The Steam Deck may be used for activities other than playing video games. Here is how to install applications such as Discord and web browsers.
The Steam Deck is an excellent portable device for playing PC games away from your desk, but it is also a sophisticated platform that can do much more. You may download hundreds of non-gaming applications, such as Discord, web browsers, email, and vintage game emulators, using the Linux-based SteamOS. Depending on your familiarity with Linux, the procedure might be hard and fussy, but the steps themselves are simple to follow.
Why Download Apps to Steam Deck?
There are several uses for the Steam Deck. The console may be connected to a TV or monitor, or PC games can be streamed straight to the device. In order to get even more out of the handheld, you may also run non-game applications.
The Steam Deck runs the Linux-based SteamOS, which employs a Proton compatibility layer to make Windows PC games playable on Linux platforms, and hence on Steam Deck. Valve has been able to recruit Linux users throughout the years, and hundreds of titles are playable on the platform as a result.
This compatibility layer also facilitates the installation of non-Steam games geometry dash on a Steam Deck. Users have used the system, for instance, to download emulators for playing old video games. Additionally, you may download the Microsoft Edge browser and activate Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s developers are aiming to streamline the latter procedure, which is currently quite complex.
Additionally, you may download applications to enhance your Steam Deck. I’ve previously mentioned online browsers, but Discord and OBS may be downloaded for talking and streaming, respectively. There are also a plethora of Linux applications for activities like as picture editing and capturing (which I required to finish this article) and for modifying the appearance of the Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
Where Non-Game Apps Will Be Saved
Before downloading new apps, you need choose where they will be stored on your Steam Deck. In the Library, there is a tab entitled Non-Steam. There should be nothing there now. However, you will get a pop-up stating that Valve is working on a simpler method to access non-Steam titles, but that this is the only location for the time being.
It also provides the option to install a Google Chrome browser shortcut. You may do this to get an understanding of the process, but it is not required for installing applications.
Apps can only be installed on internal storage, not expanded storage, so ensure that your Steam Deck has sufficient capacity. Before proceeding to the following phase, remove certain games if there is insufficient space.
Download Apps on Steam Deck
To download any apps outside of Steam, Desktop Mode must be activated. Press the Steam button, then go to Power > Switch to Desktop to reach the desktop of the Deck. The transition may take a few seconds, but when it’s complete, you’ll see what seems to be a PC desktop.
Suppose you want to install Discord on your Steam Deck. This is one of the numerous discoverable applications, therefore it is straightforward to locate. Simply click the Discover symbol in the lower left corner (it looks like a shopping bag).
Here, you may search for any software using the search box or navigate through categories (including games) using Applications. Since we are aware of the program we want to download, we will simply enter “Discord” into the search field. Once the application appears, click the Install option. Now your application will download, but you must still make it visible under Library.
Add Apps to Your Library
Once the application has been installed, you may return to your desktop and click the Steam icon. This will initiate Steam’s Desktop Mode. Go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library from here. Now just click on the downloaded application and choose Add Selected Programs.
After a few seconds, if you click the Return to Gaming Mode button on the desktop, you will be back to the SteamOS interface. If everything went according to plan, you may return to Library > Non-Steam to find your new programs in the appropriate department.
