Our interest in Valve’s Steam Deck grows the more we use the product. The Deck is awesome for the vast library of games it supports, but we’ve also discovered that it makes for a great mini-PC for everything from work and creativity to basic PC duties.
You needn’t worry about being out of your depth working on a Linux based device. Although there is definite room for improvement with SteamOS, Valve’s first attempt is actually pretty good, and the resulting PC is a fun, experimental small device that is ideal for first time Linux users. Add to that the ability to play AAA games and you really do have the best of both worlds when you boot up your Steam Deck. Gaming on the go plus a decent desktop PC to boot: what’s not to love?
Below, you will read:
- Some tips and tricks to getting the most out of your Steam Deck in desktop mode
- How to navigate Linux on your Steam Deck
- Steam Deck FAQ
Getting in and out of Desktop Mode
Simply press the power button once the Deck has booted into its usual Gaming Mode, select “Switch to Desktop,” and wait through a few brief loading screens to access the Deck’s full-featured Linux “Desktop Mode,” which many users refer to as its “desktop” capabilities. Unfortunately, you can’t go straight into this mode after turning on the device, although switching is fast.
To go to Desktop Mode from Gaming Mode, press the Steam button (or its touchscreen equivalent in the bottom left corner), then go to “Power,” and finally select “Switch to Desktop.”
Simply restart your device to return to Game Mode. You can also double click the “Return to Game Mode” icon on your desktop screen.
Welcome to Linux, expect a few hiccups
SteamOS is Valve’s take on Linux, and it powers Steam Deck. Yes, it is extremely good and credit to Valve for a job well done, but it’s still far from perfect. For those of us who live in the land of the penguin, Linux is a fantastic alternative to popular desktop operating systems like Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS.
All that said, it’s unlikely we’ll see a widespread shift to Linux desktops in the coming years. Still, amazing progress in this area over the past decade has resulted in the availability of some very dependable and effective operating systems. In fact, they have flair and personality. The Desktop Mode in SteamOS is like a greatest hits collection of many advancements in this area of computing.
The majority of the time, the interface and functionality are identical to Windows, including a familiar file manager, the inclusion of Firefox for web surfing, and the ability to run Steam and play games in Desktop Mode. This makes it incredibly easy for new users to adapt to it quickly.
However, Linuxisms are to be expected. App installation, for instance, is more complicated. SteamOS’s “Discover” app store is where you should go to find and download programs. Beyond that, it’s a crapshoot, and you’ll probably need to brush up on your Linux skills.
For instance, the website for the excellent (maybe greatest) note-taking tool Obsidian only provides a “Appimage” for Linux. We can ignore the specifics, but it’s not an executable file like .exe or .msi. When installed in this manner, the app’s icon seems unusual in the taskbar, and opening it may be difficult. However, you may also find Obsidian in the app store and install it that way to have it behave exactly like any other program.
Switching to SteamOS in Desktop Mode is, in many ways, similar to using a smartphone whose operating system you are unfamiliar with. Things won’t be where you expect them to be, and certain features will behave in unexpected ways. Learning about these distinctions is part of the pleasure of switching operating systems, although a Linux desktop may occasionally act in ways you aren’t yet accustomed. Thankfully, SteamOS has many of the conveniences of current operating systems built in to address these issues.
Steam Deck: A great device for tinkering
You won’t have any problems if you don’t mind getting your hands filthy while learning the peculiarities of a new operating system. However, there are a few things that you need to put in place right now. In other words, unless you’ve done these things, you shouldn’t be using the Deck as a desktop computer.
First thing you absolutely must purchase is a docking station. The Steam Deck only has one USB-C port so a docking station is essential. Being able to plug in a keyboard, mouse, and monitor while still keeping the device charged is the bare minimum to ensure your Steam Deck qualifies as a desktop PC.
What kind of dock should you get first? The official Steam Deck dock from Valve is not required, but there are many good reasons to get it. One major benefit is that while you play, your Steam Deck will be charging at all times thanks to Valve’s dock. Some cheaper options do similar, but most won’t have a power adaptor big enough to keep the device charging while in use. Anything above 45W is good, but if you use a standard USB-C charger like you’d get with your phone, you may find the Steam Deck using up juice quicker than it’s able to refill. Shop around and pick whatever dock best suits your needs and your pockets.
Once you’ve a decent docking station, you can focus on your work without worrying that the Deck will die on you and ruin the illusion that you’re working on a typical desktop PC. The Deck will still be alive and well when you decide to take it back to the couch or the car. Elden Ring laying in bed is the stuff dreams are made from.
Disable the built-in screen
The Deck’s screen, with its modest 1280×800 resolution, is likely more of a distraction than anything else if you connect to a 1080p or 4K display. It’s better to disable it immediately.
When you connect the Deck to a screen, a window will go up asking you to select a method for controlling numerous displays. Selecting “Switch to External Screen” will turn off the Deck’s screen and activate your external monitor. However, the prompt will disappear if no action is taken.
So how do you turn off the Deck’s screen?
To disable the screen, go to System Preferences > Display & Monitor > Display Configuration in the Hardware section. To disable the default screen, go to Settings > Display > Default Screen. However, you can’t do this until you’ve set aside one of your displays as your primary.
When you attach your Steam Deck to a dock, the external monitor will now take over as the primary display, effectively blacking out your Steam Deck. The latter can be disregarded until it is time to proceed.
How to enable the lock screen
The Steam Deck is a computer. However, it comes with very little protection enabled. Your Deck is password-less, so anyone may turn it on. Even if you change to Desktop Mode, the condition will not improve.
However, a password protection option is available. You should start by making one. System Settings has a section labeled “Personalization” where you can do this. To modify your password, go to Steam Deck User > Change Password.
Then, select Screen Locking from the Workspace > Workspace Behavior menu. Toggle the switches next to “Always Lock My Screen.”
When this option is selected, it is important to remember a major caveat. When you remove your device from a dock, your Deck will still prompt you to provide a password. The problem is that you can’t get inside one. Locking the screen prevents you from using the Steam + X virtual keyboard.
This qualifier is not isolated. If you are unable to log in, you can easily skip this step. Holding down the power button will force the gadget to shut down. The next step is to reboot and return to the desktop interface.
The lock screen, in a nutshell, gives the impression that the device is secure. It can deter intruders who don’t bother to restart your device and frustrate those who do, especially if you have your Deck set to go to sleep after a short period of inactivity.
Always check for updates
The desktop mode of the Steam Deck is no different from any other operating system in this regard. The KDE Plasma desktop environment is what you’re using. This desktop evolves each time to include even more useful tools.Downloaded applications also have their own update cycles, apart from that of the core operating system.
However, the update icon in the system tray, located in the lower right corner, is easy to miss. If you want the latest versions of the apps you use, including the security improvements and additional features that come with them, you should always select the update icon when it appears. You may also use the Discover icon on your panel or in the app launcher to perform a manual inspection.
KDE Discover is not just a widget and extension downloader, but also an app shop for the KDE Plasma desktop.
Pro tips for optimizing your Steam Deck experience
Use these tips to make the most of your Steam Deck as a PC:
- Use SteamOS’s Desktop Mode’s adaptability to personalize your computer’s interface. Make your computer more comfortable by customizing the wallpaper, theme, and icon arrangement on the desktop.
- Learn the keyboard shortcuts. Get to know the keyboard shortcuts in SteamOS for faster and easier navigation and task completion. Time and energy can be saved by making use of keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V for copying and pasting, and Alt+Tab for quickly moving between running programs.
- Adjust your game’s graphics settings so that you get a good visual experience without sacrificing too much performance. While the Steam Deck cannot match the visual quality of a high-end gaming PC, it is possible to achieve playable and entertaining results by adjusting the settings.
- Test out Steam’s Big Picture Mode, which is tailor-made for couch gaming with your Steam Deck thanks to its support for TV displays and gamepad controllers. This intuitive interface allows you to quickly and easily access your games, organize your library, and adjust your controls.
- To play games on your Steam Deck, all you need is a PC with a Steam account and the ability to use Steam’s Remote Play feature. You can take advantage of the power of your gaming system and play a larger variety of games thanks to the Steam Deck’s portability.
- Use a cloud gaming service. Investigate cloud gaming services such as Steam Cloud Play, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Xbox Cloud Gaming to gain access to a plethora of games without the hassle of installing them on your device or processing them locally. When room is at a premium on the Steam Deck, this can come in handy. Xbox Game Pass in particular is amazing on the Steam Deck, and streaming games is less taxing on your battery life.
- Ensure you have the newest features, bug fixes, and security patches by always updating your SteamOS, games, and applications. Maintaining peak speed and compatibility requires routinely checking for updates in both the SteamOS settings and individual programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here is a brief FAQ to answer your concerns about the Steam Deck:
1. Is it possible to use Steam Deck with a different OS?
While Valve’s SteamOS is the default for the Steam Deck, the company has given customers the option to install alternative OSes. The device’s usefulness is increased as a result of your ability to experiment with various operating systems.
2. Can I perform everyday computer operations on the Steam Deck?
Yes! The Steam Deck, when set to Desktop Mode, is a highly effective workstation. You can use it to access the internet, manage your inbox, write and edit documents, modify images, and build software. Whatever you usually do on your desktop PC can also be done on your Steam Deck.
3. Is it possible to hook up the Steam Deck to other devices?
The Steam Deck has one USB-C connector that can be used to connect a wide variety of peripherals. You can modify the environment to your liking, making it cozier and more functional.
4. To play video games, can I hook up the Steam Deck to my TV?
The Steam Deck has a TV hookup. You can use an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV, or you can use Steam’s Big Picture Mode or another streaming technology to play games wirelessly on your TV.
5. What is the Steam Deck’s battery life like?
The Steam Deck’s battery life is dependent on things including the amount of time spent playing games, the brightness of the screen, and the number of applications that are open. Valve claims that the device can handle many hours of play time on a single charge, but it’s still smart to keep a charger close by in case you end up playing for much longer than that. Ideally if you’re using it as a PC, you should have plugged in and docked.
6. How can I play games from other PC gaming platforms?
While Epic titles Store, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect aren’t officially supported, you may still download and play titles from them on the Steam Deck. Keep in mind, though, that compatibility and performance can shift based on the game and the system you’re using.
7. Can the space available for storage on the Steam Deck be increased?
The Steam Deck supports microSD cards so you may add more space if necessary. This means there’s more room for your games, apps, and other files. You can also swap the internal storage drive for a new one. As long as it’s a 2230 size hard drive, it can be installed. The 1TB Sabrent Rocket SSD would be a recommended choice for its speed, capacity and quality.
8. Do I need to be online to use the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck can be used without an internet connection for games that do not require a connection. Game updates, online multiplayer, and cloud saves are just a few examples of features that do necessitate an internet connection.
9. Does the Steam Deck work with Bluetooth devices?
The Steam Deck has Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it with your wireless gamepad, headphones, or speakers (if they’re Bluetooth-compatible).
10. Can I use the Steam Deck to make games or write code?
The Desktop Mode of the Steam Deck is a powerful platform for making games, writing code, and doing other forms of creative work. The Steam Deck’s ability to go beyond its gaming roots and serve as a powerful desktop PC opens up a world of possibilities for users seeking a versatile computing device. You can install development tools, IDEs, and programming languages to create games or work on software projects directly on the device. Users may easily switch between gaming and work thanks to SteamOS, all while benefiting from the portability of a laptop.
Overall
The Steam Deck presents an appealing alternative for both gamers and professionals because of its remarkable hardware capabilities, improved performance, and growing software ecosystem. The Steam Deck is ready to change the way you use your computer, whether you’re just getting started with Linux or you need a small, all-in-one system. Take use of the Steam Deck’s full capabilities as a desktop powerhouse and enjoy the future of portable PC gaming today.
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