The Steam Deck is one of the most revolutionary tech devices that have come out this decade.
Not only is it a completely usable, portable PC but it can also hook up to a monitor to become a full-blown PC as well.
This post provides instructions on how to set up the Steam Deck as a PC.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will shed light upon
- Items needed to turn the Steam Deck into a full-blown PC
- How to use the Steam Deck as a PC with a monitor
- What you can do with the Steam Deck
- Some frequently asked questions (FAQs)
So without further ado, let’s get started.
How to Use the Steam Deck as a Handheld PC?
Before you actually start setting stuff up, you’ll need a few accessories to hook up to the Steam Deck in order for it to work.
There are many docks for the Steam Deck available online. However, the issue with them is that they can be fairly expensive.
However, you don’t really need a dock if you have the following items:
- USB Type-C to HDMI adapter
- HDMI cable
- Bluetooth mouse
- Bluetooth keyboard
- USB hub (optional)
You might require a USB hub if you have peripherals (keyboard and/or mouse) that come with USB cables for their connections.
How to Use the Steam Deck as a PC with a Monitor?
In this section, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how you can use the Steam Deck as a PC.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Hook up all the cables and peripherals. This includes connecting your Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to your Steam Deck.
Step 2: Switch the Steam Deck to Desktop mode.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Steam button
- Select Power with the D-pad
- Press A
- Choose Switch to Desktop
- Press A
You’ll see the message that says “Switching to Desktop” after which the Steam Deck will change to Desktop mode.
Want to discover the best tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Steam Deck? Explore our selection of guides and tutorials.
What You Can Do with the Steam Deck?
You can do a variety of things with the Steam Deck. It has SteamOS running on it which is compatible with a variety of third-party apps and games that you’d find on Windows.
Here’s how you do some basic tasks with the Steam Deck:
Browsing the Internet
SteamOS comes equipped with Ungoogled Chromium that you can use to browse the internet. It’s a version of the Chromium browser which Google Chrome is also based on.
To use it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Application Launcher in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Choose the Internet.
Step 3: Click on Ungoogled Chromium.
With the help of the browser, you can easily access websites. Furthermore, if you don’t like how the Ungoogled Chromium browser works, you can also download any other browser that suits you.
Installing Office Programs
When it comes to software and tools to increase your productivity, SteamOS has a variety of them at your disposal. These can be found in the Discover tab.
For example, Libre Office is a suite that can easily be installed onto SteamOS. Libre Office provides you with a variety of tools including a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a presentation tool.
All you have to do to install Libre Office is open Discover, search for “LibreOffice” and click Install.
Playing Games
When you first load up SteamOS in Desktop mode, you’ll notice that all of the games you’ve installed in Steam will appear as desktop shortcuts.
This provides an easy way to access and play them. If you don’t want certain shortcuts showing up, you can delete them.
Getting Out of Desktop Mode
If you’d like to get out of Desktop Mode, then you’ll have to restart your Steam Deck.
To do this, click on the menu button that’s for the Application Launcher. From here, click on Restart.
Once the Steam Deck restarts, it’ll boot up with the regular game selection menu.
Wondering how to get started with your new Steam Deck? Check out our beginner’s guide for helpful tips and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the steam deck tied to my steam account?
Yes.
Your Steam Deck is tied to your Steam Account and the Steam Deck also stores your profile data and local game settings.
How long does the steam deck last on a full charge?
Depending on the amount of usage, a Steam Deck can last anywhere between 2 – 8 hours.
Can my steam deck overheat?
Yes. Under the appropriate circumstances, it can definitely overheat. The 40Wh capacity battery allows it to stay charged for a while but it can also generate a lot of heat.
Plus, if you use a faulty cable, then this can damage the battery and cause overheating issues. Such issues have been reported widely by many users and in most cases, it’s often due to the battery.
Can I use the steam deck while it’s charging?
Yes. You can definitely use the Steam Deck while you have it on charge.
Another great thing about it is the fact that the charging port is located on the top of the handheld device. This ensures that the charging cable does not get in the way of the screen while you’re using it.
We’ve realized that it’s actually one of the few handheld devices that’s actually very comfortable to use while it’s charging.
Can I charge my steam deck overnight?
While you can charge your Steam Deck overnight, it’s not a good idea as this can damage the battery inside.
Instead, you should charge and discharge it so that the battery remains healthy and you can use your Steam Deck for several years. Otherwise, the battery will become weaker over time and the Steam Deck’s battery life will suffer.
Is a Steam Deck’s Battery Replaceable?
Yes. The Steam Deck’s battery is replaceable and you can buy them online.
Make sure to buy from trusted manufacturers that have trusted reviews. You don’t want to put a counterfeit battery inside your Steam Deck as this could fry the whole system.
Is the steam deck as powerful as a full-blown PC?
Definitely not. The Steam Deck is a great purchase if you’re someone who’s constantly traveling or on the go. In that case, it provides great usage since you can play games on it while sitting in buses, trains, offices, planes, etc.
However, if you want a PC that is easily able to play current-gen AAA titles, then a regular PC is definitely the right choice. Of course, with a PC, you’d have to sacrifice portability.
Wrapping Things Up…
In conclusion, while the Steam Deck can definitely be used as a PC, it’ll only be able to run certain titles at low or medium settings.
If you want a high-performance PC, then you’ll have to opt for a traditional setup. However, if you want portability as well as a way to use the PC at home, then the Steam Deck will do.
What do you think of the Steam Deck? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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