The Steam Deck is already a powerful and highly customizable handheld gaming PC - but thanks to homebrew installs like the Decky Loader , users can make even more settings, personalize their console, or add more features to it. (And we think the name of the plugin is great. :) )
This guide will show you how to install Decky Loader and serves as an incomplete overview of the available plugins.
Installing Decky Loader:
The open nature of the Steam Deck and the Linux operating system allows users to access features and tools that are not available on the Steam Deck by default, through tools like the Decky Loader.
- Press the Steam button on the left side of the device.
- Select Power .
- Select desktop mode .
- Connect a keyboard and mouse. This will make it easier to install side apps like Decky Loader .
- Navigate to the web browser of your choice.
- Follow this link to download the Decky Loader installation.
- Double-click the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install.
- Once installed, access the desktop screen and select Gaming Mode to switch back to gaming mode on the Steam Deck.
- In gaming mode on the Steam Deck, press the 3 dots button on the right side of the console.
- Select the plug icon .
- Select the settings gear .
- Install the update .
- Select the plug icon to access the available Decky plugins for the Steam Deck.
- Now you can scroll through the list of available plug-ins and install them as you wish.
List of available Decky Plugins:
- PowerTools : A plugin to improve performance for multiple games and extend battery life.
- Animation Changer : Change the startup and shutdown videos.
- Shotty : Automatically transfers screenshots to the pictures folder in Steam Deck's desktop mode.
- Storage Cleaner : Clears unnecessary cache to free up more storage space on your Steam Deck.
- DeckSettings : A great tool for finding the recommended settings for individual games on the Steam Deck.
- Decky Recorder : A tool that allows users to record their gameplay videos.
- Discord Status : Displays the user's current Steam Deck game in Discord.
- F ree Loader : This plugin notifies users when free games are available for download on the Epic Store.
- Game Theme Music : A PlayStation-like feature that plays songs from the game library.
- Vibrant Deck : Allows players to customize the color settings of their Steam Deck. (A top tip from us! ❤️)
- CSS Loader : Dynamically loads themes developed with CSS into the Steam UI.
- System Toolbox : Helpful tools for controlling various settings of the Steam Deck.
- DeckFAQs : A GameFAQs browser for the Steam Deck (for Steam and non-Steam games).
- Fantastic : Control the fan speed.
- MusicControl : Controls media players with the DBUS interface.
- Pause Games : Pauses/resumes games to redirect resources and even start/stop apps.
- ProtonDB Badges : Displays clickable ProtonDB badges on your game pages.
- FriendsFix : Fixes the missing friends UI bug.
- Audio Loader : Replaces Steam UI sound effects with custom sounds and adds music to menus.
- Bluetooth : Quick connection to already paired Bluetooth devices.
- Notebook : Quickly jot down important codes or notes during your gaming sessions.
- Memory Deck : Simplified memory management for games.
- RadiYo! : Search and play music from Internet radio stations while gaming.
- Bash Shortcuts : Manager for shortcuts in the quick access menu.
- HLTB for Deck : Displays playing times according to How Long To Beat.
- AutoSuspend : Automatic sleep mode when battery level is low.
- Emuchievements : Displays RetroAchievements progress.
- TunnelDeck : Enables VPN support within gaming mode.
- AutoFlatpaks : Automated updating of Flatpaks.
- MetaDeck : Display metadata for non-Steam games from IGDB.
- MoonDeck : Automation for launching Steam games via the Moonlight client for streaming.
- SteamGridDB : Custom library graphics for Steam apps and non-Steam shortcuts.
- Volume Mixer : Control the volume of applications and connected Bluetooth sources.
- Web Browser : Web browser with multiple features.
- DeckyFileServer : Enables a web server for browsing and downloading files from your Steam Deck.
- TabMaster : Complete control over your Steam library.
- TS3 QuickAccess : Integrates TeamSpeak 3 into the Steam Deck's quick access menu.
- Syncthing : Sync files with other devices.
- Decky Terminal : Allows you to use a terminal on your Steam Deck.