Parsec Virtual Display Driver is a virtual display solution that creates software-based monitors on Windows hosts for game streaming and remote access scenarios.
The tool solves the problem of streaming or working on machines without physical monitors attached. It uses the IddCx API (Indirect Display Driver) to generate virtual displays that Windows and applications treat as real monitors. This allows streaming software, capture tools, and applications that require an active display to function normally on headless systems. The driver supports up to three virtual displays per host with resolutions up to 4K and refresh rates up to 240 Hz, letting users stream at exact encoder specifications without cropping or rescaling from a physical monitor's native resolution.
The project suits several scenarios: game streaming via Parsec, Sunshine, Moonlight, or Steam Remote Play where the host needs to match the streaming resolution and refresh rate precisely; headless machines and cloud VMs where no physical monitor exists; Hyper-V guests where the hypervisor's built-in display prevents streaming software from using its own virtual display; and multi-monitor setups where users want to test layouts or extend displays without purchasing additional hardware. It also enables privacy modes by pairing a virtual display for remote sessions with a physical monitor for local use, keeping the two desktops independent. The project includes ParsecDisplay, a C# and WPF-based tray application that provides a graphical interface to add, remove, and configure virtual displays by adjusting resolution, refresh rate, and orientation.
The project maintains active engagement with its user base through regular updates addressing streaming and display configuration needs. Development focuses on stability and compatibility across different Windows versions and streaming scenarios. The tool receives consistent attention to supporting edge cases like GPU-accelerated virtual machines and high-refresh-rate capture workflows.
