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How to Install Apps on Steam Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

The Steam Deck is a versatile handheld gaming PC that offers far more than just gaming. One of its strengths lies in its ability to install a wide variety of applications, transforming it into a portable workstation or entertainment hub. Understanding how to install apps on your Steam Deck unlocks its full potential. In essence, there are multiple ways to expand your Steam Deck’s capabilities, and this article will guide you through each method, ensuring you get the most out of your device.

The Core Methods for Installing Apps

Fundamentally, there are three primary ways to install applications on your Steam Deck:

Using the Discover Software Center: This is the easiest and most straightforward method for most users. Think of it as the Steam Deck’s equivalent to an app store.
Using Flatpak Commands: This method offers more control and access to a broader selection of applications, and is primarily used in the Desktop Mode.
Adding Non-Steam Games & Applications: This approach is useful for installing programs you’ve downloaded from websites or transferring from other devices.

Let’s delve into each of these methods to provide a clear understanding of how to navigate the application installation process on your Steam Deck.

Installing Apps with the Discover Software Center

The Discover Software Center is a user-friendly, graphical interface for installing applications. It primarily uses Flatpak technology, which bundles applications with all their necessary dependencies, making installation smooth and reliable. This is the first stop for most users, and here’s how to use it:

Accessing the Discover Software Center

First, you’ll need to be in Desktop Mode. If you are in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select “Power”, then choose “Switch to Desktop”.
Once in Desktop Mode, locate the Discover Software Center icon on the taskbar. It usually looks like a blue shopping bag with a white “K” in the center. Click on it to launch.

Finding and Installing Applications

Within Discover, you can browse through categories or use the search bar to find specific apps.
When you find an application you want to install, click on it. This will bring up its description page, including screenshots and user reviews.
Click the “Install” button. The application will now download and install on your Steam Deck.
Once installed, you can launch the application either from Discover or through the applications menu in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Benefits of Using Discover

User-Friendly: Simple graphical interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners.
Stable Installation: Flatpak ensures apps install and run smoothly with fewer compatibility issues.
Wide Variety: Access to a solid selection of popular applications, utilities, and tools.

Installing Apps with Flatpak Commands

While the Discover Software Center is convenient, sometimes you might need to install applications not available there, or you might prefer the command-line approach. In such instances, using Flatpak commands gives you more control.

Accessing the Terminal

You must be in Desktop Mode for this method.
Open the application menu in the bottom left corner.
Search for “Konsole” and click on it to launch the terminal application.

Using Flatpak Commands

Installing a Flatpak: The typical command to install a Flatpak is: flatpak install flathub [application-id]. You will need to find the application ID on a resource like flathub.org.
Example: To install a browser, you might run: flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox.
Updating Flatpaks: To update all your installed flatpaks, use the command flatpak update.
Uninstalling Flatpaks: To uninstall a flatpak, use the command flatpak uninstall [application-id].

Benefits of using Flatpak Commands

Greater Control: Allows you to manage Flatpaks more granularly.
Broader Selection: Access to the full selection of available Flatpaks.
Automation: Commands can be incorporated into scripts for more complex installations.

Adding Non-Steam Games and Applications

Often you might want to add applications that aren’t available through the Discover Software Center or as a Flatpak. This could include programs downloaded from external websites, or applications you’ve developed yourself.

Adding Non-Steam Applications in Gaming Mode

Switch to Desktop Mode to access the Steam interface.
Locate and launch the Steam application on your Desktop.
Click the “Games” menu, choose “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library”.
Browse your files and select the executable for the non-steam application.
Add selected programs by clicking the appropriate button.
Now, switch back to Gaming Mode; you will find the non-Steam game in your library.

Benefits of Adding Non-Steam Games and Applications

Customizability: Add any program, allowing greater flexibility in software selection.
Utilize existing software: Use applications that you already have from your PC or external storage.
Expand functionality: Use the Steam Deck for more than just gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I install any app on Steam Deck?

Generally, yes, if the app supports the Arch Linux distribution, which is the foundation of SteamOS. However, some applications might require specific configurations or could have compatibility issues. Apps from the Discover Software Center are the most stable.

2. Can I install Windows applications on Steam Deck?

While it is possible to install Windows on a Steam Deck, it’s not native and requires significant setup. You can attempt to run Windows applications using compatibility layers like Proton or Wine, but it may not work flawlessly.

3. Where are downloaded apps stored on Steam Deck?

Applications installed through Discover Software Center are primarily stored in the writeable portion of the Steam Deck’s drive. The exact location may vary but is typically handled automatically by the system. Games installed through Steam are located within the designated Steam Library folders, which can be adjusted in Steam settings.

4. Can I browse the internet on the Steam Deck?

Yes, while in Desktop Mode, your Steam Deck functions like a normal PC. You can install and use web browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox to browse the internet.

5. How do I access my downloads on Steam Deck?

In Desktop Mode, your downloads are usually found in the Downloads folder within your user directory. You can access this folder using the file manager.

6. Can I watch movies on Steam Deck?

Yes, absolutely. You can install streaming services like Netflix or use web browsers to access YouTube and other video platforms. The Steam Deck can also play videos from local storage.

7. How do I transfer games from my PC to my Steam Deck?

Steam supports local network game transfers. Ensure Steam beta is enabled on both devices. Then, select a game on your Steam Deck, and Steam will check your network for installations, eliminating the need to redownload.

8. Why is Discover Software Center not working?

Sometimes, server issues or package manager errors can cause problems with Discover. Check your internet connection and try updating your packages through the terminal.

9. How do I update my apps on Steam Deck?

Apps installed using the Discover Software Center will generally update automatically or prompt for updates when you open the application. You can also update Flatpaks through the terminal using the flatpak update command.

10. Can I use Google Apps on my Steam Deck?

You can access Google services like Gmail and Google Drive through web browsers. You can also explore installing applications like Google Chrome if you prefer.

11. Is there a risk of bricking my Steam Deck by installing an app?

It’s generally safe to install apps from trusted sources like the Discover Software Center and Flatpak. However, be cautious when installing applications from unknown sources, as they could potentially introduce instability or malware.

12. Can I install Android apps on Steam Deck?

Directly installing Android apps isn’t natively supported, however, you can install specific Android emulators and run those apps within the emulator environment.

13. Does uninstalling Steam delete games?

Yes, uninstalling Steam will delete games installed through the platform and associated content like DLC and save files. Make sure to have backups of games you wish to keep before you do this.

14. Why can’t I download apps through Steam directly?

Steam itself is primarily for downloading games, not generic applications. Use the Discover Software Center or Flatpak commands to install other kinds of applications.

15. Do I need to be online to install apps?

Yes, you need an active internet connection to download and install applications on your Steam Deck. However, you can play some games offline after they have been downloaded and installed.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck’s ability to install a variety of applications makes it a truly versatile device. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Discover Software Center, the control of Flatpak commands, or the flexibility of adding non-Steam applications, there’s a method to suit every need. By understanding these methods and the information in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to expand the functionality of your Steam Deck beyond gaming and make it a true all-in-one handheld powerhouse.

How do I install apps on Steam Deck?