Steam Deck settings and support guides

System

Keep your device current and configure core system behavior.

• SteamOS UpdateSteamOS updates ship security fixes, Proton/compatibility improvements, and new Quick Access features. Many newly released games expect a recent SteamOS build before they'll launch or patch correctly.

Network & Internet

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.

• Wi-Fi & BluetoothThe Deck's Wi-Fi drives every download and update, and Bluetooth is how you pair headphones, controllers, and keyboards. Both live in the same Quick Settings panel for fast access without leaving your game.

Display & Sound

Screen, audio, and alert preferences.

• Display: Refresh Rate & ResolutionThe Deck's built-in display supports a variable refresh rate up to 90Hz on OLED models (60Hz on the original LCD model) and can output at other resolutions when docked to an external display.

Storage & Backup

Manage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.

• Storage: Internal & microSDThe Deck's internal SSD/eMMC fills up fast with modern game sizes, and a microSD card is the standard way to expand storage. SteamOS treats a properly formatted card as a first-class install location.

Personalization

Themes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.

• Battery & Performance SettingsThe Quick Access Performance overlay lets you cap the chip's power draw (TDP), lock the frame rate, and adjust GPU clock per game — the fastest way to trade graphics performance for longer battery life and a cooler, quieter Deck.

Devices

Mice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.

• Controller Configuration (Steam Input)Steam Input is the layer that lets you remap the Deck's built-in controls per game, create custom layouts, and enable extras like gyro aiming or trackpad-as-mouse — without the game itself needing native support.

Apps

Installed apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.

• Desktop ModeUnderneath the console-style Game Mode UI, the Deck runs a full KDE Plasma desktop. Desktop Mode is where you install non-Steam apps, manage files, connect peripherals like a mouse and keyboard, and change lower-level system settings.
• Game Library & DownloadsThe Library tab is where you install, update, and organize games, while Downloads settings control bandwidth limits, download region, and automatic update behavior — useful for managing a large library on limited storage or a metered connection.

Help and tools

• Troubleshooting
• FAQ & Help
• Device info & diagnostics
• Contact & feedback