How to Navigate in Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck

Before 2022, any device rarely offered a PC-like experience on your Palm. However, Valve Corporation (Steam’s parent organisation) made it possible and offered all Steam PC games on their newly introduced device, the Steam Deck. With this device, we can get PC games to experience on our smartphone and easily switch between desktop and game modes.

Steam Deck, however, has acceptable technical specs, including AMD APUs with 4-15W and 16GB LPDR5 RAM. The user still wants to switch to desktop mode. The reason is that switching to desktop mode makes it more similar to a PC. A few PC-like features, such as a right trackpad, allow you to control your mouse. However, users need to learn how to enable it. We will let you know here.

How to Navigate in Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck

Being a demanding feature, many ways exist to activate desktop mode on the Steam deck. It depends on which one you try. However, the way you enable it makes much sense. Even though there are many ways to switch to desktop mode, you may cause technical problems. Here, we will discuss the simplest way to enable desktop mode and how to use it to make things more straightforward. So, let us start with the guide.

The power button method takes only three steps to switch to desktop mode. However, you will get stuck if you take any step beyond what is required. Enabling desktop mode by pressing the power button is the easiest and fastest way, but special care is also needed. Here, we need to hold down power for specific seconds, and if it goes for more than the required time, the other menu will open. So, for a quick refresher, here are the steps to enable desktop mode.

• Turn on the steam deck.
• Then, hold down the power button for 2–3 seconds.
• A drop-down menu opens, showing power as the main heading.
• Under there, scroll down and select the “Switch to desktop” option.
• Now, to get into desktop mode, press the A button.
• That is it, and Steam Deck is now in desktop mode.

Now you have enabled desktop mode on your Steam deck. That means you are on a PC-type screen on it. As I mentioned, it changes the overall Steam default settings for navigation and options after getting into desktop mode. You can see the change. Now, the big question is how to use or navigate there. So, below, we are sharing a few ways to navigate in Steam Deck’s desktop mode.

• Using touchpads: You can use Steam Deck without a keyboard and mouse. The right-click touchpad can be used as a primary key, while the left-click is for secondary keys. To make it easier, you can bring up an on-screen keyboard through Steam + X. This was perceived up to a certain point. A few days ago, most Steam deck users complained that their touchpad right-click was not working. However, restarting the Steam client and checking for updates can fix this issue. These are not permanent issues, and developers have yet to find a solution.
• Using the touchscreen: This is the most common way to navigate on the Steam Deck, even in desktop mode. Since it is a touchscreen device, you can use it the same way you use your smartphone. You can get into any menu or option by just tapping on it. This is the most effective way to navigate, but note that to open any application, you need to double-tap on it.
• Using triggers: We often use the triggers in gaming mode for multiple purposes simultaneously. However, when it comes to desktop mode, the concept will change. The Steam deck has merely two triggers: L2 and R2. A left click can be simulated with the R2 trigger, while a right click can be simulated with the L2 trigger. This way, you can navigate Steam Deck’s desktop mode even through triggers.
• Using the keyboard and mouse: As of now, we are trying to navigate through different options without a physical keyboard and mouse support. We have told you to get a virtual keyboard for a physical keyboard. It is working perfectly, but we need keyboard shortcuts somewhere. Steam Deck can connect an external keyboard and mouse using a USB cable. After this, you can access keyboard shortcuts and more navigation tricks with the mouse.
• Some Important Components of Desktop Mode: When you switch to desktop mode, there are many changes to the software arrangement. The taskbar, application launcher, and Dolphin file manager are new things. There are some components that people need to be made aware of, but if you get to know them, you can maximise your efficiency when using Steam Deck on your desktop. Now, let us take a closer look at each component.
• The taskbar: This component works like what you see on your computer. It includes numerous tools that you can quickly access. In addition, you can add more transparency in terms of usage. You can add or remove anything from the taskbar. This component helps you customise your deck to your needs. From there, you can instantly open any window you want.
• Application manager: A component such as this allows you to manage all settings and tasks related to applications. The Steam deck has an icon for the Steam deck at the bottom of the screen. Once you tap on that, the deck shows you a list of installed applications. Ultimately, you can open any application, delete any application, or do whatever you want. The application manager works like any other application manager on a smartphone.
• Dolphin File Manager: Because you can manage multiple game files downloaded from Steam on the Steam deck, the device has a file manager called Dolphin File Manager, shown as a blue rectangular box on the taskbar. You can manage your game files by clicking that icon, for example, by deleting, copying, moving, etc. In addition, this component is similar to the file explorer on your smartphone.

In addition, you can use the left-side touchpad to scroll down. Then, you can do that by enabling that touchpad to scroll. It can be done through the deck’s control settings. Now that you have read all this, you can do many things, even on Steam Deck’s desktop. You can exit desktop mode or return to gaming mode. Then, all you need to do is select and double-tap the Return to Gaming Mode icon at the top left of the screen. Following that, you will again be in gaming mode, even after explaining all that. If any user has a query, then ask them all below.

Frequently Asked Questions