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Install Decky Loader from Steam Deck Desktop Mode with the official Steam Deck Homebrew installer, choose Latest Release, then return to Gaming Mode and open Decky from the Quick Access menu. From its Plugins Browser, select a plugin and press Install. A keyboard and mouse make Desktop Mode easier but are optional: the Deck’s right trackpad and on-screen keyboard can complete the process.
What Decky Loader does
Decky Loader is a homebrew plugin launcher for Steam Deck. It adds a plugin menu to the Gaming Mode Quick Access panel, allowing you to install and manage community-maintained extensions without leaving the normal Steam interface.
The loader and its plugins are not part of Valve’s built-in SteamOS feature set. Decky is maintained by the Steam Deck Homebrew community, while individual plugins are maintained independently. Compatibility, update frequency, permissions and quality can therefore differ from one plugin to another.
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Before you install
Use Desktop Mode for the installation
The installer is launched from Steam Deck Desktop Mode. You do not need a separate computer or a custom SteamOS image.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose your input method
A USB-C or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are convenient, especially for renaming the downloaded file and navigating a desktop browser. They are optional. The right trackpad works as a mouse, and pressing the Steam and Plus (+) buttons together opens the on-screen keyboard.
Decide between release channels
| Installer choice | Who should use it | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Release | Most Steam Deck owners | Recommended stability and compatibility baseline |
| Latest Pre-Release | Plugin developers and users diagnosing a stable-branch problem | May contain unfinished changes and can be less stable |
For a normal installation, select Latest Release. Preview or beta SteamOS channels can temporarily break loader compatibility after an operating-system update, so the stable SteamOS channel is the safer pairing for everyday use.
Install Decky Loader step by step
1. Switch to Desktop Mode
- Press the Steam button.
- Open Power.
- Select Switch to Desktop and wait for the KDE desktop to load.
Keep the Deck connected to power if possible. The installer needs an internet connection to download its components and the selected loader branch.
2. Download the official installer
- Open a web browser in Desktop Mode.
- Open the official Decky Loader GitHub repository and download the installer file.
- Check the downloaded filename before trying to run it. Firefox may save it as
decky_installer.desktop.downloadwhile the download is still treated as an untrusted desktop file. - If the filename ends in
.download, rename it todecky_installer.desktop. The file must end in.desktopfor the desktop launcher to recognize it.
If the browser will not launch the file directly, open the Dolphin file manager, locate the downloaded file in Downloads, remove the .download suffix if present, and run it from there.
3. Put the installer on the desktop
Drag decky_installer.desktop from the browser’s download location to the Desktop. Double-click the desktop copy. KDE may display a confirmation before executing a new desktop launcher; approve it if prompted.
4. Complete administrator authentication
The installer may ask for an administrator password. If your Deck does not already have one, the project installer can temporarily set a password when needed and remove it after installation completes. Follow the on-screen prompt rather than creating a permanent password solely for this procedure.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Do not close the installer while it is downloading or registering Decky. A partially completed installation can leave the launcher present but the service unavailable in Gaming Mode.
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When the installer presents its branch choices, select Latest Release for ordinary use. Select Latest Pre-Release only when you specifically need an unreleased fix, are developing a plugin, or are troubleshooting a problem that remains after a stable reinstall. Pre-release builds are not guaranteed to be fully stable.
6. Return to Gaming Mode
When installation reports completion, double-click the desktop shortcut labeled Return to Gaming Mode. The Deck will switch back to the familiar console interface. If the shortcut is not visible, use the Steam menu’s power controls to return to Gaming Mode after confirming that the installer finished.
7. Confirm that Decky loaded
- In Gaming Mode, press the (…) button to open Quick Access.
- Look for the Decky plug icon in the Quick Access sidebar.
- Select the plug icon. The Decky menu should open, with the store/plugins icon available for browsing.
The icon is the quickest installation check. If it appears, the loader is running and you can proceed to plugin installation.
Add a plugin from the Plugins Browser
1. Open Decky’s plugin store
- Press the (…) Quick Access button in Gaming Mode.
- Select the Decky plug icon.
- Select the store or plugins icon to open the Plugins Browser.
2. Install the plugin
- Browse or search for the plugin you want.
- Open its listing and review the description, supported SteamOS or Decky versions, permissions and recent update information shown by the listing.
- Press Install and wait for the operation to finish.
The browser includes a version dropdown for listings that expose multiple versions. For an ordinary installation, leave version selection at its default instead of manually choosing an older build. Manual selection is mainly useful when a plugin maintainer documents a compatibility reason to pin a particular version.
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Return to the Decky menu after installation. The plugin normally appears in Decky’s list or adds controls to the Quick Access interface. Some plugins require a game restart, a Steam client restart or a Deck reboot before their controls become visible; follow the instructions in that plugin’s listing if it says so.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Install a plugin from a URL
Decky also has a URL-based installation option in its Settings menu. This is useful when a maintainer gives you a direct plugin package address that is not yet listed in the browser.
- Open Quick Access with the (…) button.
- Select the Decky icon, then open Settings.
- Choose the URL installation option and enter the complete address supplied by a source you trust.
- Confirm the installation and wait for Decky to finish.
URL installation bypasses the normal store-browsing workflow, so treat the address like executable software. The Decky project explicitly warns against installing plugins from untrusted sources. Do not paste a link simply because it appears in a forum comment, video description or chat message; verify who maintains it and what files it serves first.
Update, reload or remove plugins
Update
Open the Decky menu and use the plugin’s management controls to check for and apply an available update. Keep the Decky loader itself and its plugins current, but avoid updating immediately before an important offline trip or tournament unless you have time to test the new version.
Reload
If a plugin’s panel is blank, its controls do not appear, or it stopped responding after a game or Steam client update, use the plugin management controls to reload it. Reloading restarts the plugin without requiring a full Steam Deck reboot.
Uninstall
Open the plugin’s management controls and choose Uninstall. This removes the plugin files managed by Decky. It may not remove every file or configuration entry that the plugin created elsewhere, so uninstalling is not always equivalent to a complete data wipe.
If you plan to reinstall after a problem, note the plugin’s settings first. A reinstall may preserve or recreate configuration data, depending on how that plugin stores it.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What to do when Decky disappears after a SteamOS update
First recovery attempt: reinstall the stable branch
- Switch to Desktop Mode using Steam > Power > Switch to Desktop.
- Run the Decky installer again. If the original file is gone, download the current installer from the official repository.
- Choose the stable Latest Release branch.
- Return to Gaming Mode and check the (…) Quick Access menu for the plug icon.
SteamOS updates can hide or disable the loader even when your installed plugins have not changed. Re-running the installer and selecting the stable branch is the project’s recommended first fix.
If stable reinstall does not restore the icon
Only after the stable reinstall fails should you try the pre-release branch as a troubleshooting step. A pre-release may contain a compatibility fix, but it can also introduce new instability. If neither branch works, check the Decky project’s existing issue reports for the SteamOS version you are running and file a new issue when no matching report exists. Include your SteamOS channel, SteamOS version, Decky branch and the point at which the icon disappeared.
When the installer will not open
- Firefox added
.download: Renamedecky_installer.desktop.downloadtodecky_installer.desktop, then run it from Dolphin. - Double-click does nothing: Move the file to the Desktop, open it from Dolphin, and approve KDE’s executable-file confirmation.
- No administrator password: Allow the installer to perform its temporary password setup when prompted; do not terminate the process midway.
- Gaming Mode still has no icon: Verify that the installer completed, then perform the stable-branch reinstall before testing a pre-release.
Stable SteamOS, preview channels and compatibility
Decky is most predictable when SteamOS itself is on the stable channel. Preview and beta channels can change system components before Decky or a particular plugin has adapted, so a loader that worked yesterday may require a reinstall after an operating-system update.
That does not mean every SteamOS update will remove Decky. It means you should treat loader availability as dependent on the current SteamOS build and keep the installer handy in Desktop Mode. If you use a preview channel for testing, expect to spend more time checking plugin updates and recovering the loader.
Input, networking and practical preparation
Keyboard and mouse are optional
A compact USB-C keyboard, USB-C mouse or Bluetooth pair can make the browser and file-manager steps faster. The Deck accepts both USB-C and Bluetooth peripherals. If you do not have them, use the right trackpad for pointer movement and press Steam + Plus for text entry.
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- Leave enough free storage for the installer, downloaded plugin packages and their updates.
- Use a reliable Wi-Fi connection during installation and updates.
- Keep the installer file or a way to download it available if you expect to switch SteamOS branches or install a major system update.
- Record which plugins you use so you can reinstall them quickly if you ever need to reset or replace the Deck.
Plugin safety and maintenance
Review each plugin independently
Decky provides the launcher and browser, not a guarantee that every plugin will remain compatible. Before installing, read the listing’s description and recent notes. A plugin can lag behind a SteamOS, Steam client or Decky change even when Decky itself is working normally.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Limit unnecessary plugins
Install only what you use. Every additional plugin adds another independently maintained component that can require updates or create a new troubleshooting variable. There is no authoritative published figure in the cited project material for total plugin count or Decky performance overhead, so do not treat an internet estimate as a measured system-wide limit.
Use trusted distribution paths
The Plugins Browser is the simplest path because the listing and installation are presented together. URL installation is a specialized alternative, not a reason to download random packages. If a source cannot explain who maintains the plugin, what it changes and how to remove it, do not install it.
A quick operating checklist
- Switch to Desktop Mode from Steam > Power.
- Download the official installer and remove Firefox’s
.downloadsuffix if necessary. - Run
decky_installer.desktopfrom the Desktop or Dolphin. - Select Latest Release unless you have a specific developer or troubleshooting reason to use pre-release.
- Use Return to Gaming Mode.
- Open Quick Access with (…) and select the Decky plug icon.
- Open the Plugins Browser, choose a plugin and press Install.
- Use Decky’s management controls to update, reload or uninstall it.
- If an update removes the icon, reinstall the stable branch before trying pre-release.
- Use URL installation only with a source you trust.
Common questions
Can I install Decky without a keyboard or mouse?
Yes. The right trackpad can control the pointer, and Steam + Plus opens the on-screen keyboard. USB-C or Bluetooth peripherals are conveniences, not requirements.
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Should I choose Latest Release or Latest Pre-Release?
Choose Latest Release for normal use. Pre-release is intended mainly for plugin developers or for testing a possible fix after stable reinstall has failed.
Will uninstalling a plugin delete all of its data?
It removes the plugin files managed by Decky, but files created elsewhere by that plugin may remain.
Why did Decky vanish after SteamOS updated?
SteamOS updates can temporarily hide or break loader compatibility. Re-run the installer in Desktop Mode and install the stable branch again.
Is installing a plugin by URL safe?
Only when the URL comes from a source you trust. Decky’s project warns against untrusted plugin URLs because the method can install software outside the normal browser listing.
Quick Recap
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