Streamlink is a free, open-source command-line tool for Windows that pipes video streams from many services into a player such as VLC or mpv, so you can skip heavy, unoptimized websites. It is a fork of Livestreamer, which is no longer maintained, and it also offers a Python API for developers. Version 8.6.3-1 is 61.4 MB, was released on October 29, 2026, and updates Python to 3.15.2 along with dependency security fixes.
A fork of the retired Livestreamer
The developer is Streamlink, with a project page under github.com/streamlink. The project was forked from Livestreamer, which is no longer maintained. The license is BSD-2-Clause and the app is free.
The package ID is Streamlink.Streamlink, and the catalog files it under TV apps. Tags on the entry include cli, livestream, twitch, and vlc.
Streams go to your player, not a browser tab
Streamlink does not play video itself. It takes a stream from a supported service and hands it to a separate player, with VLC and mpv named as examples. The stated aim is to avoid resource-heavy and unoptimized websites while still letting you watch the streamed content.
Developers get an extra option: a Python API gives access to the stream data. Check the project page for the list of supported services before relying on a specific one.
Windows requirements
This entry covers the Windows build only, at 61.4 MB. Because it is a command-line tool, you work in a terminal rather than a window with buttons.
The latest release bundles Python 3.15.2, so a separate Python install is not required.
What's new in 8.6.3-1
Version 8.6.3 updates Streamlink and its dependencies with important security fixes. The bundled Python moves from 3.14.9 to 3.15.2.
Streamlink pros and cons
Pros
- Free under the BSD-2-Clause license
- Sends streams to VLC or mpv instead of a heavy website
- Python API available for developers
- Dependencies updated with security fixes in 8.6.3
- Download comes from the official github.com host
Cons
- Command-line only, with no graphical interface described
- Supported services are listed only on the project page
- Runs in a terminal, with no graphical window
- Needs a separate video player such as VLC or mpv
Is Streamlink safe?
The file is served by github.com, the project's own host. Streamlink is the publisher and the code is open under the BSD-2-Clause license. The newest release notes say the bundled dependencies received important security fixes and Python moved from 3.14.9 to 3.15.2. Beyond that there is nothing more to report, so check the download against the project page before you run it.
How to install Streamlink
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Streamlink from the Start menu.
