How to Connect Steam Deck to PC: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Steam Deck is a revolutionary gaming console that allows you to play your favorite Steam games on the go. One of the most exciting features of the Steam Deck is its ability to connect to your PC, giving you the flexibility to play games on your big screen TV or continue playing where you left off on your PC. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to connect your Steam Deck to your PC.
Connecting Your Steam Deck to PC: A Basic Overview
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand that there are two primary ways to connect your Steam Deck to your PC: Steam Remote Play and Steam Link. Steam Remote Play is a feature that allows you to play your Steam games on your PC from your Steam Deck, while Steam Link is a technology that allows you to stream your PC games to your Steam Deck.
Using Steam Remote Play
To connect your Steam Deck to your PC using Steam Remote Play, follow these steps:
Hardware Requirements
- Steam Deck
- PC with Steam installed
- Ethernet cable (optional)
Software Requirements
- Steam installed on your PC
- Steam Deck updated to the latest software
Connecting Your Steam Deck to Your PC
- Turn on your Steam Deck: Press the power button to turn on your Steam Deck.
- Connect to your PC’s Wi-Fi network: Go to the Settings app on your Steam Deck, then navigate to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Select your PC’s Wi-Fi network from the list and connect.
- Launch the Steam app on your PC: Open the Steam app on your PC and sign in with your Steam account.
- Pair your Steam Deck with your PC: Go to the Steam app on your PC, click on your profile picture in the top right corner, and select Settings. Scroll down to the Controllers section and click on Steam Remote Play Controller. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Steam Deck with your PC.
- Launch your game: Go back to the Steam app on your PC, select the game you want to play, and click on Play. Your game will launch on your Steam Deck, and you can play it as if it were a native game on your PC.
Using Steam Link
To connect your Steam Deck to your PC using Steam Link, follow these steps:
Hardware Requirements
- Steam Deck
- PC with Steam installed
- Steam Link device (optional)
- Ethernet cable (optional)
Software Requirements
- Steam installed on your PC
- Steam Deck updated to the latest software
Connecting Your Steam Deck to Your PC using Steam Link
- Set up your Steam Link device: If you have a Steam Link device, plug it into your PC and turn it on. If you don’t have a Steam Link device, you can use your PC’s Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the Steam Link app on your Steam Deck: Go to the Settings app on your Steam Deck, then navigate to Network & Internet > Apps. Find the Steam Link app and install it if you haven’t already.
- Launch the Steam Link app on your PC: Open the Steam Link app on your PC and sign in with your Steam account.
- Connect to your Steam Link device: Go to the Steam Link app on your PC and click on Settings. Scroll down to the Network section and select your Steam Link device or Wi-Fi network.
- Pair your Steam Deck with your Steam Link device: Go back to the Steam Link app on your Steam Deck and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device with your Steam Link device.
- Launch your game: Go back to the Steam Link app on your PC, select the game you want to play, and click on Play. Your game will launch on your Steam Deck, and you can play it as if it were a native game on your PC.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Ensure your Steam Deck and PC are on the same network: Make sure your Steam Deck and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for seamless streaming.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection for a faster and more stable connection: If you’re experiencing lag or connectivity issues, try using a wired Ethernet connection between your Steam Deck and PC.
- Adjust your Steam Link settings: Go to the Steam Link app on your PC and adjust the settings to optimize your streaming experience.
- Restart your Steam Deck and PC if necessary: If you’re experiencing issues, try restarting your Steam Deck and PC to reset the connection.
Conclusion
Connecting your Steam Deck to your PC is a straightforward process that offers a wealth of possibilities for gaming and streaming. Whether you’re using Steam Remote Play or Steam Link, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite Steam games on the big screen TV or on your Steam Deck. With these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to connecting your Steam Deck to your PC and unlocking a world of gaming possibilities.