW download picker or GitHub Releases.

Install the package for your platform: Windows x64/ARM64 -setup.exe or portable .zip (.msi only up to v1.0.3); Linux x64/ARM64 .AppImage (recommended) or .deb; macOS Apple Silicon .dmg or .zip (dev builds add an Intel .dmg). A Flatpak bundle is also published on GitHub Releases, and it is not on Flathub. Android, Nintendo Switch, and iOS remain separate projects.

Sign in with your provider. Approve the request on the provider page that opens in your browser, or scan a QR code with another device. OpenNOW saves the session locally.

Tune codec, resolution, FPS, bitrate, color quality, region, input, microphone, and capture settings. Switch between desktop and console layouts in the same app.

GitHub Releases also include Linux x64 and ARM64 .flatpak bundles.

Choose your docs path#

Start with Getting Started.
Use Nintendo Switch for homebrew installation, controls, and Switch-specific streaming settings.
Use Ports & team to find the right build for a phone, console, or handheld.
Keep Configuration open when tuning quality, shortcuts, capture, and console mode.
Use Media for screenshots, recordings, local storage, and gallery behavior.

Read Architecture before changing process-boundary code.
Use Development for Qt/CMake/Cargo workflow, checks, and packaging.
Check Authentication before touching provider, token, or session refresh logic.

Use Native Streamer for the production NVST path and diagnostics.
Read Protocol notes for Electron-era WebRTC history and the WebRTC compatibility mode.
Use Streamer Investigation for advanced native-path notes.

Repository map#

Qt Quick desktop app, C++ integration, and Qt tests