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The most prominent selling point of theSteam Deckis that users can take it anywhere and play a vast library of verified games on a handheld. It is a clever device that can be used as a desktop with the right tools and applications, too, making it an incredibly versatile machine.
The Steam Deck can even run some demanding Triple-A games without issues. On top of that, theSteam Deck’s portability goes even further than its handheld mode. Users can play it remotely on a PC screen, giving the machine more usability when it comes to compatibility.
Updated June 22, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:In addition to playing from the PC, this guide shows you how to use the Steam Deck as a streaming device to play games remotely via services such as PlayStation Plus, Xbox Cloud, Epic Games, and others.
For this to work, the Steam Deck requires the NonSteamLaunchers plugin via Decky Loader. Unfortunately, the last Steam Deck update broke the Decky Loader program and removed it from the Steam Deck Quick Access Menu. This guide has been updated to include the steps to restore Decky Loader.
Playing The Steam Deck Remotely
Playing Steam Deck remotely is a practical feature for those who don’t always want to play their games in handheld mode. However, some limitations apply to playing remotely, andgetting it to work will depend on how capable a player’s PC or laptop isat running games and how good their Wi-Fi connection is at the time.
Assuming that users have a capable PC for the stream and apowerful internet connection with a good router, use the following steps to play Steam Deck remotely:
Steam Deck
Use The Steam Deck As A Streaming Device
The Steam Deck is capable of being used as a device for incoming streaming services, but first, you need toinstall the Decky Loader programto obtain the NonSteamLauncher program.
Enable Developer Mode
Install NonSteamLaunchers
With Decky Loader installed and your Wi-Fi connection set to 5GHz, you can now set up your Steam Deck as a streaming device for gaming and media services like Xbox Cloud and Netflix. Use the following steps to install the plugin:
Testing Mode allows access to plugins that are still in the developmental phase.
How To Restore Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
The latest and biggest Steam Deck updates can break the Decky Loader program. In most cases activating Developer Mode and adjusting the settings accordingly will prevent this, but major updates can cause compatibility issues. Thankfully, you can restore Decky Loader, your saved plugins, and your preferred settings. Use the following steps to repair the Decky Loader application.
