How to Use Steam Deck as a Desktop PC

The Steam Deck runs a full Linux desktop. Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and it becomes a capable compact PC for browsing, productivity, media, and light creative work. Here’s how to set it up and what it can actually do.

What You Need

• A USB-C hub or dock with HDMI/DisplayPort output
• A monitor, TV, or display with HDMI input
• A Bluetooth or USB keyboard and mouse
• Optionally: an Ethernet cable for wired internet

The USB-C port on the Steam Deck supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, meaning video output works through any USB-C hub with HDMI. The official Valve dock works well; so does the JSAUX dock for half the price. See our docking station guide for the best options.

How to Switch to Desktop Mode

From Gaming Mode, press the Steam button → Power → Switch to Desktop. The Deck switches to the KDE Plasma desktop in seconds. To return to Gaming Mode, double-click the “Return to Gaming Mode” icon on the desktop, or go to Application Launcher → System → Return to Gaming Mode.

If you’re docked and using a monitor, the desktop appears on the external display at your monitor’s native resolution.

What the Desktop Can Do

Web Browsing

Firefox is pre-installed and runs well. Chrome and Chromium install via Flatpak in the Discover software store. Browsing performance on the Deck is comfortable for everyday use, multiple tabs, video playback at 1080p, and web apps all work without issues.

Media Playback

VLC (available via Discover) plays virtually any video format. YouTube at 1080p plays smoothly in the browser. The Deck can drive a 4K monitor for desktop use, though gaming at 4K isn’t practical. For a media PC setup, the Deck works well connected to a TV with a Bluetooth remote.

Productivity

LibreOffice Writer, Calc, and Impress install via Flatpak and handle Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. For Google Docs or Microsoft 365 web apps, any browser works fine. The Deck isn’t a workstation replacement, but it handles document editing, spreadsheets, and email without issues.

Emulator Setup

Desktop Mode is where you install and configure emulators. EmuDeck runs in Desktop Mode to set up RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, RPCS3, and others. Once configured, the emulators appear in Gaming Mode through EmulationStation-DE or directly in your Steam library.

Game Modding

Desktop Mode gives you full file system access. Installing mods for Stardew Valley, Skyrim, or other moddable games works exactly like on a PC, download the mod, navigate to the game’s directory, copy files in. Nexus Mods and mod manager tools that have Linux versions (like Vortex via Proton, or manual installs) work in Desktop Mode.

Installing Non-Steam Games

You can install and run non-Steam launchers in Desktop Mode. GOG Galaxy, Heroic Games Launcher (for Epic and GOG), and Lutris all install via Flatpak. Once installed, you add games from these launchers as non-Steam shortcuts so they appear in Gaming Mode.

Keyboard and Mouse Without a Dock

A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse pair directly with the Deck in Desktop Mode without any hub. Go to System Settings → Bluetooth, pair your devices, and they work immediately. The built-in trackpads also function as a mouse in Desktop Mode, not as precise as a real mouse but workable for quick tasks.

Performance as a Desktop PC

The Deck’s AMD APU handles desktop tasks without strain. Browser with 10 tabs, a document editor, and a media file open simultaneously, no slowdown. The 16GB of RAM is generous for a Linux desktop. SSD read speeds (especially on the OLED model) make application launches fast.

Where the Deck shows limits: heavy Chromium-based apps with many extensions, video editing software, or anything that needs a discrete GPU (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve at high resolution). For light desktop tasks, it’s completely capable.

Tips for Desktop Mode

• Install Flatseal (via Discover) to manage Flatpak app permissions
• Use the touchscreen as a mouse in desktop mode when undocked, tap to click, two-finger tap to right-click
• Right trackpad functions as a mouse cursor in desktop mode
• Konsole (the terminal) gives you full Linux command-line access for advanced setup
• Don’t update system files via the terminal, SteamOS uses read-only system partitions. Use the built-in update process instead

Also see: How to Install EmuDeck | Steam Deck Tips and Tricks | Best Steam Deck Docking Stations

If you want to use the Steam Deck at a desk with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a dock makes that easy. See our best Steam Deck docking stations for options at every price.