How to install a custom boot animation on your Steam deck

Being a Steam player, we don’t need to tell you about Steam Deck, but as a whole, Steam Deck is a handheld PC. Certainly, Valve Corporation made such a device that includes the entire Steam library, from which we can play any Steam game. However, we can’t compare it with the PC, but for those who can’t afford a PC and want portability, the Steam deck is the best choice.

Being a Linux-based device, you won’t find such advanced capabilities. But even Valve did well to help while playing the game. Whether we look at boot animation or physical, both are outstanding. But do you wish to change the boot animation or make a custom one? You can do that. So, here we will guide you about installing custom boot animations to the Steam deck.

How to install a custom boot animation on your Steam deck

Custom boot animation means your Steam deck opens up. Previously, there was no way to add custom boot animation. But when this thing came into the Steam community, custom boot animation became popular. Following this, Valve Corporation acknowledged that fact and renounced the possibility of custom boot animation. 

With Steam OS 3.3.2, you can get the easiest way to add custom boot animations. We recommend you add a keyboard and mouse to the Steam deck to become more familiar. Although you can get the custom boot animation through Google, alternatively, you can check the different options on the Steam deck on Reddit for better segregation. But for clarity, let’s look at the steps below.

Note: In case you won’t be able to download the custom boot animation file from Steam deck or Reddit, then simply copy that boot file’s URL and paste it on Reddit. Then paste that URL there and get your favorite boot animation.

1. On your Steam deck, hold the power button and select Switch to Desktop mode.
2. Then visit the Steam deck on Reddit on your device.
3. Download the boot animation file you want. 
4. Convert the above download’s custom boot file into WEBM format.
5. After that, rename the boot file to deck_startup.webm.
6. Now move the WEBM file to your Steam deck (use Warpinator).
7. On your Steam deck, open the Dolphin folder and allow hidden files.
8. Next, go through Home >> Steam >> Configuration.
9. Then left-click anywhere and select Create a New Folder, then enter it.
10. Now, under this new folder, create a new folder named “Movies.”
11. After that, move the WEBM file to this movie’s folder.
12. Lastly, restart the Steam deck, and you will see your custom boot animation soon.

Apart from this, some Steam deck users are in doubt about whether their Steam deck warranty will become void if they change or install custom boot animations. But don’t worry, it is officially acknowledged by Valve that you can install custom boot animations. Meanwhile, your Steam deck warranty will not be void even after changing the boot animation. Additionally, you can use any video as a custom boot animation, provided that it is 30 seconds in WEBM format. You can use a video editor like VLC or OpenShot to create your custom boot animation. 

Surprisingly, you can also use a 3D animation program like Blender to create your custom boot animation. But note that it is also not longer than 30 seconds and should be in WEBM format. Conclusively, these are the important things related to changing the Steam deck boot-up animation. Here, we have discussed the complete procedure for it. Additionally, I answered a few doubts that people were struggling with. Now I hope you got the right way to install custom boot animations. Even if any user has a query, then ask them all below.

Frequently Asked Questions