Shadow is a cloud service offered by the French provider OVHcloud that focuses on delivering a Windows 10-based virtual desktop experience. Designed with remote workers, gamers, and creators in North America, it positions itself as a flexible, on-demand solution that runs in the cloud rather than on local hardware.
Properties
Registration is free and open to anyone with web access, and new users typically receive a generous incentive in cloud storage. After signing up, users choose between two primary offerings: the basic Shadow PC and the more powerful Power Upgrade, which targets professional-grade workloads.
The basic service enables a PC experience over the cloud on a Windows-ready device, whether it’s a PC, Mac, mobile, or mid-range computer. For the basic configuration, the virtual machine is equipped with an Intel Xeon 3.5 GHz CPU, 12 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1080-level graphics capability. The Power Upgrade option delivers a more robust setup, featuring an AMD EPYC 7543P processor, NVIDIA RTX A4000-class graphics, and 16 GB of RAM. Both configurations are capable of streaming a broad catalog of games, with the primary constraint being a stable internet connection. A quick system test helps determine suitability for smooth operation.
Real moment
Once the client app is downloaded and launched, users can decide whether to run the virtual PC in a window or operate it full-screen as if it were their local machine. A slight loss of image detail may occur due to compression as the display is sent over the network, but the experience remains faithful to a native feel. In tests with a connection of 800 Mbps, continuous 60 FPS gameplay with a 29 ms ping was achievable while using a wired Ethernet connection. Similar results were observed on 5G Wi-Fi, with no noticeable lag in demanding titles or fast-paced shooters, and even high-quality titles like The Witcher 3 performed smoothly at 60 FPS.
Steam and the Epic Games Store were both tested, and the cloud-managed PC behaved identically to a traditional PC from the user’s perspective. The only difference lies in optional connection status indicators—frames per second, transfer rate, ping, and connection settings—that can be viewed by pressing Alt+Windows or Command+O, depending on the operating system.
The cloud approach is a compelling solution for playing a wide range of games on older hardware or macOS environments. Accessing the service via mobile devices is feasible but requires careful network planning since it relies on streaming from a Windows 10-based virtual PC. The basic service proves sufficient for most games, and the professional-grade configuration remains a strong option for more demanding titles or multitasking.
Download speeds benefit from OVHcloud’s data centers, delivering rapid transfers when using the service’s own servers rather than a user’s slower home connection. The cloud PC provides 500 GB of disk space, split into two drives across both basic and advanced plans. Additional storage can be purchased if needed.
Definitely
Shadow is truly a cloud-native workstation: users can access their existing accounts for streaming platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, or Microsoft Games, all through a remote computer. This setup stands out against many competing options in the market, though it does require a dependable connection (50 Mbps or better for stable use). Some blurriness can appear in the Windows interface due to image compression, but overall stability remains reliable for the majority of use cases.
For gamers who want a portable, affordable way to access a gaming PC anywhere with solid internet, Shadow offers a practical solution. It is equally appealing to professionals who need a cloud-based workstation for events, meetings, or collaborations that demand high-end graphics, fast access to a virtual PC, and the flexibility to work from different locations. After initial hesitation in markets with more closed ecosystems, this approach may align with what many players have been seeking.