Desktop mode on Steam Deck - how to open it and what it can do

In desktop mode, your gaming device becomes a Linux computer. This means you can do a lot more with your Steam Deck than just play games.

Here's how to get into desktop mode:

• In the "Main Menu" (Steam button) you will find the option "On/Off" . Click on it and select "Switch to Desktop" . And you will land in desktop mode.

Here’s how to get out of desktop mode:

• On the desktop you will find an icon called "Return to Gaming Mode" (depending on settings) - if you double-click this (" Right Touchpad" or " R2" ) you will return to normal gaming mode.

What can your Steam Deck's desktop mode do:

• A full-fledged Linux desktop : Just like your Linux laptop or desktop computer. You have a complete Linux environment at your disposal.
• Installing and running software : You can install a lot of software using the integrated package manager or external sources. This can be a browser like Firefox or the Spotify music player , or even Telegram Desktop or Blender - there really are hardly any limits. (Third-party launchers like Battle.net or Origin can also be installed with more or less tinkering.)
• Surfing the web : With browsers like Firefox or Chrome , the entire Internet is open to you - usable like a normal computer.
• Office work? Of course! : Free programs like LibreOffice or ONLYOFFICE can also be installed. This way you can edit documents, create presentations, edit CSV files and more - directly on your Steam Deck.
• Play beyond Steam : You're not limited to just Steam games. Install whatever you like - from the Epic Games Store (or as mentioned above Battle.net , Origin , League of Legends , etc.) to emulators. Your Steam Deck is more of a gaming machine than most people realize.

Even more customization and accessories:

• Mouse and keyboard : For the ultimate PC experience, simply connect a mouse and keyboard. This makes operation even more pleasant. Wired hardware is recommended, but Bluetooth is also an option.
• Screen too small? No problem : Use the USB-C port to connect external monitors, TVs or even projectors. With the right docking station, you can even operate 2 monitors at the same time.
• External storage: If the internal storage is too small for your needs, you can connect an external hard drive or a USB stick.

A few tips:

• Settings differences : Desktop mode may have different performance settings than Gaming mode, so keep an eye on it before launching a game.
• Regular updates : Regular updates ensure that your Steam Deck is always up to date – both in terms of features and security.
• On-screen keyboard : If you don't have an external keyboard connected and still want to write something, open the on-screen keyboard with "Steam key + X" . You can close the on-screen keyboard again by clicking on the "move" symbol at the bottom right.
• Susceptibility to Viruses and malware : Your Steam Deck is no longer a stupid Gameboy - quite the opposite; it is actually a fully-fledged Linux computer which, the more successful the Steam Deck becomes, the more interesting it becomes for hackers and the like - so be careful what you download. (There are few viruses and Trojans for Linux these days, but bad guys are evolving too.)

Desktop mode is a pretty cool feature. It turns your Steam Deck into a real all-rounder that can do much more than just gaming. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with it and explore the many possibilities for yourself. And who knows? Maybe you'll like the Linux operating system. :)