Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To install or remove games on a Steam Deck, open Steam > Settings > Storage in Gaming Mode. Use Storage to choose where new games go, move installed games between available library locations, or manage space. If you add a microSD card, format it on the Deck before using it; if you uninstall a game, check its save and Steam Cloud behavior first if the save matters.
Check storage and choose where a game will go
In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button and open Settings > Storage. Steam Deck uses its built-in storage by default, and Valve identifies this screen as the place to manage system storage and connected storage. When installing a game, use Steam’s Storage controls to select an available library location. The exact layout and labels can vary with Steam client updates, so follow the destinations shown on your Deck.
Add a microSD card
A microSD card is an optional way to add game storage without replacing the Deck’s internal drive. Valve says UHS-I (Class 3 or better) cards are supported. UHS-II and UHS-III cards may work, but their higher transfer speeds are not supported by Steam Deck; a higher rating should not be treated as a Deck speed upgrade.
Format the card on the Deck
- Insert the microSD card.
- Open Steam > Settings > System > Format SD card.
- Read the on-screen warning and confirm only if you are ready to format the card.
- Wait for formatting to finish. Valve says this can take a few minutes.
Formatting prepares the card for Steam Deck and can erase existing contents. Back up any files you need before confirming. Once formatted, the card should appear as a storage location in the Storage interface.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Move an installed game instead of downloading it again
If the game is already installed and you want to keep it available while freeing internal storage, move it to another library rather than uninstalling it. Steam’s installation and game-move guidance describes adding another library location and moving selected games through Storage settings.
- Open Steam > Settings > Storage.
- Select the game and use the Storage screen’s move control.
- Choose the other available library location and confirm the move.
The move controls’ position or wording may differ between Steam client versions. Make sure the destination has enough available space before starting; keep the Deck powered and allow the transfer to finish before launching or moving the game again.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Uninstall a game to reclaim its installed files
In the Library, open the game’s management menu, choose Uninstall, and follow the confirmation prompt. Steam Support documents the client action as Manage > Uninstall; on Deck, use the game’s Library management menu and confirm the specific title on screen. Uninstalling removes the installed game files and makes that storage available for other use.
Check save data before you remove a game
Do not assume every game’s save will remain available after uninstalling. Save locations and Steam Cloud support vary by title, and Valve’s recovery guidance does not establish a universal save-retention rule for ordinary uninstalls. Before removing a game whose progress matters, check its Steam Cloud status or the publisher’s save guidance. Valve’s SteamOS recovery information also makes clear that a factory reset is a separate, much broader action: it clears all local data, including games, and reinstalls Steam and SteamOS. A reset is not routine storage cleanup.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Quick choices when space is tight
- Want more room while keeping a game installed? Move it to another library location, such as a formatted microSD card.
- Finished with a game for now? Uninstall it, after checking save behavior if you need to preserve progress.
- Need to add card storage? Use a UHS-I Class 3 or better microSD card and format it on the Deck before use.
- Considering a faster-rated card? Valve does not support the higher transfer speeds of UHS-II or UHS-III on Steam Deck.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
