How to Enable Remote Play on Steam Deck

The most prominent selling point Steam Deck it's that users can take it anywhere and play a huge library of proven games on a handheld device. It's a smart device that can be used as a desktop with the right tools and apps, making it an incredibly versatile machine.

The Steam Deck can even run some demanding Triple-A games without issue. To top it all off, Steam Deck's portability goes even further than portable mode. Users can play it remotely on a PC screen, giving the machine more usability when it comes to compatibility.

Updated on November 19, 2024. By Michael Llewellyn: In addition to PC gaming, this guide shows you how to use Steam Deck as a streaming device to play games remotely via services like PlayStation Plus, Xbox Cloud, Epic Games, and more.

Steam Deck requires the NonSteamLaunchers plugin via Decky Loader for this to work. Unfortunately, the latest Steam Deck update broke the Decky Loader app and removed it from the Steam Deck shortcut menu. This guide has been updated to include steps to restore Decky Loader.

Playing Steam Deck remotely

Steam Deck Remote Play is a handy feature for those who don't always want to play their games handheld. However, some restrictions apply to remote play for it to work will depend on how capable the player's PC or laptop is when launching games and how good their Wi-Fi connection is at that time.

Assuming users have a computer capable of streaming and a strong internet connection with a good router, follow these steps to play Steam Deck remotely:

Steam application on PC

• Make sure Steam is installed on your PC.
• Launch the Steam app.
• In the Steam app, select Settings.
• Choose Remote playback.

• Make sure to check Enable remote playback option.
• Make sure Steam Deck is displayed under Device name – if Steam Deck is enabled.
• Under Client settings that are broadcast to this computerchoose balanced or fast. It is recommended to try a quick selection if the user is unsure of their connections and PC.
• Now select Additional host options.

• Check “Change the desktop to match the streaming client.” This will prevent weird PC or laptop scaling issues and keep it within the Steam Deck resolution.
• Check it out “Prioritize network traffic” an option if the user has a high-end router that can enable traffic prioritization.
• Provide Number of software coding threads installed Automatic.
• Click OK to confirm the settings.

Other recommended PC settings

• In the Steam app on your PC, select Settings.
• Highlight and select Remote playback.
• Enable advanced host options.
• Disable NVFBC capture on Nvidia GPUs.
• Set games to full screen without borders.
• Increase the time the PC goes to sleep. Some PCs have a habit of going to sleep during remote playback.

Steam Deck

• Turn on Steam Deck.
• Click Steam button.
• Scroll down and highlight Remote playback.
• Turn on Enable remote playback option.

• The PC or laptop should appear under Computers and Devices.
• Choose Enable advanced client options.
• Under Video, select Fast, Balanced, or Beautiful. First, select Quick to see how the thread works.
• Scroll down to make sure your frame rate and bandwidth limits are set Automatic.
• Under Resolution limitusers can choose a range of resolutions from standard 480p to 8K. Experiment with a lower resolution first.
• Go to the game library and select the game you want – not all games work with remote play.

• Instead of selecting play, tap drop down arrow and tap on the paired PC or laptop to play the game.

Use Steam Deck as your streaming device

Steam Deck can be used as a device for incoming streaming services, but first you need to install Decky Loader to get NonSteamLauncher.

Enable developer mode

• Click Cf button.
• In the Steam menu, select system.
• Make sure the system update channel is set to a value Stable.

• Enable developer mode under System Settings.
• In the Steam menu, select New The developer menu.
• under Wi-Fi, disable Wi-Fi power management. When this is disabled, Steam Deck will use 5GHz networks, which is better for streaming services and non-Steam launchers.
• Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF remote debugging.

Download Decky Loader

• If desired, you can connect a keyboard and mouse.
• Press the Steam button and select Power.
• Switch Steam Deck to Desktop mode.
• In desktop mode, use your browser and download Decky Loader.
• Scroll down the page to find the big Download button and select it “Recommended installation”.
• After the download is complete switch back to G aming M ode.

Install NonSteamLaunchers

With Decky Loader installed and your Wi-Fi connection set to 5GHz, you can set up your Steam Deck as a streaming device for games and media services like Xbox Cloud and Netflix. To install the plugin, follow these steps:

• With Steam Deck in game mode, press the QAM button.
• Open a new plugin menu for Decky Loader.
• Open in Settings gear at the top of the menu.
• Under Art General menu, change the Store Channel drop-down menu to “Testing”.

Test mode allows you to access plugins that are still under development.

• Now open the store by clicking on the store icon next to the settings cog.
• Find it NonSteamLaunchers plugin and select Install.
• NonSteamLaunchers will now appear in the Decky Loader menu.
• Open it and now you have access to many services for gaming or watching movies through Steam Deck.

How to Restore Decky Loader on Steam Deck

The latest and greatest Steam Deck updates can break Decky Loader. In most cases, activating developer mode and adjusting settings accordingly will prevent this, but major updates can cause compatibility issues. Fortunately, you can restore Decky Loader, your saved plugins, and your preferences. Use the following steps to restore the Decky Loader application.

• Click Power button and switch to desktop mode again.
• Open your browser, go to the Decky Loader GitHub page again and select Download.
• After the installer downloads, double-click and select Execute.
• Do not select Open.
• You may be asked to enter or set a sudo password.
• Make sure you use a memorable password.
• Enter your password and wait for the installation to finish.
• After installation, turn off Steam Deck and restart in game mode.
• Click QAM button and the Decky app with all your settings and plugins like NonSteamLaunchers will remain intact.