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TheSteam Deckis a powerful, feature-rich handheld gaming PC where users can tailor their gaming experiences to fit their needs. Gamers can use their Steam Decks to customize resolutions, framerates, battery consumption, and more. However, thanks to homebrew installs likeDecky Loader,users can customize everything from themes, start-up animations, desktop apps, emulation achievements, and more. This guide will take Steam Deck users through the steps of installing the Decky Loader app to unlock the full potential of their handheld.
Updated Jul 18, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:The latest version of Decky Loader requires a Sudo Password to provide you with admin permissions and install third-party apps that can alter the performance of the Steam Deck in gaming mode. This guide has been updated to include the steps for creating a Sudo Password to install Decky Loader.
Enable Developer Mode
Before entering Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck, ensure Developer settings are enabled for compatibility. Moreover, Decky Loader includes several plugins that require a solid Wi-fi connection to run. Use the following steps to enable Developer Mode:
Keeping the Steam Deck’s update channel in Stable mode ensures better compatibility with Decky Loader, its plugins, and other third-party programs like emulators. The Beta mode requires more frequent patches. However, even in Stable, it’s a good idea to check if the Steam Deck’s Developer Mode settings are still active after a major software update.
Installing Decky Loader
The openness of the Steam Deck and the Linux OS allows users to access more features and tools on the Steam Deck that aren’t available by default.
Steam Deck Gaming Mode
Recommended Decky Plugins
Deck Loader has several pluginsto make the Steam Deck more customizable and user-friendly. These are some of the best available so far:
How To Fix Decky Loader Disappearing After An Update
Certain major updates to the Steam Deck can disrupt the Decky Loader application, causing all icons to vanish from the Quick Access Menu. Typically, reactivating Developer Mode resolves the issue, but occasionally, these updates may cause further complications. To address the issue of Decky Loader disappearing from the Steam Deck’s Quick Access Menu, follow these steps.
Always set a memorable sudo password for the Steam Deck as the only way to reset it is by performing a factory reset.
