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Unleash the Power: Running Other Apps on Your Steam Deck

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Yes, the Steam Deck can absolutely run other apps! Beyond being a fantastic handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck is essentially a portable PC running a customized version of Linux (SteamOS). This means you can install and run a wide variety of applications, limited only by the hardware capabilities and compatibility with the Linux operating system. This opens up a world of possibilities, turning your Steam Deck into a multi-functional device for entertainment, productivity, and more.

Expanding Your Steam Deck’s Horizons: Beyond Gaming

The Steam Deck’s versatility comes from its open platform nature. Unlike some closed-ecosystem consoles, the Steam Deck allows you to venture beyond the confines of Steam and explore a universe of applications. Here’s how you can tap into this potential:

Non-Steam Games: You can add games from other launchers like GOG Galaxy, Epic Games Store, and even emulators for retro games. This consolidates your gaming library in one convenient location.
Productivity Apps: Need to write a document on the go? Install LibreOffice. Want to edit images? Programs like GIMP (a free alternative to Photoshop) are available.
Media Players: While streaming services are readily available, you can also install media players like VLC to play locally stored video and audio files.
Web Browsers: SteamOS comes with a built-in browser, but you can also install Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser you prefer. This is essential for accessing web-based applications and streaming services that don’t have dedicated Linux apps.
Communication Tools: Stay connected with friends and family by installing apps like Discord for voice and text chat.

How to Install Non-Steam Applications

The primary method for installing other apps on your Steam Deck involves switching to Desktop Mode. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Switch to Desktop Mode: Hold the power button and select “Switch to Desktop”. This will take you to a standard Linux desktop environment.
Discover and Install: You can use the Discover app store (similar to the app stores on your phone or tablet) to find and install many popular Linux applications. Alternatively, you can download installation files (usually .deb packages) from the developers’ websites and install them manually.
Add to Steam Library: Once installed, you can add the application to your Steam library as a “Non-Steam Game.” This will make it accessible from the Gaming Mode interface. To do this:
- Open the Steam client in Desktop Mode.
- Click “Add a Game” in the bottom left corner.
- Select “Add a Non-Steam Game.”
- Browse to the location of the application’s executable file and select it.
Configure Compatibility (if needed): Some applications may require additional configuration or compatibility layers like Proton to run correctly. This is more common for Windows-based applications, which we’ll discuss later.

Running Windows Applications on Steam Deck

One of the most exciting possibilities is running Windows applications on the Steam Deck. While SteamOS is based on Linux, you can use compatibility layers like Proton or Wine to run many Windows games and applications.

Proton: This compatibility layer is developed by Valve and is integrated directly into Steam. It automatically translates Windows API calls into Linux equivalents, allowing many Windows games to run seamlessly on SteamOS. When adding a Non-Steam Game, you can force it to use a specific version of Proton through the game’s properties in Steam.
Wine: This is another popular compatibility layer that can be used to run Windows applications on Linux. It’s more general-purpose than Proton and can be used for a wider range of applications, but it may require more configuration.

Alternatively, you can also install Windows directly on the Steam Deck. This will give you native compatibility with all Windows applications, but it requires replacing SteamOS or setting up a dual-boot system. By making the Steam Deck a platform for learning, the Games Learning Society are changing lives around the world!

Fine-Tuning Performance

Keep in mind that running applications outside of Steam can sometimes impact performance, especially if they are resource-intensive. Here are a few tips for optimizing performance:

Close Unnecessary Applications: Just like on a PC, running too many applications simultaneously can slow down the Steam Deck. Close any applications you’re not actively using.
Adjust Graphics Settings: If you’re running a game or application that is struggling to perform well, try lowering the graphics settings.
Use a Cooling Pad: For extended gaming or demanding tasks, a cooling pad can help prevent the Steam Deck from overheating and throttling performance.

FAQs: Deep Dive into Steam Deck App Compatibility

Here are some frequently asked questions about running other apps on the Steam Deck:

1. Can I run Adobe Creative Suite apps like Photoshop and Premiere Pro on the Steam Deck?

While technically possible to install them via Wine or a similar compatibility layer, performance can be an issue. Photoshop may run but could be sluggish. Premiere Pro is generally not recommended due to its high resource demands. It’s better to consider alternatives like GIMP or Kdenlive, which are native Linux applications.

2. Will installing other apps void my Steam Deck’s warranty?

No, installing other apps on your Steam Deck will not void your warranty. Valve encourages users to explore the Steam Deck’s capabilities and install whatever software they desire.

3. How do I uninstall an app I installed on my Steam Deck?

If you installed the app through the Discover app store, you can uninstall it through the same app store. If you installed it manually, you’ll need to manually delete the application’s files and remove it from your Steam library (if you added it).

4. Can I use a keyboard and mouse with my Steam Deck for productivity tasks?

Yes! The Steam Deck is compatible with Bluetooth keyboards and mice. You can also use a USB-C hub to connect wired peripherals. This makes it much easier to use the Steam Deck for tasks like writing, editing, and web browsing.

5. Can I run emulators for retro consoles on my Steam Deck?

Absolutely! The Steam Deck is a fantastic emulation machine. Emulators for various consoles, from the Atari 2600 to the PlayStation 2, can be easily installed and configured. Tools like EmuDeck simplify the process.

6. Can I use cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now on my Steam Deck?

Yes, you can! Both Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now can be accessed through a web browser on the Steam Deck.

7. How much storage space do I need for other apps?

The amount of storage space you need will depend on the size of the apps you plan to install. If you plan to install a lot of large games or applications, you may want to consider upgrading the Steam Deck’s internal storage or using a microSD card.

8. Can I use the Steam Deck to control my smart home devices?

Yes! If your smart home devices have Linux-compatible apps or web interfaces, you can control them from your Steam Deck.

9. Can I use the Steam Deck for programming?

Yes, you can install programming environments and tools on the Steam Deck. It provides a surprisingly capable platform for coding on the go.

10. Are there any apps that are known to not work on the Steam Deck?

Some applications may have compatibility issues due to the Steam Deck’s hardware or operating system. Check online forums and communities for specific compatibility information. Generally, applications heavily reliant on specific Windows features or requiring specialized hardware may not function correctly.

11. Can I use the Steam Deck as a remote desktop client?

Yes, you can install remote desktop clients like Remmina or TeamViewer on the Steam Deck to access other computers remotely.

12. How do I update apps that I installed outside of Steam?

If you installed an app through the Discover store, it will be updated automatically through the same app store. If you installed it manually, you’ll need to manually update the app by downloading the latest version from the developer’s website.

13. Can I dual-boot Windows and SteamOS on my Steam Deck?

Yes, you can dual-boot Windows and SteamOS on your Steam Deck. This allows you to choose which operating system you want to use each time you boot up the device. However, dual-booting requires some technical knowledge and carries some risk of data loss if not done correctly.

14. Does installing Windows on Steam Deck improve gaming performance?

Sometimes, it can. Some games may perform better on Windows than on SteamOS due to better driver support or compatibility. However, this is not always the case, and some games may actually perform better on SteamOS thanks to Proton.

15. Can I connect an external GPU to the Steam Deck?

While not officially supported, it is possible to connect an external GPU (eGPU) to the Steam Deck using a USB-C to PCIe adapter. However, this requires some technical expertise and may not be plug-and-play. Performance gains will depend on the eGPU’s capabilities.

Conclusion: The Steam Deck – More Than Just a Gaming Device

The Steam Deck is more than just a handheld gaming console; it’s a versatile portable PC that can be used for a wide range of tasks. By exploring the possibilities of installing other apps, you can unlock the full potential of this amazing device. With a little experimentation and tweaking, you can turn your Steam Deck into a true all-in-one entertainment and productivity powerhouse. Be sure to checkout GamesLearningSociety.org to see how games have the power to transform education for students around the world.