How to Use the Desktop Mode on Steam Deck (2023)

The Steam Deck has been out for practically a 12 months, bringing PC gaming to the palm of the person. While the Steam Deck is a fabulous machine that permits you to entry your recreation library on the go, it additionally comes with further options. One of the distinctive options of the Steam Deck is the power to change between the gaming and desktop modes. The desktop mode presents a conventional PC-like expertise to customers, permitting them to put in new apps, browse recreation recordsdata, and more. So on this information, we are going to clarify how one can allow and use the desktop mode on Steam Deck.

Enable and Use Desktop Mode on Steam Deck (2023)

In this text, we are going to discover the desktop mode that ships with Steam Deck. While this handheld console boots into Valve’s proprietary SteamOS, it comes with a standalone Linux-based desktop OS as effectively. While switching to the desktop mode would possibly sound overwhelming, the method is fairly easy. That stated, let’s dive proper in.

What is Desktop Mode on Steam Deck

Back in August 2021, online game developer, writer, and digital recreation distributor Valve formally introduced Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC working virtually each Steam recreation within the palm of a person’s hand. Stacked with helpful options, avid gamers quickly realized that Steam Deck additionally doubles down as a PC desktop.

Running a fork of Arch-Linux constructed from the bottom up, Steam Deck permits you to do virtually every thing you are able to do with a typical PC. While not as intuitive as Windows, the desktop mode in Steam Deck can do every thing a person expects and more. It permits a person to carry out office duties and take fast notes, watch films, hearken to music, browse the web, and a number of other different issues.

How To Enable Desktop Mode on Steam Deck

Fortunately, Valve has acknowledged that Steam Deck can be utilized as a full-fledged desktop from day one. As such, they ensured {that a} person may entry the desktop mode of Steam Deck with none points. So, listed here are the steps you want to comply with to allow desktop mode:

• It goes with out saying, however you first want to show in your Steam Deck. By default, this handheld console boots into SteamOS and the Big Picture UI.

• Once booted in, press the “Steam” button. It is the button proper above the bottom-left speaker, marked with “Steam.” Alternatively, you need to use the touchscreen to carry up the menu by clicking the “Steam” choice within the backside left nook.

• After urgent the Steam button, navigate to the “Power” choice and faucet the “A” button. This will open up a brand new pop-up menu.

• Under the facility choices, choose the “Switch to Desktop” choice. This will flip off SteamOS and swap the Steam Deck to Desktop Mode.

• In Desktop Mode, customers can use the hand-held gaming console like a transportable pc. You can use the fitting trackpad to regulate the mouse and the left trackpad to scroll. You may even the set off buttons to left-click and right-click in your Steam Deck. Plus, carry up the digital keyboard on Steam Deck in desktop mode. Follow the linked guides to study more about these options.

How To Exit Desktop Mode on Steam Deck

Interestingly, Valve has ensured that switching between the gaming and desktop mode is a hassle-free course of for customers. You don’t have to undergo quite a few settings or menus. Luckily, you’ve a handy shortcut known as “Return to Gaming Mode” proper on the desktop. Click on this shortcut and wait a couple of seconds. This restarts the system and switches the Steam Deck back to gaming mode.

As for the way you navigate the desktop and click on the “Return to Gaming Mode” choice, hover the mouse over the icon using the fitting trackpad and hit the R2 bumper twice. This will swap the system to gaming mode. Alternatively, you possibly can double-tap the icon using the touchscreen to return to Steam Deck’s Big Picture UI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Windows In Place of Linux for Desktop Mode?

While Steam Deck ships with Linux and is optimized for utilization on Linux, the system permits for the set up of Windows for the Desktop mode. After all, Valve acknowledged that Steam Deck is a PC and made certain to launch all the required Windows drivers. However, remember the fact that Steam Deck is optimized for Linux, which suggests its battery life will undergo if the system completely runs Windows. Fortunately, customers can unofficially dual-boot Windows and Linux working programs on Steam Deck.

What if I Accidentally Delete The Return To Desktop Icon?

Much like Windows, recordsdata unintentionally deleted don’t get eliminated completely. While Linux doesn’t have a devoted Recycle Bin on the desktop, restoring the icon is easy. First, open the Dolphin file explorer from the taskbar. Then, click on on the “Trash” choice on the left sidebar. Now, right-click on the file or icon by hitting the L2 set off after which choose “Restore.” This will ship the icon back to its authentic location.

Access Linux Desktop on Steam Deck

As you possibly can see right here, accessing the Desktop Mode on Steam Deck is a comparatively easy course of. Follow the aforementioned steps intently to unlock the facility of a full-fledged Linux-based desktop OS and run any software program in your handheld device. You can simply swap between the sport and desktop modes in your Steam Deck, profiting from its spectacular {hardware} specs and distinctive type issue. Having stated that, what are you using the desktop mode on Steam Deck for? What apps have you ever put in in your handheld device? Let us know within the feedback under.