How to Use Steam Deck as a Desktop PC
How to Use Steam Deck as a Desktop PC (Desktop Mode Guide)
Most people know the Steam Deck as a handheld gaming console. What fewer people realize: it’s a full Linux PC running KDE Plasma, and you can use it like one.
Desktop Mode turns your Steam Deck into a real computer. You can browse the web, install apps, use productivity software, connect it to a monitor — the works.
Here’s how to do it.
What Is Desktop Mode?
Desktop Mode is a full KDE Plasma Linux desktop that runs on every Steam Deck. It’s not a stripped-down interface — it’s a complete operating system.
You have access to:
- A web browser (Firefox, pre-installed)
- A file manager
- The Discover app store (for Linux apps)
- Terminal access
- The ability to install Windows apps via Proton/Wine
- EmuDeck and other emulation tools
- Any flatpak app in the Linux ecosystem
How to Switch to Desktop Mode
- Press the Steam button
- Scroll down to Power
- Select Switch to Desktop
The Steam Deck will switch to the KDE desktop. Your screen will show a traditional desktop environment with a taskbar at the bottom.
To go back to Gaming Mode: Double-tap the “Return to Gaming Mode” shortcut on the desktop, or restart the device.
Navigating Desktop Mode Without a Keyboard
Using Desktop Mode with just the Deck’s controls takes a minute to learn.
- Right trackpad = mouse cursor
- Right trackpad click = left click
- Left trigger = right click
- Steam + X = opens the on-screen keyboard
- R2 = left click (alternative)
For anything serious, connect a USB-C hub with a keyboard and mouse. It makes the experience dramatically better.
→ USB-C Hub for Steam Deck on Amazon
Connect to a Monitor
Plug in a USB-C dock or direct USB-C to HDMI cable and the Steam Deck outputs video immediately. No setup required — plug in and it works.
The Steam Deck supports up to 8K display output via DisplayPort over USB-C (though 1080p or 1440p monitors are the practical target).
→ Steam Deck Docking Station on Amazon
For docking station recommendations, see our Best Steam Deck Docking Stations guide.
Installing Apps in Desktop Mode
Method 1: Discover App Store
Open Discover from the taskbar. This is the KDE app store. Search for any app and install with one click. Most major Linux apps are here:
- VLC (media player)
- GIMP (photo editing)
- LibreOffice (Word/Excel alternative)
- Spotify (music)
- Discord (chat)
- OBS Studio (streaming/recording)
Method 2: Flatpak via Terminal
Open Konsole (the terminal) and install any flatpak app:
flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client
Replace the app ID with whatever you want. The Flathub website lists every available app.
Method 3: Install Firefox Extensions / Use Web Apps
For many tasks, just use Firefox. It’s pre-installed and works great. You can run Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, and most web apps directly.
Use Steam Deck as an Emulation Station
Desktop Mode is where emulation setup happens. EmuDeck installs in Desktop Mode and sets up every emulator automatically.
Quick steps:
- Switch to Desktop Mode
- Open Firefox, go to emudeck.com
- Download the EmuDeck installer
- Run it and follow the prompts
EmuDeck configures RetroArch, Dolphin, RPCS3, PCSX2, and more — all with one installer. After setup, your emulators appear directly in Gaming Mode via Steam ROM Manager.
For the full walkthrough, see our How to Install EmuDeck on Steam Deck guide.
Add Non-Steam Games to Your Library
In Desktop Mode, you can add any app or emulator as a non-Steam game so it launches from Gaming Mode:
- Open Steam in Desktop Mode
- Click Games → Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library
- Browse to the executable and add it
- It will now appear in your Steam library and launch from Gaming Mode
Developer Mode and Advanced Use
If you want to go deeper:
Enable Developer Mode:
- Steam button → Settings → System → Enable Developer Mode
With Developer Mode on, you can:
- Access CEF remote debugging
- Install custom boot videos
- Modify system files more easily
Disable read-only filesystem (use carefully):
sudo steamos-readonly disable
This lets you install system packages via pacman. Note: this resets after a system update. For persistent modifications, flatpaks are the recommended approach.
Productivity on Steam Deck: Is It Actually Usable?
Honestly — yes, for light use. With a dock, monitor, keyboard, and mouse:
- Web browsing: Excellent. Firefox runs great.
- Docs/spreadsheets: LibreOffice works fine for basic use. Google Docs in Firefox is solid.
- Media consumption: VLC, YouTube, Spotify — all work.
- Note-taking: Obsidian has a Linux flatpak. Yes, you can run your second brain on a Steam Deck.
- Coding: VS Code is available as a flatpak. It runs well.
- Gaming emulation: Excellent with EmuDeck.
Heavy video editing or running Windows-only software gets complicated. For everything else, it punches above its weight as a lightweight PC.
Best Setup for Desktop Mode Use
| What You Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dock / USB-C hub | Valve official dock or third-party USB-C hub |
| Keyboard + mouse | Any USB or Bluetooth keyboard/mouse |
| Monitor | Any 1080p or 1440p HDMI/DisplayPort monitor |
| Storage | Upgrade the SSD if using it heavily |
→ Steam Deck Docking Station on Amazon
→ Wireless keyboard and mouse combo on Amazon
Summary
Desktop Mode is a genuinely useful feature that most Steam Deck owners never touch. If you have a dock and a monitor:
- You have a Linux desktop PC
- You can install hundreds of apps
- You can set up emulation
- You can do light productivity work
- You can add non-Steam games to your library
Switch to it, connect a keyboard and mouse once, and you’ll see what you’ve been missing.
Want to dock your Deck properly? See our Best Steam Deck Docking Stations roundup. Need more storage for all those apps? Check out the Steam Deck SSD Upgrade Guide.
Want to go further? See our full guide on How to Install Windows on Steam Deck for a complete dual-boot setup.
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