[CachyOS] Systemd Environment Different from Terminal

[lyingriotman]

Hello,

I'm having some trouble running Sunshine through the systemd service file.

If Sunshine is started manually from my terminal, it is able to correctly detect my wayland session using kwingrab. However, if it's started from the systemd file (even if the service is ran using my own user/group), it's not able to detect my current display or possible encoders.

I imagine there's some way to add Sunshine to the proper scope to see what it needs to from inside systemd, but I'm not familiar enough with Wayland to understand what's wrong (or at least I couldn't find anyone mentioning this).

Any help is appreciated :)

I've added the logs and systemd service configuration below.

Systemd Service File

[Unit]
Description=Sunshine self-hosted game stream host for Moonlight.
StartLimitIntervalSec=500
StartLimitBurst=5
After=graphical-session.target

[Service]
User=myUser
Group=myUser
ExecStart=/usr/bin/sunshine
ExecStopPost=/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-stop-vmon.sh
Restart=always
RestartSec=5s
RemainAfterExit=no
#Flatpak Only
#ExecStop=flatpak kill dev.lizardbyte.sunshine

[Install]
WantedBy=graphical-session.target

Systemd Log

ct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162373] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    [misc] has_elevated_privileges found permitted cap:21
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162434] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    [misc] drop_elevated_privileges succeeded in dropping capabilities
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162458] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    [misc] has_elevated_privileges found permitted cap:23
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162463] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    [misc] drop_elevated_privileges succeeded in dropping capabilities
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162491] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    config: 'output_name' = DP-1
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162495] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    config: 'origin_web_ui_allowed' = wan
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162497] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    config: 'system_tray' = disabled
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162500] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    config: 'global_prep_cmd' = [{"do":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-start.vmon.sh","undo":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-stop-vm>
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162503] [0x00007fee2f0ad000] [info]    config: 'capture' = kwin
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: Sunshine version: 2026.1008.155609 commit: 019b1ba661d829e334706557a3e2bdc3d2374591
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: Package Publisher: LizardByte
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: Publisher Website: https://app.lizardbyte.dev
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: Get support: https://app.lizardbyte.dev/support
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: config: 'capture' = kwin
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: config: 'global_prep_cmd' = [{"do":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-start.vmon.sh","undo":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-stop-vmon.sh"}]
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: config: 'system_tray' = disabled
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: config: 'origin_web_ui_allowed' = wan
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.162]: Info: config: 'output_name' = DP-1
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.163]: Warning: Couldn't find app image at path [/home/myUser/Downloads/retroRewind.png]
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.163]: Info: [kwingrab] Found matching system KWin desktop permission file: /usr/share//applications/dev.lizardbyte.app.Sunshine.kwin.desktop
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.163]: Error: [kwingrab] WAYLAND_DISPLAY not set
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.163]: Error: Unable to initialize capture method
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.163]: Error: Platform failed to initialize
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.164]: Info: // Testing for available encoders, this may generate errors. You can safely ignore those errors. //
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.164]: Info: Trying encoder [nvenc]
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.164]: Info: [misc] drop_elevated_privileges succeeded in dropping capabilities
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.564]: Info: Encoder [nvenc] failed
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.564]: Info: Trying encoder [vulkan]
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.965]: Info: Encoder [vulkan] failed
Oct 13 22:01:03 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:03.965]: Info: Trying encoder [vaapi]
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.365]: Info: Encoder [vaapi] failed
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.365]: Info: Trying encoder [software]
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.766]: Info: Encoder [software] failed
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.766]: Fatal: Unable to find display or encoder during startup.
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.766]: Fatal: Please ensure your manually chosen GPU and monitor are connected and powered on.
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.766]: Error: Video failed to find working encoder
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.766]: Info: No main thread features enabled, skipping event loop
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.767]: Info: Adding avahi service xerxes
Oct 13 22:01:04 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:04.768]: Info: Configuration UI available at [https://localhost:47990]
Oct 13 22:01:05 xerxes sunshine[141508]: [2026-10-13 22:01:05.555]: Info: Avahi service xerxes successfully established.

Terminal Log

[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498645] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    [misc] has_elevated_privileges found permitted cap:21
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498677] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    [misc] drop_elevated_privileges succeeded in dropping capabilities
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498704] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    [misc] has_elevated_privileges found permitted cap:23
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498711] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    [misc] drop_elevated_privileges succeeded in dropping capabilities
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498738] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    config: 'output_name' = DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498741] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    config: 'origin_web_ui_allowed' = wan
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498744] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    config: 'system_tray' = disabled
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498747] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    config: 'global_prep_cmd' = [{"do":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-start.vmon.sh","undo":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-stop-vmon.sh"}]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.498751] [0x00007f804a920000] [info]    config: 'capture' = kwin
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: Sunshine version: 2026.1008.155609 commit: 019b1ba661d829e334706557a3e2bdc3d2374591
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: Package Publisher: LizardByte
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: Publisher Website: https://app.lizardbyte.dev
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: Get support: https://app.lizardbyte.dev/support
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: config: 'capture' = kwin
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: config: 'global_prep_cmd' = [{"do":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-start.vmon.sh","undo":"/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-stop-vmon.sh"}]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: config: 'system_tray' = disabled
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: config: 'origin_web_ui_allowed' = wan
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: config: 'output_name' = DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Warning: Couldn't find app image at path [/home/myUser/Downloads/retroRewind.png]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.499]: Info: [kwingrab] Found matching system KWin desktop permission file: /usr/share/applications/dev.lizardbyte.app.Sunshine.kwin.desktop
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.503]: Info: [kwingrab] Found output: DP-1 order: 0 position: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.529]: Info: // Testing for available encoders, this may generate errors. You can safely ignore those errors. //
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.529]: Info: Trying encoder [nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.529]: Info: [misc] drop_elevated_privileges succeeded in dropping capabilities
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.529]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.531]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.531]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.545]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.550]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4398 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.550]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.550]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.550]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.552]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.552]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.552]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.553]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.553]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.553]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.553]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.553]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.553]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.554]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.555]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.555]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.560]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.562]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.564]: Info: Creating encoder [h264_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.564]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 601)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.564]: Info: Color depth: 8-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.564]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.622]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.632]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.764]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.833]: Info: Creating encoder [hevc_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.833]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 601)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.833]: Info: Color depth: 8-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.833]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.833]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.835]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.838]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.879]: Info: Creating encoder [av1_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.879]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 601)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.879]: Info: Color depth: 8-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.879]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.879]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.880]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.882]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.889]: Warning: [av1_nvenc @ 0x55b4d9ab6a40] Codec not supported
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.890]: Error: [av1_nvenc @ 0x55b4d9ab6a40] Provided device doesn't support required NVENC features
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.891]: Error: Could not open codec [av1_nvenc]: Function not implemented
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.892]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.892]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.893]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.893]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.893]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.897]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.900]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4404 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.900]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.900]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.900]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.902]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.904]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.904]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.904]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.909]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.909]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.909]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.909]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.909]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.909]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.910]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.910]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.910]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.910]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.910]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.910]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.911]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.914]: Info: Creating encoder [h264_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.914]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 601)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.914]: Info: Color depth: 8-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.914]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.914]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.915]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.917]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.969]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.969]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.970]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.970]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.970]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.975]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.979]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4410 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.979]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.979]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.979]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.980]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.980]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.980]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.981]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.981]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.981]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.981]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.981]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.981]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.982]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.982]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.983]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.987]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.987]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.987]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.987]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.987]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.987]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.988]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.988]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.988]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.988]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.988]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.988]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.989]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.992]: Info: Creating encoder [hevc_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.992]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 601)
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.992]: Info: Color depth: 8-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.992]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.992]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.993]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:01.996]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.043]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.043]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.044]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.044]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.044]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.049]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.053]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4416 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.053]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.053]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.053]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.055]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.056]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.057]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.057]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.061]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.061]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.061]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.062]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.063]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.066]: Info: Creating encoder [hevc_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.066]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 709)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.066]: Info: Color depth: 10-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.066]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.066]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.067]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.070]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.117]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.117]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.118]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.118]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.118]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.124]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.128]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4422 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.128]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.128]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.128]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.130]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.131]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.132]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.132]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.136]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.137]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.138]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.141]: Info: Creating encoder [hevc_nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.141]: Info: Color coding: SDR (Rec. 709)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.141]: Info: Color depth: 10-bit
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.141]: Info: Color range: JPEG
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.142]: Error: Failed to gain CAP_SYS_ADMIN
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.142]: Info: EGL: context priority set to HIGH
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.145]: Info: Streaming bitrate is 1000000
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.198]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.198]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.198]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.198]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.198]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.205]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.209]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4428 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.209]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.209]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.209]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.211]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.212]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.213]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.213]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.217]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.217]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.217]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.217]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.217]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.217]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.218]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.218]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.218]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.218]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.218]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.218]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.219]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.222]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.222]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.223]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.223]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.223]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.228]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.231]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4434 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.231]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.231]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.231]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.233]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.233]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.233]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.233]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.233]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.233]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.234]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.234]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.234]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.234]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.235]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.235]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.240]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.242]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.245]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.245]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.245]: Info: Screencasting with KWin ScreenCast
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.245]: Info: [pipewire] Requested variable frame rate (Sunshine pacing required: 16.6667ms)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.245]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.251]: Info: [pipewire] Pure NVIDIA system - DMA-BUF will be enabled for CUDA
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.254]: Info: [kwingrab] Pipewire stream created: objectserial=4440 (node=191)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.254]: Info: [kwingrab] Screencasting output name DP-1 position 0x0 resolution 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.254]: Info: [pipewire] Streaming display 'DP-1' offset: 0x0 resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.254]: Info: [wayland] Found display [wayland-0]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zxdg_output_manager_v1(33) version 3
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: zwp_linux_dmabuf_v1(60) version 5
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Found interface: wl_output(76) version 4
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Resolution: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Offset: 0x0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Logical size: 2327x1309
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Name: DP-1
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [wayland] Found monitor: Dell Inc. S2719DGF
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.256]: Info: [pipewire] Using frame_timestamp (pts) metadata source: Sunshine
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.257]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: unconnected -> connecting
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.258]: Info: [pipewire] Connected to pipewire version 1.6.9
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.258]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: connecting -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.263]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.263]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.263]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.263]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.263]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.263]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.264]: Info: [pipewire] Video format: 12
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.264]: Info: [pipewire] Size: 2560x1440
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.264]: Info: [pipewire] Color primaries: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.264]: Info: [pipewire] Transfer function: 0
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.264]: Info: [pipewire] Compositor negotiated frame rate: 0/1 (variable rate capture)
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.264]: Info: [pipewire] using DMA-BUF buffers
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.265]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> streaming
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: streaming -> paused
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info: [pipewire] PipeWire stream state: paused -> unconnected
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info:
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info: // Ignore any errors mentioned above, they are not relevant. //
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info:
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info: Found H.264 encoder: h264_nvenc [nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.268]: Info: Found HEVC encoder: hevc_nvenc [nvenc]
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.269]: Info: No main thread features enabled, skipping event loop
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.270]: Info: Adding avahi service xerxes
[2026-10-13 22:17:02.270]: Info: Configuration UI available at [https://localhost:47990]
[2026-10-13 22:17:03.252]: Info: Avahi service xerxes successfully established.

[majidninja]

The key line in your log is this one:

Error: [kwingrab] WAYLAND_DISPLAY not set

Your unit is a system service (User=myUser just changes the uid it runs as). System services start in the system manager's environment, so they never get your session's WAYLAND_DISPLAY, XDG_RUNTIME_DIR or session D-Bus address. Without those, kwingrab can't find KWin, and every encoder test fails after it because there is no display to test against. In the terminal it works because your shell has those variables.

graphical-session.target also only exists in the user manager, so After=/WantedBy=graphical-session.target in a system unit never does what you want.

The fix is to run Sunshine as a user service. The package already ships one:

# remove your system unit
sudo systemctl disable --now sunshine.service
sudo rm /etc/systemd/system/sunshine.service   # or wherever you put it
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

# use the shipped user unit
systemctl --user enable --now app-dev.lizardbyte.app.Sunshine

(sunshine.service is an alias for it, see the Linux section of the getting-started docs.) The user manager imports the Plasma session environment, so WAYLAND_DISPLAY is set and it waits for graphical-session.target properly.

To keep your vmon stop script, add it through a drop-in rather than editing the shipped unit:

systemctl --user edit app-dev.lizardbyte.app.Sunshine

[Service]
ExecStopPost=/home/myUser/.local/bin/sunshine-stop-vmon.sh

You can check what the service sees with systemctl --user show-environment | grep WAYLAND.